If you close your eyes and think of the flavors of Gaeta, you probably immediately imagine the exceptional taste of Tiella or the freshness of freshly caught fish. But there is one dish, ancient and true, that encapsulates the very essence of our seafood tradition: the Votapiatto di Calamarelle.
It is not a simple stir-fry, nor is it an omelet. It is an art. A delicacy that smells of the sea, born of the simplicity and skill of Gaetan fishermen.
Today, on Scopri Gaeta, we take you on a discovery of this excellence, revealing the secrets of its preparation thanks to the person who proudly guards this tradition every day: Andrea, chef of “La Tana di Cagliostro.”
What is Calamarelle’s Votapiatto?
Votapiatto is one of the most iconic dishes of Gaeta’s “poor” cuisine. It is prepared using calamarelle (small local squid), which are floured and cooked in a pan with extra virgin olive oil until they form a single compact block.
The curious name comes from the technical gesture required for its cooking: since it cannot be turned with a fork like a normal fry-up, it is “voted” (turned) by helping oneself with a plate, exactly as one does with an omelet. The result is a dish that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, enhancing the absolute quality of the raw material without covering it up.
La Tana di Cagliostro: Where Tradition is at Home
On Via dell’Indipendenza, among alleys that smell of history, is La Tana di Cagliostro. Here, Chef Andrea does more than just cook: he preserves the city’s gastronomic memory.
For Andrea, Votapiatto is not just a menu item, it is a ritual. “For this recipe we use only fresh, local squid from the sea of the Gulf of Gaeta,” Andrea tells us. The difference is all there: in the respect for the product and the slow cooking time.
If you want to taste a properly executed Votapiatto, this is the address we at Scopri Gaeta recommend with our eyes closed.
🎥 Watch the Video Recipe with Chef Andrea
Before we move on to the written steps, watch as Chef Andrea prepares the perfect Votapiatto in the kitchen of La Tana di Cagliostro.
The Vote-Plate Recipe: Chef’s Secrets.
Want to try bringing a little Gaeta into your kitchen? Here is the step-by-step recipe.
Ingredients
- Fresh calamarelle (Essential: they must be from the Gulf of Gaeta!).
- 00 flour q.b.
- Quality extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste.
Preparation (Step by Step)
- The Breading: Clean and wash the fresh squid well. Place them in a bowl with plenty of flour and mix well so that they are all coated.
- The Sieve Secret: This is the trick to the crispiness. Transfer the squid to a sieve and shake them vigorously to remove all excess flour. They should remain floured but “clean,” not kneaded.
- The Frying Pan: In a nonstick skillet, pour the extra virgin olive oil. Be generous: the oil should completely cover the bottom.
- The Cooking (Part 1): When the oil is hot, pour in the squid. Gently mash them with a spatula to create an even, firm layer. Start with high flame to create a crust right away, then lower the flame and cook for about 8 minutes.
- Chef’s tip: If you see that the oil has worn too thin on the sides, add another round of raw oil to keep the cooking alive.
- The “Vote Plate” (The Moment of Truth): This is the crucial step. Place a flat plate (or lid) on the pan. Caution: do not flip on the fly! Place the pan upright resting on the plate to drain excess hot oil into a separate bowl, then flip the pie dish onto the plate.
- The Cooking (Part 2): Return the drained oil to the pan, slide the votaplate (raw side up) and cook for another 8 minutes over moderate heat until golden brown on both sides.
- The Final Touch: Salt only at the end, plate and serve piping hot!
An Experience to Live (and Taste)
Votapiatto is a dish that must be “understood” and loved. Its unique texture and intense flavor of the sea tell the story of a fishing people who were able to transform simple ingredients into excellence.
You can try making it at home, sure. But enjoying it sitting at a table at La Tana di Cagliostro, surrounded by the unique atmosphere of Gaeta, has a whole other flavor. It is the taste of authenticity.
📍 Where to Eat: La Tana di Cagliostro, Via Giuseppe Buonomo Vico III, 10, 04024 Gaeta LT
Want to discover other treasures of our table? Visit the Typical Products section of Scopri Gaeta for a taste journey you won’t forget.
