Fave dei morti

Fave dei morti are traditional Italian sweets that are typically prepared for the commemoration of the deceased on November 2nd. They are particularly popular in some regions such as Umbria and Lombardy. Here’s how they are made.

Ingredients

• 250 g of almonds
• 250 g of sugar
• 100 g of flour
• 2 egg whites
• Grated zest of 1 lemon
• A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
• Icing sugar for garnishing

Preparation

1. Start by putting the almonds in boiling water for a few minutes, then drain them and remove the outer skin. Let them dry and then finely grind them in a mixer with the sugar.
2. Once a fine mixture is obtained, transfer it to a bowl and add the flour, slightly beaten egg whites, lemon zest, and, if you like, a pinch of cinnamon.
3. Mix the ingredients well until you obtain a compact and homogeneous dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
4. Take small portions of the dough and shape them into beans, that is, more oval than perfectly round.
5. Arrange the beans on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them rest for about 30 minutes.
6. Preheat the oven to 180 °C and bake the fave dei morti for 10-15 minutes until they become slightly golden brown.
7. Remove the sweets from the oven and let them cool completely before dusting them with icing sugar.

Curiosity

The name “fave dei morti” probably refers to the ritual and symbolic use of beans in antiquity that were offered to the deities of the deceased or were used in funerary practices. Today these pastries represent a sweet way to remember loved ones on the day that tradition dedicates to their memory.