Image by Limor Zellermayer

Rombi

Rombi is an exquisite dish found in the small Italian gems of the Apennine Mountains. It's a sumptuous concoction of potatoes, cheese, eggs, and Saltimbocca-style beef wrapped in filo pastry. The name Rombi is derived from the Italian word for "rolled," due to the way in which the ingredients are rolled together in the pastry.

Rombi


This delectable dish has been around since the 14th century, but its roots can be traced back even further. The combination of meat, potatoes and cheese is believed to have been popular among the Romans, thus being passed down and evolving into the modern version of Rombi.

When cooked, the Rombi is simply scrumptious; the saltiness of the beef mingles perfectly with the creaminess of the cheese and the hearty texture of the potatoes. It is often served with a rich tomato sauce or a delicately lemon-tinged béchamel sauce, making it a versatile meal that can go with just about anything.

For those looking to expand their culinary horizons, the time-honored recipe of the Rombi might be the perfect place to start. Altogether, it creates a wonderfully harmonious dish that has the power to ignite a sense of nostalgia even amongst the most jaded of food connoisseurs. So if you're ever in the vicinity of the Apennine Mountain Range and you come across a plate of Rombi, I highly recommend giving this ancient delicacy a try – you won't regret it.

The origin of Rombi

Rombi has a rich and fascinating history that has been woven into the very fabric of Italian cuisine. The origins of Rombi are somewhat unclear, but the consensus is that it is quite an old recipe.

The most popular belief, shared by both scholars and home cooks alike, states that Rombi was invented sometime during the 14th century in Rome. This theory suggests that the dish was created to feed the large number of pilgrims that travelled to the city for religious purposes.

This theory is further strengthened by the fact that Rombi was often served in front of various religious icons during festivals, as a sign of respect to the patron saint of the event or to celebrate a particular holiday.

In addition to its religious functions, Rombi was also served as a celebratory dish at weddings, christenings, and other important gatherings. The meal was typically prepared with a base of apron (a type of small pasta), semolina, ricotta, and tomato sauce. These ingredients were then dressed up with olives, anchovies, capers, garlic, anchovy paste, and herbs, giving the dish its distinctive flavor.

With time, the recipe has been adapted and changed according to local customs and traditions, resulting in variations ranging from Sicilian Rombi with fresh sardines, to Tuscan Rombi with ham. The popularity of the dish certainly owes much to its versatility and delicious taste.

Today, Rombi remains a beloved dish, not only in Italy but around the world. It’s easy to make and can be adapted to almost any tastes, making it suitable for any occasion. Its unique combination of flavors also makes it a favorite among foodies, which helps keep this tasty recipe alive and well.

Types of Rombi

Ah Rombi, that delightful Italian dish with its many varieties. Often referred to as ‘the king of pasta’, this delectable treat has been a staple of Italian cuisine for centuries. With its distinctive ridges and delicate flavour, it is known for being exceptionally versatile, lending itself to a myriad of ingredients and cooking styles.

At the heart of this beloved dish lies the classic variety – round cylinders of pasta with a chewy yet tender texture, and a delightfully succulent taste. It can be cooked in a simple tomato sauce, combined with vegetables and herbs, dressed with a creamy sauce, or served with various proteins such as beef, chicken, or pork. For something particularly intriguing, you can even combine it with seafood, to create a moreish surf-and-turf combination.

It is not only the classic form of Rombi that deserves attention. Depending on the region in which it is made, there are a number of exciting twists on the classic style. In southern Italy, for example, you can find square shapes with flat ridges, or spiral-formed tubes designed to capture the sauce. Meanwhile, a Northern Italian variant offers spiralling tubes with uneven curves and edges, as well as flat sheets that make for an excellent lasagna.

Moving further East, the Greek version of Rombi offers a unique twist; its shape consists of an elongated spiral, creating a curious looking shape that lends itself to a range of flavoursome sauces. Together with an array of succulent vegetables and herbs, this delightful dish is far from ordinary.

No matter whether your preference is for the classic or something more inventive, one thing is certain – Rombi is sure to tantalise your taste buds. A timeless staple of Italian cuisine, it is sure to bring culinary delight to your table, no matter how you choose to cook it.