Cappellacci di zucca Ferraresi

The pumpkin hats of Ferrara — as translated in English — are a type of fresh filled pasta made with a delicious filling of velvety, pre-cooked butternut squash, or zucca violina in Italian, and grated parmesan cheese, while nutmeg imparts a warm, sweet, and spicy flavor. Ferrara's signature pasta dish has a tradition dating back to the Renaissance: the first recipe was written in 1584 by Giovanni Battista Rossetti, the court cook of Alfonso II d'Este, Duke of Ferrara. Cappellacci are commonly served doused in melted butter, with fresh sage and a sprinkle of parmesan, but they can also be enjoyed with a tomato or meat sauce.