In the heart of the Oltrepò Pavese, among the green hills that characterise the landscape, lies a culinary treasure rich in history and tradition: the Malfatti di Fortunago. This ancient and genuine dish is a true expression of local peasant cuisine, handed down from generation to generation and today proudly guarded by the Municipality of Fortunago.
Origins and history
Malfatti have deep roots in the local peasant culture. Born as a poor man‘s dish, their history is intimately linked to the availability of simple ingredients and the creativity of farming families in finding ways to make the best use of what the land offered them. Stale bread, fresh chard and eggs, the basic ingredients of Malfatti, were readily available in the vegetable gardens and chicken coops of peasant homes.
Their preparation, handed down from mother to daughter, consists of a series of skilful gestures that transform these simple ingredients into a dish with an authentic and genuine flavour.
The traditional recipe
The preparation of Malfatti di Fortunago requires just a few simple steps, but it is in its simplicity that its charm lies. Here is a brief description of the traditional recipe:
Preparation of the chard: The chard is briefly cooked in boiling water, then finely chopped with the aid of the crescent moon.
Preparation of the mixture: The chopped chard is mixed with breadcrumbs and eggs, creating a homogeneous, thick mixture. To give it more flavour, fried onion and grated Parmesan cheese can be added.
Shaping the Malfatti: With the hands, strips of dough are formed, giving them the characteristic irregular and rustic shape that distinguishes the Malfatti.
Cooking and seasoning: The Malfatti are cooked in boiling water until they rise to the surface, then seasoned as desired. Traditional seasonings include tomato sauce and dried porcini mushrooms, meat sauce or simple butter and sage.
The De. Co. mark and the pride of Fortunago
The link between Malfatti and the Fortunago area is so strong that the municipality has decided to recognise this recipe with the De. Co. (Denominazione Comunale) mark, thus confirming its role as gastronomic and cultural heritage of the local community.
This recognition has not only contributed to preserving and enhancing the Malfatti tradition, but has also made this dish a real boast for Fortunago and the entire Oltrepò Pavese area, attracting the attention of food enthusiasts and tourists eager to discover the authentic delights of local cuisine.
Conclusions
Malfatti di Fortunago represent much more than just a traditional country dish: they are a symbol of identity and belonging for the Fortunago community and a bridge between the past and the present, between the generations who have handed down the recipe for this dish with love and dedication and those who now enjoy it with pleasure and gratitude.
Every bite of Malfatti is a journey through time, a culinary experience that tells stories of hard work and love for the land, of creativity and tradition. Whether you are a local or a curious traveller, Malfatti di Fortunago will win your heart and palate, giving you an authentic taste of the culture and history of the Oltrepò Pavese
