Fave dei Morti: traditional Umbrian cookies

Filio Cilli
Oct 19
2 min read

Fave dei Morti are a traditional Umbrian sweet, deeply rooted in customs honoring the deceased. Their origins go back to Roman times, when fava beans were considered a symbol of departed souls and included in ritual banquets in their honor.

Today, these oval-shaped cookies with a delicate almond flavor are mainly prepared on November 2nd, using simple ingredients such as sweet and bitter almonds, sugar, egg whites, and grated lemon zest. Their production is not limited to homes: during the Fiera dei Morti in Perugia, which dates back to the Middle Ages, Fave dei Morti are among the most beloved treats, symbolizing memory and tradition while combining authentic flavors with ancient popular customs. 🍽️ Serves: 40 cookies ⏲️ Time: 45 minutes 🧺 Ingredients:

90 g peeled almonds
75 g granulated sugar
185 g all-purpose flour
40 g unsalted butter
1 whole egg
3 ml white wine
Zest of 1/2 untreated lemon
1/4 tsp cinnamon
A pinch of salt

🥣 Procedimento:

Prepare the almonds Place the almonds in a small bowl and boil them for 2-3 minutes. Let them cool, remove the skins, dry them thoroughly, and chop them in a blender without turning them into a fine flour—they should remain slightly coarse.
Make the dough In a large bowl, combine the flour and chopped almonds. Add the other ingredients one by one according to the recipe. Once all ingredients are added, mix well to form a smooth, homogeneous dough ball.
Shape the cookies Take a portion of dough and roll it into a rope about 2 cm in diameter. Cut the rope into small pieces to form individual cookies. Take each piece, shape it into a ball, place it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, and gently press the center with your fingers.
Bake Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, until lightly golden. Let them cool before serving.