Schlutzkrapfen facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Mezzelune

Schlutzkrapfen with spinach and ricotta filling
Alternative names	Schlutzkrapfen
Type	Pasta
Place of origin	Italy, Austria
Region or state	Tyrol
Main ingredients	Buckwheat flour, white flour, durum semolina, eggs, olive oil, cheese, spinach, mushrooms

Mezzelune (pronounced "med-zeh-LOO-neh") are a tasty type of pasta that looks like little half-moons! Their name even means "half moons" in Italian. In places like South Tyrol and Tyrol, they are also known as Schlutzkrapfen. If you are in a Ladin-speaking area, you might hear them called crafuncins or cajincì.

These yummy pasta pockets are similar to ravioli or pierogi. The dough is usually made from white flour or buckwheat flour, mixed with eggs and olive oil.

What's inside Mezzelune? They can have many different fillings! Some popular choices include cheese like ricotta or mozzarella. You might also find them filled with healthy spinach or delicious mushrooms. Sometimes, they even have potato, meat, or red beet inside.

Once cooked, Mezzelune can be served in many ways. They are often topped with mushroom or pesto sauce. You might also find them with salsiccia, seafood, or fresh cherry tomatoes. It's a versatile dish that many people enjoy!

• 

  Mezzelune with seafood and pesto

• 

  Buckwheat flour-based Schlipfkrapfen

Pasta Cousins: Similar Dishes

Mezzelune are not the only stuffed pasta out there! There are other similar dishes found in different regions. For example, in the Dolomites area, you might find casunziei. In Lombardy, people enjoy casoncelli. And in Friuli, there's a dish called cjarsons. Each of these has its own special touch!