San Marino, the tiny microstate nestled within Italy, might be small in size, but its culinary heritage is anything but.
With a rich blend of Italian influences and unique local flavors, San Marinese cuisine is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
If you’re a foodie looking to expand your palate, you’re in for a treat.
We’ve rounded up the best San Marinese recipes that’ll transport your taste buds straight to this picturesque country.
From hearty pastas to mouthwatering desserts, these dishes are packed with flavor and tradition.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to try something new, these recipes are guaranteed to impress. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
1. Torta Tre Monti (The Three Mountains Cake)
Ingredients:
- 7 oz dark chocolate
- 7 oz hazelnuts, finely ground
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 5 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
How to Make It:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually fold in the flour and ground hazelnuts. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Once cooled, layer the cake with chocolate ganache made from melted dark chocolate and heavy cream. Repeat the layers to create a stunning, multi-tiered dessert.
Why We Chose It:
This iconic dessert is a symbol of San Marino’s three towering peaks.
It’s rich, decadent, and perfect for special occasions. Plus, who can resist layers of chocolate and hazelnut?
2. Piadina Romagnola
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup warm water
How to Make It:
Mix the flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Add the olive oil and gradually pour in the warm water, kneading until you get a smooth dough.
Let it rest for 30 minutes. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into thin circles.
Cook on a hot griddle for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Serve warm with your favorite fillings like cheese, greens, or roasted veggies.
Why We Chose It:
Piadina is the ultimate comfort food—simple, versatile, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s a staple in San Marino and a must-try for anyone who loves flatbreads.
3. Passatelli in Brodo
Ingredients:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
How to Make It:
Combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, and nutmeg in a bowl. Mix until you get a firm dough.
Press the dough through a passatelli maker or a coarse grater directly into simmering broth.
Cook for 5-7 minutes until the passatelli float to the top. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.
Why We Chose It:
This hearty soup is a San Marinese classic, perfect for chilly evenings. It’s simple yet packed with flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser.
4. Nidi di Rondine (Swallow’s Nests)
Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna sheets
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
- 1 cup béchamel sauce
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
How to Make It:
Boil the lasagna sheets until al dente. Spread a layer of béchamel and tomato sauce on each sheet, then sprinkle with ham and mozzarella.
Roll them up and place seam-side down in a baking dish. Top with more sauce and Parmesan. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Why We Chose It:
These cheesy, saucy rolls are a fun twist on traditional lasagna. They’re as delicious as they are Instagram-worthy.
5. Bustrengo (Traditional San Marinese Cake)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup dried figs, chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup almonds, chopped
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 cups milk
- 3 eggs
How to Make It:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and olive oil.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then pour into a greased baking dish. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and set.
Why We Chose It:
This rustic cake is a taste of San Marino’s history. It’s hearty, wholesome, and perfect with a cup of coffee.
6. Cacciatello (Cheese-Stuffed Bread)
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of crusty bread
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp olive oil
How to Make It:
Cut the top off the bread and hollow out the center. Mix the cheeses and egg in a bowl, then stuff the mixture into the bread.
Drizzle with olive oil, replace the top, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Why We Chose It:
This cheesy delight is perfect for sharing. It’s gooey, flavorful, and impossible to resist.
7. Fagioli con le Cotiche (Bean and Greens Stew)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cannellini beans, soaked overnight
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add the beans, broth, and kale.
Simmer for 1-1.5 hours until the beans are tender. Season with salt and pepper.
Why We Chose It:
This wholesome stew is a testament to San Marino’s love for simple, hearty meals. It’s nutritious and full of flavor.
8. Zuppa di Ceci (Chickpea Soup)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chickpeas, soaked overnight
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp rosemary
How to Make It:
Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil. Add the chickpeas, broth, and rosemary.
Simmer for 1-1.5 hours until the chickpeas are tender. Blend half the soup for a creamy texture.
Why We Chose It:
This soup is a San Marinese favorite—comforting, creamy, and packed with protein.
9. Tagliatelle al Tartufo (Truffle Tagliatelle)
Ingredients:
- 12 oz tagliatelle pasta
- 2 tbsp truffle oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Toss with truffle oil, butter, and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
Why We Chose It:
Truffles are a luxury, and this dish is pure indulgence. It’s a must-try for truffle lovers.
10. Crostata di Marmellata (Jam Tart)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 cup fruit jam
How to Make It:
Mix the flour, sugar, and butter until crumbly. Add the egg and knead into a dough.
Press into a tart pan, spread with jam, and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
Why We Chose It:
This sweet treat is a San Marinese classic—simple, fruity, and utterly delicious.
11. Frittata con Erbe (Herb Frittata)
Ingredients:
- 6 eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh herbs (parsley, basil, chives)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It:
Whisk the eggs with herbs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet, pour in the egg mixture, and cook until set. Flip and cook the other side.
Why We Chose It:
This herb-packed frittata is a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Conclusion
San Marino’s cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, and these recipes are just the tip of the iceberg.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, these dishes are sure to impress.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, fire up the stove, and start cooking your way through San Marino’s culinary wonders.