Corzetti facts for kids
Corzetti showing the manufacturer's stamp
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| Alternative names | Crosets (Piedmont); crosetti (Emilia-Romagna); croxetti, torsellini |
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| Type | Pasta |
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Region or state | Liguria |
Corzetti, also known as Croxetti, is a special type of pasta from the Liguria region in northwest Italy. It's also traditional in the area of Novi Ligure in Piedmont. This unique pasta has been around since the Middle Ages, which means it's very old! Its name comes from a 14th-century coin called a corzetto from Genoa.
There are a few kinds of corzetti. Some from the Val Polcevera, near Genoa, are shaped like a figure eight. Other types are called corzetti stampæ, which means "stamped" corzetti. These are small, thin, round pieces of pasta. They have a special design pressed into them using a wooden tool. This design helps the pasta hold onto its sauce better. A similar pasta is found in nearby Piedmont, but it looks more like orecchiette.
Today, corzetti is still made in small amounts near Genoa. Long ago, local farmers made it. Rich families used it to show off their wealth and importance.
What is Corzetti?
Corzetti pasta is made by pressing and cutting flat sheets of dough into circles. These circles are about 4 centimeters (1.5 inches) wide. A special mold is used to create the unique patterns. This mold can be made from hand-carved wood or bronze.
The patterns can be pressed by hand or by machine. Hand-stamped corzetti often have more detailed designs. The raised patterns on the pasta help sauces stick to it, making each bite more flavorful.
The Designs on Corzetti
Corzetti usually has patterns on both sides. One side often has a fancy design, while the other has a simpler one. In the past, the fancy side might have shown a family's coat of arms. Today, it often features a regional symbol or the maker's special mark.
Common symbols on the other side include a cross, fruit, family initials, or even things like sunsets and sailboats. In Italy, these pastas are sometimes used as gifts for weddings or other events. People might ask a skilled artist to create a special mold for them to make their own unique pasta at home.
How to Prepare Corzetti
To make corzetti, a simple dough is prepared using flour, water, and salt. This dough is rolled out into a thin sheet. Then, it's cut into rounds and stamped with the special designs. After stamping, the pasta is left to dry for a little while.
Corzetti is often served with simple sauces. These can include a meat or mushroom sauce, or a fresh pesto. It also tastes great with pine nut or walnut sauce, fish sauce, or a light cream sauce.
See also
In Spanish: Corzetti para niños
