Culurgiones

Culurgiones is a traditional Sardinian pasta dish made with an unleavened dough filled with a mixture of mashed potatoes, pecorino cheese, mint, and sometimes a little garlic. The dough is then folded and sealed, creating a distinctive shape resembling a small ear. Culurgiones are typically served with tomato sauce, melted butter, and grated pecorino cheese.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup grated pecorino cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped mint
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 cup tomato sauce or melted butter for serving
• Extra grated pecorino cheese for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, eggs, water, and salt to make a dough. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes, pecorino cheese, mint, and garlic (if using).
3. Roll out the dough into thin circles about 3 inches in diameter.
4. Place a spoonful of the potato mixture in the center of each dough circle.
5. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal, creating a half-moon shape.
6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and carefully drop in the culurgiones. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until they float to the surface.
7. Serve the culurgiones with tomato sauce or melted butter and grated pecorino cheese.