Ferrara cuisine: eel, cappellacci and unique flavours from the Po Delta
Ferrara’s cuisine is a fusion of rural, Renaissance and lagoon influences. Located between the River Po and the Adriatic Sea, Ferrara has a gastronomic tradition deeply rooted in the land and water. Local ingredients such as pumpkin, rice and eel tell stories of families, ducal courts and fishermen from the Delta.
Pumpkin cappellacci: the symbol of the Renaissance at the table
Among the most iconic dishes of the area are Ferrara’s pumpkin cappellacci, known since the Renaissance and appreciated even at the court of the Este family. This filled pasta, similar to tortelli but larger, is stuffed with a sweet purée of violina pumpkin, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg and sometimes amaretti biscuits. Traditionally served with butter and sage or with a rich meat sauce, they represent a perfect balance between sweetness and savouriness.
The eel of the Po Delta: queen of the marshes
Another undisputed star of Ferrara cuisine is eel, caught in the Po Delta valleys. A PGI product, it is a dish that reflects life in the wetlands, where the brackish water gives the meat a strong flavour. It is cooked in various ways: grilled, marinated, stewed with tomato or served with polenta. In Comacchio, the eel capital, a festival dedicated to this extraordinary fish is held every year.
Cured meats, breads and desserts: little-known delicacies
In addition to main dishes, Ferrara’s cuisine offers a wide variety of typical cured meats and breads. The most famous is the coppia ferrarese, a PDO bread with a twisted shape and crispy crust. Among the cured meats, salama da sugo and cotechino stand out, often accompanied by mashed potatoes or lentils. And what about desserts? It is impossible not to mention tenerina, a dark chocolate cake with a soft centre, or pampepato, a spiced cake enriched with dried fruit and candied peel.
Where to savour authentic Ferrara cuisine
For those who want to try authentic Ferrara cuisine, the local trattorias around Ferrara and the Delta offer a genuine gastronomic experience. From Comacchio to Codigoro, passing through the villages along the Po, the restaurants offer menus linked to seasonality and tradition.
A heritage to protect and promote
Ferrara’s cuisine is not just food, but a cultural heritage to be protected. Thanks to events such as the Eel Festival, Slow Food initiatives and collaborations between restaurateurs and local producers, the gastronomic tradition continues to thrive and innovate. Promoting these unique flavours also means supporting the identity of a region that has much to tell through taste.