Nestled in the Valtellina Valley of Northern Italy, sciatt are delectable fritters that encapsulate the flavors of this picturesque Alpine region. These crispy, golden morsels are traditionally filled with melted Bitto cheese, making them a comforting and irresistible appetizer or snack. “Sciatt,” meaning “toads” in the local dialect, humorously references their lumpy, rustic appearance—though their taste is anything but ordinary.

A Taste of Valtellina’s Heritage

The Valtellina Valley is renowned for its hearty cuisine, shaped by its mountainous terrain and cold climate. Sciatt is a shining example of this, combining simple, local ingredients into a dish that warms both the body and soul.

Traditionally served atop a bed of crisp chicory or radicchio, sciatt perfectly balances richness and freshness, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite.

The Key Ingredients

Buckwheat Flour: A staple in Valtellina cuisine, buckwheat gives sciatt their signature earthy flavor.

Bitto or Casera Cheese: These local cheeses are essential for the molten, gooey filling.

Sparkling Water or Beer: Adds lightness to the batter, creating the iconic crispiness.

Vegetable Oil: For deep frying the fritters to golden perfection.

    How to Make Sciatt

    Ingredients (Serves 4):

    1 cup buckwheat flour

    ½ cup all-purpose flour

    1 cup sparkling water or beer

    A pinch of salt

    200g Bitto or Casera cheese, diced into small cubes

    Vegetable oil for frying

    Radicchio or chicory for serving

    Instructions:

    Prepare the Batter

    In a bowl, mix buckwheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Gradually add sparkling water or beer, whisking until smooth and lump-free. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes.

    Prepare the Cheese

    Cut the Bitto or Casera cheese into small cubes and keep them chilled until ready to use.

    Fry the Sciatt

    Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan to 170°C (340°F).

    Dip each cheese cube into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Drop the coated cubes into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy.

    Serve

    Drain the sciatt on paper towels and serve them immediately on a bed of radicchio or chicory. The contrast of the fresh greens with the warm, gooey fritters is simply divine.

      Tips for Perfect Sciatt

      Keep the Cheese Cold: Chilled cheese cubes hold their shape better during frying.

      Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature.

      Serve Immediately: Sciatt is best enjoyed hot, while the cheese is still melted.

        Pairing Suggestions

        Sciatt pairs wonderfully with a glass of Valtellina Superiore, a red wine made from Nebbiolo grapes grown in the valley. For a non-alcoholic option, try a sparkling water with a slice of lemon to complement the richness of the fritters.

        Authentic Ingredients at Your Fingertips

        At Bottega Italiana, find high-quality ingredients for making authentic Sciatt della Valtellina:

        Buckwheat Flour for the perfect batter.

        Extra Virgin Olive Oil for a flavorful frying experience.

        In Conclusion

        Sciatt della Valtellina is more than a dish; it’s a taste of Italy’s Alpine charm. These crispy, cheesy bites are perfect for sharing with friends or family, whether as an appetizer or a comforting snack. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, sciatt brings the flavors of Valtellina to your table.

        Buon appetito!

        Photo by FakirNL, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons