Fusillo Felittese
Fusillo Felittese is handmade pasta crafted with a "ferro da calza" (knitting needle), an iron rod around which a dough of semolina and water is wrapped to create a hollow spiral. Each fusillo is unique, shaped by the expert hands of the women of Felitto.
This dish is the heart of the Festa del Fusillo, which every August transforms the Cilento village into an open-air gastronomic theatre.
Preparation
- 1
Arrange the semolina in a mound, add the salt and lukewarm water gradually, kneading energetically.
- 2
Work the dough for at least 15 minutes until you obtain a smooth and compact mass. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
- 3
Take a small piece of dough and roll it into a cylinder approximately 15 cm long and 5-6 mm thick.
- 4
Wrap the cylinder around the ferro da calza starting from one end, pressing gently to make the pasta adhere.
- 5
Gently slide off the iron, obtaining a hollow spiral fusillo. Arrange on a floured tray.
- 6
Cook the fusilli in abundant salted water for 8-10 minutes.
- 7
Dress with mixed meat ragù or porcini mushroom sauce, dust with pecorino.
Chef's Tips
The ferro da calza should be approximately 20 cm long and thin (3-4 mm). If unavailable, you can use a thin skewer. The key is applying uniform pressure while wrapping.