Rane fritte

Rane fritte or fried frogs is a very popular dish in Piedmont, especially around the cities of Vercelli and Novara. The region is famous for its rice fields, and the damp territory covered in irrigation canals creates an ideal habitat for the frogs, so it is no surprise that they have always been a part of a local poor man's cuisine. As it often happens, what was once a poor man's dish prepared out of necessity is nowadays a delicacy and an important part of the gastronomic culture of the area. For this dish, the frogs are first cleaned, macerated in oil with onions, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. They are then dried and deep-fried in oil until golden and crispy. Rane fritte are best enjoyed hot, lightly sprinkled with lemon juice.