Jump to content

Rafanata

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Rafanata
TypeSavoury
Place of originItaly
Region or stateBasilicata
Main ingredientsEggs, horseradish, potatoes, pecorino, extra virgin olive oil

Rafanata is an egg-based dish from the Basilicata region of Italy. It is a type of baked frittata made with eggs, horseradish, potatoes, pecorino cheese, and extra virgin olive oil.[1] Rafanata is typical of the Carnival and winter periods.

It is featured in Jamie Oliver's book Jamie Cooks Italy.[2] With a ministerial decree of 25 February 2022, rafanata entered the list of traditional Lucanian agri-food products (PAT).[3]

Etymology

[edit]

The name comes from rafano, the main ingredient of the dish, which means 'horseradish' in Italian.[citation needed]

History

[edit]

A dish of peasant origin, it takes its name from horseradish, the rhizome of the plant Armoracia rusticana, a root with a strongly balsamic and spicy taste, probably introduced by the Normans in Basilicata around the 11th century. Horseradish is an essential ingredient of traditional Lucanian cuisine; it often appeared on the tables of farmers and shepherds, being inexpensive, rich in health properties, and a good source of vitamins.[4] Therefore, horseradish is also known in Basilicata as u tartuf' d'i povr' òmm, meaning 'the truffle of the poor'.[5]

Rafanata is traditionally a dish linked to the Carnival festivities, prepared from the feast of Saint Anthony (January 17) until Shrove Tuesday.[6]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Oretta Zanini De Vita, Encyclopedia of Pasta, University of California Press, 2009, p. 122.
  2. ^ "Jamie Oliver presents Italy in his latest book". idealista.it. 11 December 2018. Retrieved 2 October 2020.
  3. ^ "Gazzetta Ufficiale, Supplemento ordinario alla "Gazzetta Ufficiale" n. 67 del 21 marzo 2022 – Serie generale, su gazzettaufficiale.it. URL consultato il 27 marzo 2022".
  4. ^ "La rafanata, la specialità del carnevale in Basilicata". AccetturaOnline.it (in Italian). 2022-03-01. Retrieved 2022-06-08.
  5. ^ "Rafanata". CuoreBasilicata.it (in Italian). Retrieved 2022-06-08.
  6. ^ "La Rafanata". Sapori Lucani (in Italian). 2015-03-29. Retrieved 2022-06-08.