Casunziei: A Culinary Delight from Cortina d’Ampezzo
Italy is renowned for its diverse culinary traditions, with each region boasting its own signature dishes. Cortina d’Ampezzo, the co-host of the 2026 Winter Olympics, is famous for its colorful and flavorful casunziei. This stuffed pasta dish features homemade half-moon shaped pasta filled with boiled beets and topped with a sauce of melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and poppy seeds. Casunziei reflects the region's humble origins and can also be made with other fillings, such as spinach. This traditional dish is deeply rooted in Cortina's Ladin culture and can be enjoyed at various dining establishments in the area.
To prepare casunziei, start by making the pasta a day in advance. The pasta dough is made by mixing flour and eggs, kneading the mixture until smooth, and refrigerating it overnight. On the following day, boil and puree the beets, season with salt and pepper, and divide the pasta dough into four pieces. Roll out the dough, cut into circles, fill with the beet puree, fold into half-moon shapes, and cook in boiling salted water. Finish the dish by browning butter, grating Parmesan cheese, and sprinkling poppy seeds on top of the casunziei. Serve immediately for a delightful culinary experience.
Pairing casunziei with the right wine enhances the flavors of the dish. A light-bodied wine like a young, local pinot nero (pinot noir) complements the sweetness of the beets. As Cortina prepares to host various Winter Olympic events, including women’s Alpine skiing, sliding sports, and curling, visitors can explore the diverse culinary offerings across northern Italy. From Milan's ossobuco with risotto Milanese to Bormio's bresaola and Val di Fiemme and Anterselva's canederli, each region showcases its unique gastronomic delights. The 2026 Winter Olympics promise not only thrilling sports competitions but also a culinary journey through Italy's rich and diverse food culture.