Dante’s burger, or simply Lampredotto sandwich?

by Mar 27, 2020Southern Europe, Food & Wine

“It is almost impossible to find a sandwich so simple, which brings such a blow of historical spirit and authenticity, than the Florentine Lampredotto…”

For some people, it can be endless challenge to take even a tiny Lampredotto bite. For the others, it is pure “food time machine” transferring you right into medieval Florence. For majority of the locals, it is a delight nobody can resist. Whatever your feelings are about legendary Lampredotto sandwich, nobody can deny its authenticity, as a Florentine king of medieval fast food.

lampredotto through history

Sometimes, Lampredotto’s popularity surpasses even verses from Dante’s Divine Comedy. Its history dates back from the same period of famous Palazzo Vecchio or Bargello Museum in Florence. We use to say how Italian top local dishes, like pizza or pasta, came out as food prepared by the poorest classes. It was the same with Lampredotto sandwich. Two pieces of three days old bread, a hard medieval burger bun, or just a pot to serve a portion, was fare enough for the start. Then comes the real thing – what goes inside this traditional Florentine sandwich? Well, imagine yourself as a poor worker in medieval Florence, struggling to feed your family. That means nothing, absolutely nothing can be thrown away while preparing a meal. Instead, every piece of leftover food should be used to make another simple dish. Forth of the cow’s stomach is not a super attractive ingredient, but cooked for hours in a broth can make a difference, and provide enough energy after eating it.

Lampredotto kiosk at Piazza dei Cimatori, Florence
Typical street food menu in Florence
Typical street food menu in Florence offering sandwiches like Lampredotto, Trippa, Bollito, Porcheta
…devine juicy delicacy…

That is how Lampredotto made its first steps. It slowly grown as a signature, working class street food becoming serious competition even for some exclusive delicacies of the time. If Florentine nobility had a privilege to eat highly expensive Lamprey fish from the Arno river, then working class can do their show off with tasty  sandwich called Lampredotto. What a “coincidence” was to have two almost identical dish names. Obviously, poor classes firmly established their beloved sandwich as a counterpart to the food of the rich. Century after century, this easy and practical sandwich became primary quick bite in Florence.  Vendors would use old wooden carts painted in bright colors, to sell Lampredottos throughout the city. Later, they switched to tricycles, which make distribution way faster.

MAKING A DEVINE LAMPREDOTTO

Today Florentines stick to an old recipe. First, you should boil that famous stomach pieces for hours. Then grab a part of it from a broth and cut it into small pieces. Add salt and pepper, salsa verde and spicy (picante) sauce. Two parts of a bun can be dipped into a delicious broth (bagnato – bathed as locals would say) and your divine juicy delicacy, bursting with strong flavors is ready.

Try not to confuse Lampredotto with the iconic, Florentine trippa (tripe), since ingredients and preparation methods are way different. If you want to achieve inspiration, somewhere between poet Dante and master chef Anthony Bourdain, grab your Lampredotto, some red homemade wine, a few plastic cups for your friends, and go to relax and embrace Florence on Piazzale Michelangelo. Keep the modest way, simply love your sandwich and admire the capital of Renaissance. I do it every time, specially at the famous street food kiosk on Piazza dei Cimatori in Florence. Two brothers (owners) dedicated their life to the glory of Lampredotto. I’ve never found cheaper, but equally authentic food option in Florence. Pay 4.50eur for Lampredotto, plus 2.00eur for a glass of wine, and you’ll have your heavenly food & wine version, with a character and historical background.
My God, I cannot remember when I missed a chance to hang out with Lampredotto…
Most perfect Lampredotto sandwich with a juicy bun, salsa verde and cooked stomach parts inside
Most perfect Lampredotto sandwich
Notice: article images are made by Jonnie World Walker team.
Ready to explore more?

Check out this amazing Lampredotto recipe with superb stories and explanations on this iconic Florentine street food dish. This adventure of flavors is brought to you by Eater.com

photo by foodista.com