pan minisc'

{{Short description|A grape dessert native to Basilicata, Italy}}

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Pan minisc' is a sweet from the Basilicata region of Italy. It is made with grape must, flour and sugar.

Name

The origin of the name is uncertain: it could mean 'grape bread' or 'mixed bread', and the pronunciation varies depending on the region, as does the name (it is also known as farinata,{{Cite web |title=Ricetta: Paparotta (farinata) |url=http://www.mondodelgusto.it/2009/09/25/ricetta-paparotta-farinata/ |website=mondodelgusto.it}} and in Avigliano and Potenza it is called paparotta).{{Cite web |title=Ricette Basilicata |url=https://www.moldrek.com/basilicata.htm |website=moldrek.com}}{{Cite web |title=Dolci potentini |url=http://www.originalitaly.it/it/editoriali/a-dolci-potentini |website=originalitaly.it}} Traditionally associated with the grape harvest, it was an important source of energy for farmers when they had to face strenuous days of work.

Preparation

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The grape must is brought to a boil in a pot over low heat, and once removed from the fire, it is mixed with durum wheat flour, sugar and spices. Put back on the heat, the mixture is continuously stirred until it thickens. Then, it is spread out on a plate to cool down and, finally, served. Pan minisc' can be enjoyed either as a spoon dessert or cut into small portions and eaten with hands, depending on the desired consistency of the final product.{{Cite web |title=Paparotta (o Pan minisc) |url=http://europa.basilicata.it/fse/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Sapori_Migranti.pdf |website=europa.basilicata.it |p=33}}

In various variations, both black and white grapes, or both, can be used, resulting in different colours (ranging from pinkish to purplish) and slightly different flavours (either sweeter or more sour). In Avigliano, the grape must is flavoured with cinnamon and/or cloves, while in other areas such as Val d'Agri, pine nuts, chestnuts, raisins or dried figs may be added.{{Citation needed|date=April 2024}}

See also

References