Ravenna, a city in Italy known for its stunning mosaics and ancient basilicas, is often overshadowed by its more famous counterparts, Florence and Rome. However, this charming city has a treasure trove of culinary delights that are waiting to be uncovered. From traditional pasta dishes to mouth-watering meats, Ravenna’s cuisine is a reflection of the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
A Brief History of Romagna Cuisine
Romagna, the region where Ravenna is located, has a long history of producing high-quality food products. The rural knowledge and expertise of the local farmers and artisans have contributed significantly to the development of its culinary tradition. The traditional dishes of Romagna are mainly composed of first courses, which are often served with meat sauces or broths.
Food Culture in Ravenna
In Ravenna, food is an integral part of the city’s culture and identity. The locals take great pride in their cuisine, and visitors can sample a wide variety of traditional dishes at local restaurants and markets. One of the key elements that sets Ravenna apart from other Italian cities is its use of fresh ingredients, which are often sourced from local farms and producers.
A Taste of Tradition: Cappelletti al Ragù
Cappelletti is a type of pasta from the egg, shaped like a square and stuffed with cheese fillings such as ricotta, parmesan, raviggiolo, or casatella. The name “cappello” comes from its characteristic shape, which resembles a hat. Cappelletti are usually served with a good meat sauce, but they can also be eaten in broth.
Recommended for lunch and dinner
Cost: €11.00 per serving
Ingredients: fresh pasta from the egg, cheese filling, meat sauce or broth of meat
The Art of Making Pasta
In Ravenna, making pasta is an art form that requires great skill and attention to detail. The local artisans use traditional techniques to shape and cook their pasta, which gives it a unique texture and flavor. Visitors can watch the pasta-making process firsthand at local workshops and markets.
Passatelli in Broth: A Delicate Delight
Passatelli are another traditional first course typical of Ravenna, less famous but just as tasty. They are made with a dough of eggs, cheese, breadcrumbs, and nutmeg, passed through a metal sieve to create irregular “vermicelli” that will be cooked in broth.
Recommended for lunch and dinner
Cost: €10.00 per serving
Ingredients: eggs, cheese, breadcrumbs, nutmeg, broth of meat or fish
Castrato: A Tender Meat
Castrato is a type of meat from older than 6 months and younger than 2 years-old sheep, used in traditional Romagnole grills. The “brasula ‘d castrè” is a delicious exception to the usual dominance of pork sausages in Romagna. It’s marinated in salt, garlic, and rosemary before being grilled, served with olive oil and lemon or on its own.
Recommended for lunch and dinner
Cost: €14.00 per serving
Ingredients: sheep meat
Piadina and Crescione: Street Food Heaven
Piadina is a classic street food from Ravenna, a type of flatbread stuffed with cheese, ham, and other ingredients. Crescione is another popular dish, similar to piadina but made with a thicker crust.
Recommended for lunch
Cost: €5.00 per serving
Ingredients: flatbread, cheese, ham, various toppings
The Importance of Local Ingredients
In Ravenna, local ingredients are the backbone of the city’s cuisine. The locals take great pride in their food, and visitors can sample a wide variety of traditional dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Strozzapreti: A Handmade Delight
Strozzapreti are a type of pasta from the egg, shaped like a twisted rope and served with meat sauces or broths. They are made with great care by local artisans, who carefully shape each piece by hand.
Recommended for lunch and dinner
Cost: €12.00 per serving
Ingredients: fresh pasta from the egg, cheese filling, meat sauce or broth of meat
Spoja Lorda: A Meat Lover’s Delight
Spoja lorda is a type of sausage made with pork and beef, often served with polenta or other sides.
Recommended for lunch
Cost: €8.00 per serving
Ingredients: pork and beef
Maltagliati: A Squared Pasta
Maltagliati are a type of pasta from the egg, shaped like a square and served with meat sauces or broths. They are often made with a mixture of cheese and herbs.
Recommended for lunch and dinner
Cost: €10.00 per serving
Ingredients: fresh pasta from the egg, cheese filling, meat sauce or broth of meat
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Sugolo: A Sweet Treat
Sugolo is a traditional dessert from Ravenna, made with sugar, water, and various ingredients such as cream and eggs.
Recommended for dessert
Cost: €6.00 per serving
Ingredients: sugar, water, cream, eggs
Cozze of Marina di Ravenna: A Seafood Delight
Cozze are a type of shellfish, often served in soups or stews. In Marina di Ravenna, they are often used to make a delicious seafood broth.
Recommended for lunch
Cost: €15.00 per serving
Ingredients: shellfish, various ingredients such as vegetables and herbs
Ciambella Romagnola: A Sweet Bread
Ciambella is a type of sweet bread from the Romagna region, made with wheat flour, yeast, and sugar.
Recommended for dessert
Cost: €4.00 per serving
Ingredients: wheat flour, yeast, sugar
Conclusion
Ravenna’s cuisine is a reflection of its rich history and cultural heritage, offering a unique culinary experience that is worth exploring. From traditional pasta dishes to mouth-watering meats, there is something for every palate. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a new culinary adventure, Ravenna is definitely worth a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best time to try traditional Romagnole cuisine?
The best time to try traditional Romagnole cuisine is during lunch and dinner hours, when local restaurants are open. - Can I make my own pasta at home?
Yes, it is possible to make your own pasta at home using a pasta machine or by hand. However, be aware that fresh pasta requires special care and handling to maintain its texture and flavor. - What ingredients are typically used in traditional Romagnole cuisine?
Traditional Romagnole cuisine often features ingredients such as cheese, meat, vegetables, and herbs, which are locally sourced whenever possible. - Can I find Piadina and Crescione outside of Ravenna?
While Piadina and Crescione are traditionally from Ravenna, similar flatbreads can be found in other parts of Italy, particularly in the Emilia-Romagna region. - What is the difference between Spoja Lorda and other sausages?
Spoja lorda is a type of sausage made with pork and beef, which sets it apart from other types of sausages that may be made with different ingredients or cooking methods. - Can I try traditional Romagnole desserts outside of Ravenna?
While traditional Romagnole desserts such as Sugolo are unique to the region, similar desserts can be found in other parts of Italy, particularly during the winter months when sugar-based treats are more popular. - What is the best way to enjoy Strozzapreti?
Strozzapreti are typically served with meat sauces or broths, which complement their flavor and texture. Be sure to choose a high-quality sauce that highlights the pasta’s delicate taste. - Can I find Cozze of Marina di Ravenna in other seafood dishes?
Cozze are a type of shellfish often used in soups, stews, or as a topping for pasta dishes. While they may appear in different recipes outside of Ravenna, they remain a prized ingredient in the region’s culinary tradition.
Recommended Restaurants
- Trattoria al Moro: This cozy trattoria serves up traditional Romagnole cuisine, including Cappelletti al Ragù and Strozzapreti.
- Ristorante La Lanterna: This family-run restaurant offers a wide range of dishes, including Piadina and Crescione.
- Osteria del Ponte: This charming osteria serves up local specialties, including Spoja Lorda and Maltagliati.
Insider Tips
- Try the local markets: Visit the local markets to sample a wide variety of traditional dishes and ingredients.
- Eat at family-run restaurants: Family-run restaurants often serve up authentic, traditional cuisine that is worth trying.
- Ask for recommendations: Ask locals or restaurant staff for recommendations on the best places to eat and the most popular dishes.
Getting Around Ravenna
Ravenna is a small city with easy-to-navigate streets and a compact center. Visitors can walk or bike around the city, exploring its many shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks.
