Pisarei are small, hand-rolled dumplings originating from the Piacenza province in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Traditionally, they are crafted from a mixture of flour and breadcrumbs, combined with water to form a dough. The dough is then shaped into tiny, oval-shaped dumplings, each pressed with a thumb to create a slight indentation.
This dish has historical roots dating back to the Middle Ages when it was created by monks as a nutritious meal for pilgrims traveling along the Via Francigena. Pisarei are typically served with faśö (beans), resulting in the classic dish Pisarei e faśö.