Krafi

Sweet pasta with a salty sauce. Many cannot imagine this combination, but there is precisely such a dish in the surrounding area of Labin. Istria has got a long tradition of preparing various pasta with sauce such as “fuzi”, gnocchi and “pljukanci”. In many parts of Istria, ravioli are very popular too, but in Labin, there is their sweet version – “krafi”.

These delicious pillows may be either cooked or fried, and both types are filled with a similar filling made of cow's milk cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla, lemon peel, dry grapes and salt. They are prepared by forming piles of filling on the rolled out dough, which are then covered by the other part of the dough, cut out and joined by pressing their edges with a fork. Although sweet, they are usually served with chicken sauce and vegetables.

Such “krafi” were eaten a long time ago on special occasions like weddings or on holidays. Women of all generations within a family would then gather around the table and they would cheerfully roll the dough, grate the cheese, prepare dry grapes and filling, making piles of these delicious treats. Recipes were passed down from generation to generation and Labin housewives still preserve them today. And not only are the women from Labin, “krafi” are also prepared in other areas of this region such as Raša, Vozilici, Krsan, Plomin and Trget. Many housewives still today preserve their special ways of preparing “krafi” by adding various different ingredients.

Commendably, local restaurants too have continued the tradition of preparing the specialty of this area. That is why “krafi” can be found on many menus in their salty version but also in their completely sweet version. Nowadays, innovative chefs prepare them with the caramel and cream sauce, with chocolate, orange juice or even wild berries. And this is not all! “Krafi” today have their own manifestation. “Krafi” Fest has been held for years now on 1 May in Krsan, were jolly guests enjoy this delicacy prepared in all possible ways, over music and entertainment.