Fave dei morti: the recipe for almond cookies for the feast of the dead

The death bean they are gods treaty small and round, fragrant and very delicious. Typical of central Italy, but widespread almost everywhere, they are traditionally prepared on the occasion of celebration of Toussaint and the feast of the dead. There are many different versions, but they all have one ingredient in common: almonds which makes them crumbly and fragrant. In our recipe, they are finely mixed in a kitchen mixer and kneaded with 00 flour, egg, sugar and a little melted butter. The addition of grappa and grated lemon zest will give these biscuits an enveloping and irresistible aroma.

The ingredients are worked by hand, then cords are formed which, once cut into pieces, are pressed on one side, to simulate the shape of beans. It seems that the reference to this legume derives from the Latin custom of consuming it at the memorial dinners held immediately after the funeral. Hence the custom of preparing sweet beans to remember loved ones and encourage them on the night of November 1-2, when, according to an ancient legend, the deceased are said to come to visit the world of the living.

Fave dei morti are perfect to accompany a coffee at the end of the meal, for a mid-morning or afternoon break with a hot brew or for a Halloween party. The grappa can be replaced by another type of alcohol, provided it is always dry, or with the same amount of natural water, but also flavored with vanilla, almond or orange blossom. Instead of whole almonds, you can use the almond powder.

Find out how to prepare them by following the step-by-step procedure and tips. Also try the papassini and the Rame di Napoli.

How to prepare fava dei morti

Pour the peeled almonds into the blender 1.

Chop the almonds until they are reduced to raw flour 2.

Put the flour in a large bowl 3.

Add ground almonds 4.

Mix the sugar 5.

Stir with a spoon 6.

Pour in the warmed melted butter seven.

Grappa flavors 8.

Add grated lemon zest 9.

Finally add the beaten egg ten.

First mix all the ingredients by mixing with a spoon 11.

Then knead with your hands to compact the mixture well. 12.

Transfer to your work surface and form a loaf 13.

After dividing the dough into small pieces, make cords 14.

Cut into pieces about 3 centimeters long and 2 centimeters thick 15.

Form balls with your palms 16.

Flatten the balls into a slightly oval shape 17.

Press your finger sideways to create the beans 18.

As you prepare the fava dei morti, arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper 19. Bake at 160°C for about 15 minutes until the fava dei morti have taken on a nice golden color.

Remove the beans from the dead and let them cool 20.

Arrange the fava dei morti on a serving platter and serve them with hot coffee or a drink of your choice 21.

storage

The fava dei morti are kept tightly closed in an airtight container away from humidity for about 4 days.