Frandura is one of the traditional peasant dishes of Liguria. It was prepared and distributed to day workers during the wheat harvest, providing a simple yet nutritious meal.

Its origins lie in the hinterland of the upper Argentina Valley and have been passed down to us through recipes handed down from generation to generation.

This dish became part of the everyday diet towards the end of the 18th century, when the potato – which had been introduced to Europe from the Americas some two centuries earlier – finally managed to overcome the prejudices that had hindered its widespread adoption. Having become a staple food for farming families, the potato complemented and, to some extent, replaced the chestnut, which for centuries had been one of the main food sources for communities in the Ligurian hinterland.

Ingredients:

  1. 200 g 00 flour
  2. 300 ml milk (whichever you usually use)
  3. 500 g potatoes
  4. 50 ml Taggiasca extra virgin olive oil
  5. Small pieces of Toma cheese (or 2 large tablespoons of grated Parmigiano Reggiano)
  6. 1 teaspoon of salt,
  7. Grandma Gigia’s variation: rosemary and pepper (if you don’t have any rosemary to hand, you can replace the extra virgin olive oil with herb-infused oil.)

From the earth to the table: just a few ingredients, skilled hands and a story infused with Ligurian tradition.

Preparation:

  • Make a very runny batter by mixing together the milk, flour, some of the extra virgin olive oil (keeping some aside to oil the baking tray), the grated cheese (or toma), salt, pepper and rosemary.
  • Then add the potatoes, sliced very thinly using a mandoline and rinsed, and mix everything together well.
  • Line a baking tray with lightly oiled baking paper and spread the mixture in an even layer, no more than about 1 cm thick.
  • Bake in a preheated oven at 200 °C for about 30 minutes.
  • The ‘Frandua’ is ready when the surface is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.

For wine lovers, we recommend pairing this dish with a glass of: Pigato Riviera Ligure di ponente DOC “U BACCAN” Azienda agricola BRUNA

Let us know if you try out the recipe!

If you have any questions or queries, you can always contact us by email at: [email protected] or call us on: +39 0183 280 132