Croxetti is a unique type of pasta consisting of flat medallion or coin-shaped pasta disks stamped by hand or machine with intricate patterns.

Origin and history

Croxetti originated in Liguria

Liguria

Liguria is a coastal region of north-western Italy, the third smallest of the Italian regions. Its capital is Genoa. It is a popular region with tourists for its beautiful beaches, picturesque little towns, and good food.-Geography:...

, in Northern Italy along the border with France, during the middle ages

Middle Ages

The Middle Ages is a periodization of European history from the 5th century to the 15th century. The Middle Ages follows the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 and precedes the Early Modern Era. It is the middle period of a three-period division of Western history: Classic, Medieval and Modern...

. In the past they were made by local peasants and used by aristocratic families as a display of wealth and status.

They seem as an another ligurian pasta called Corzetti

Corzetti

Corzetti are a kind of fresh pasta typical of the Ligurian cuisine of north-west Italy, and traditional also in the area of Novi Ligure just across the border with Piedmont in the Province of Alessandria. They seem as an another Ligurian pasta called Croxetti.There are two different kinds of...

.

Description

Croxetti are still produced in small batches near Genova, Italy. They are stamped and cut into circles approximately 1.75 inches (4+ cm) in diameter from flat pasta sheets with a mold to create the distinctive patterns. The combination mold/cutter may be made of hand-carved wood or a bronze die

Die (manufacturing)

A die is a specialized tool used in manufacturing industries to cut or shape material using a press. Like molds, dies are generally customized to the item they are used to create...

. The stamping may be done by hand or by machine, with the hand-stamped versions being more elaborate. The detail forms ridges that allow sauce to cling and add flavor.

The pasta typically has patterns on both sides, with an intricate design on one side and a simpler pattern on the other. Whereas they once featured a family coat of arms

Coat of arms

A coat of arms is a unique heraldic design on a shield or escutcheon or on a surcoat or tabard used to cover and protect armour and to identify the wearer. Thus the term is often stated as "coat-armour", because it was anciently displayed on the front of a coat of cloth...

, the fancier side now features a regional coat of arms or the maker's trademark. Typical symbols on the other side are a cross (from which the name croxetti derives), fruit, family initials, sailboat, mortar and pestle, sunsets, sailboats, or palm trees. In Italy they may be used as wedding favors or for other events, in which case an artisan craftsman is commissioned to make the die for people to prepare the pasta at home.

Croxetti is usually served with a simple meat or mushroom sauce, pesto, pine nut or walnut sauce, fish sauce, or light cream sauce. They may also be served with a simple butter or oil, possibly with herbs, or plain.