Pisarei e Fasò Recipe: Traditional Italian Bean and Dumplings Dish
Category: Pasta Dishes | Servings: 6
This hearty, comforting Italian dish, Pisarei e Fasò, originates from the region of Emilia-Romagna. It features rustic dumplings made from flour and breadcrumbs, known as pisarei, served with a rich and flavorful sauce made from borlotti beans, tomatoes, and cured meats. It’s a dish that encapsulates the essence of traditional Italian cooking – simple, wholesome ingredients that come together in perfect harmony.
Here’s how to recreate this mouth-watering recipe from scratch.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 00 Flour (All-purpose flour) | 400g |
| Breadcrumbs | 150g |
| Water | 400g |
| Fine Salt | 5g |
| Yellow Onions | 60g |
| Butter | 30g |
| Lard | 80g |
| Dried Borlotti Beans | 220g |
| Tomato Passata (pureed tomatoes) | 200g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 20g |
| Grana Padano Cheese (grated) | To taste |
| Salt (for seasoning) | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Fats | 18g |
| Fiber | 9g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Borlotti Beans
Start by soaking the dried borlotti beans in a large bowl filled with water. Let them soak for at least 12 hours or overnight, covered with plastic wrap. After the soaking period, drain the beans and rinse them under cold water. Then, place them in a large saucepan and cover with fresh water. Cook them over medium heat for about 1 hour or until tender. Set aside once cooked.
Step 2: Make the Pisarei (Dumplings)
While the beans are cooking, begin making the pisarei dough. In a mixing bowl, sift the flour and add the breadcrumbs. Gradually pour in the warm water while stirring, until the mixture begins to come together into a dough. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and firm. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for about 1 hour.
Step 3: Shape the Pisarei Dumplings
Once the dough has rested, divide it into small portions. Roll each portion into a small log about 1 cm thick. Cut each log into small pieces, roughly the size of a bean. To shape the pisarei, press each piece with your thumb to create a small indentation in the center, which helps to hold the sauce later. Set the shaped dumplings aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a large saucepan, heat the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onions and cook them gently until they become soft and translucent. Add the lard and cook for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Next, stir in the cooked borlotti beans and pour in the tomato passata. Season with salt to taste and stir to combine. If the sauce thickens too much, add a bit of water to reach your desired consistency. Let the sauce simmer on low heat while you cook the pisarei.
Step 5: Cook the Pisarei Dumplings
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pisarei dumplings to the water and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they float to the surface, indicating they are done. Use a slotted spoon to remove the dumplings from the water and transfer them directly into the saucepan with the sauce.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Gently stir the pisarei into the sauce, ensuring they are well coated. Allow the dumplings to simmer in the sauce for a few minutes, absorbing all the flavors. Before serving, sprinkle generously with freshly grated Grana Padano cheese for added richness. Serve hot, and enjoy the delightful flavors of this traditional Italian comfort food.
Pro Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use fresh borlotti beans if available instead of dried ones.
- The pisarei can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking.
- If you don’t have lard, you can substitute it with pancetta or bacon for a similar depth of flavor.
This dish is perfect for cozy family meals, showcasing the best of Italian culinary tradition with simple yet satisfying ingredients. Enjoy the heartwarming taste of Emilia-Romagna right at your dinner table!
