Rafanata facts for kids
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| Type | Savory |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Region or state | Basilicata |
| Main ingredients | Eggs, horseradish, cheese |
Rafanata is a special dish from the Italian region of Basilicata. It's made mostly with eggs and is a type of baked frittata. The name "Rafanata" comes from "rafano," which is the Italian word for horseradish. This root vegetable is the main ingredient!
Besides horseradish, Rafanata often includes potatoes and cheese. Sometimes, people even add sausage to it. This tasty dish is usually eaten during the winter and especially during the carnival season.
Did you know Rafanata is quite famous? It was even featured in Jamie Oliver's book, Jamie Cooks Italy. In 2022, Rafanata was officially added to the list of traditional foods from Basilicata. This means it's recognized as an important part of the region's food history.
What is Horseradish?
Horseradish is a root vegetable with a very strong, spicy taste. It's known for making your nose tingle! This plant, called Armoracia rusticana, has a long history. It was likely brought to Basilicata by the Normans around the 11th century.
Horseradish is a key ingredient in traditional Lucanian cuisine. It was often found on the tables of farmers and shepherds. This was because it was cheap, full of healthy properties, and a good source of vitamins. Because of this, horseradish is also known in Basilicata as "u tartuf’ d’i povr òmm." This means "the truffle of the poor."
A Dish for Carnival
Rafanata is a traditional dish linked to the Carnival celebrations. People start making it from the feast of Saint Anthony on January 17. They continue to enjoy it until Shrove Tuesday, which is the day before Lent begins.
The traditional recipe uses many beaten eggs. These eggs are mixed with grated pecorino cheese, fresh horseradish, potatoes, and lard. There are some small changes to the recipe depending on where you are in Basilicata. But the main ingredients always stay the same.
