Casunziei facts for kids
Casunziei with red turnips
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| Alternative names | casonciei, casanzes, csanzöi |
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| Type | Pasta |
| Place of origin | Veneto |
| Region or state | Dolomites |
Casunziei (also called casonciei, casanzes, or csanzöi) is a special type of pasta from the Dolomites region in northern Italy. It's a fresh, filled pasta, meaning it has a tasty filling tucked inside two layers of thin pasta dough. These pasta pieces are usually folded into a half-moon shape, much like a small dumpling. People often make Casunziei at home, and it's a very traditional dish in areas like Belluno, Bolzano, and Trento.
What is Casunziei?
Casunziei are a bit like ravioli because they are made from two sheets of pasta pressed together at the edges to hold the filling. Each piece is typically about 3.5 by 3.5 centimeters, which is roughly the size of a small cracker.
Delicious Fillings
The filling inside Casunziei can be different depending on where you are in the Dolomites! It's usually made from cooked and finely ground vegetables mixed with ricotta cheese.
- Red Casunziei: One famous kind, especially from Cortina d'Ampezzo, is called "red Casunziei" (casunziei rosc). Its filling gets its color from beets, mixed with potato and red Veronese turnips.
- Green Casunziei: Another popular type is "green Casunziei" (casunziei verdes). This one is filled with spinach and wild-growing erba cipollina (which is a type of chive).
Other kinds of Casunziei might have fillings made from pumpkin or radishes. Sometimes, people add other ingredients like ham, mushrooms, different kinds of cheese, or even poppy seeds to the filling for extra flavor.
How Casunziei is Served
Casunziei is often served simply, allowing the flavor of the filling to shine. A common way to enjoy it is with melted butter, a sprinkle of poppy seeds, and grated Parmesan cheese. Sometimes, the melted butter is flavored with sage. Another way to serve it is with a special sauce made from radishes.
In a town called Cencenighe, Casunziei used to be a traditional dish for Christmas Eve. On that special night, it was served with ground poppy seeds and honey, making it a sweet and savory treat!
See also
In Spanish: Casunziei para niños
