Pampanelle alla molisana
On the gentle hills of Molise, between the streams of Saccione and Biferno in the province of Campobasso, stood the splendid village of San Martino in Pensilis. Great Counts and Barons took turns, aboard sumptuous carriages richly decorated with gold and ivory, at the palace-castle located in the center of the small village.
No one dared to refuse the invitation that Domenico Cattaneo della Volta, third Prince of San Nicandro, Duke of Termoli, and Count of San Martino in Pensilis, sent once a year to the most important nobles of the time and those closest to him. The Prince also loved to make his beloved wife, Princess of Roccaromana Giulia di Capua, happy; she had brought all the estates as a dowry and adored that palace.
“Maria, is the Pampanella pork I ordered from you days ago ready?” asked the Princess to the servant.
“Yes, Ma’am, the pork has been seasoned with all the spicy spices and cooked for three days wrapped in vine leaves over a burning brazier, just as you requested.”
“Good, serve it for tonight’s dinner accompanied by freshly baked bread, potatoes, and our best red wine, and make sure everything is impeccable.”
The dinner began, and right after the first course, the entire grilled and spiced pork was brought into the room by four servants who placed it on a table.
The guests, thrilled by that unexpected entrance, applauded in amazement, while the Prince drew their attention by tapping a utensil against his glass:
“My dear guests, I am delighted to let you taste a specialty from my splendid village that will delight your palates. Be warned, it is very spicy – who knows, it might even help the shyest among us loosen up a bit.”
That remark sparked laughter throughout the hall, while the cook began cutting and serving the Pampanella pork.
The dinner was a true success, and when the musicians started playing the ballad, everyone began dancing on the terrace, from where a spectacular view of the village, the cultivated fields in the surrounding countryside, and, in the distance, the splendid Adriatic Sea could be admired.
A truly extraordinary dish that “rides” through the centuries. It is celebrated at every village festival – have you ever tried it? Who knows, it might just help us loosen up a bit… word of a Prince!
