In the past, the combination of polenta with roasted birds (osei in the dialect) was really common in Italian cuisine, especially in Lombardy. This dish was served mainly in the countryside, where polenta was one of the main sources of livelihood. The dessert Polenta e Osei was created as a playful variation on this tradition, although it no longer has anything to do with real birds. The name therefore remains as a reference to the original version, but the modern version is purely sweet.
Ingredients of the dessert
The Polenta e Osei dessert consists of a sponge base, a cream filling (often chocolate or hazelnut), marzipan (which forms the top layer and is usually coloured yellow to imitate traditional polenta) and chocolate birds, which are used as decoration and symbolise the birds from the original savoury recipe.
Where to taste
Polenta e Osei is a famous dessert in Bergamo, often served on special occasions but also as a souvenir for tourists. This dessert can be bought in patisseries all over the city, especially in Bergamo Alta, the historic centre of the city. Many local patisseries and bakeries offer this delicacy. The best known are the traditional establishments that follow the original recipes. The dessert is not only a sweet treat but also a reminder of the cultural and gastronomic heritage of the Lombardy region.
