The postmanof and with Massimo Troisi, is one of the most appreciated films in the history of Italian cinema and among the most loved in Massimo Troisi’s filmography. Also because, a few days after the end of filming, in 1994, Troisi died of a heart attack. 71 years after his birth (19 February 1953), we want to celebrate him with the dish he prepared on the set of the film The postman: they are the spaghetti with artichokes by Mario Ruoppoloname of the character he played in the film.

Neruda’s postman

The film, directed by Michael Radford and by Troisi himself, is taken from the novel Neruda’s postmanwritten by the Chilean author Antonio Skarmeta. The film adaptation of the novel was strongly supported by the Neapolitan artist (indeed, born in San Giorgio a Cremano, on the outskirts of the city), who soon purchased the rights and asked Michael Radford to direct it. For this film he also renounced heart surgery, so as not to lose the presence of Philippe Noiret, the protagonist of the film with him.

From Pollara beach…

Among the many evocative and indelible places in the memory of those who have seen it The postmanthere is definitely there golden beach of Pollara in Salina, nestled between a high rock face and a fairytale sea, where Troisi and the poet Neruda, played by Philippe Noiret, throw pebbles towards the sea. Right in the municipality of Malfa, overlooking Pollara, stands the Locanda del Postino, a small accommodation facility with 10 rooms furnished in Aeolian style, inside the former home of the town’s parish priest. Here Mauro and Amelia, together with their children Francesco and Mariachiara, also run a small restaurant. «It was 1985 when my wife and I fell in love and, after studying in Messina, in February 1994 we decided to move to Salina, says Mauro. At that time Troisi was filming The postman, hence the name of the structure. In business since 2000, the dishes offered by Mrs. Amelia are based on local ingredients. «Capers are famous in Pollara, but also the siccagno tomato, which dries on the plant, and then fish at will, only the catch of the day. Like the albacore tartare with crunchy celery and capers or the pasta with siccagni tomatoes and caper pesto, up to the traditional desserts entrusted to the expert hands of daughter Mariachiara.

… to the island of Procida

There is also another place that bears the same name, but which is located on another island, where most of the scenes of Troisi’s film were filmed. Too bad, however, that the Postman’s inn in Procida it closed its doors last November. Right here, on the port, in front of the piled up nets of the fishermen, the love between was born Mario Ruopolo (Massimo Troisi) e Beatriceplayed by a very young girl Maria Grazia Cucinotta. At the Locanda del Postino it was possible to have dinner or stop for a coffee amidst the creaking of the fishermen’s boats and the atmosphere of the village. Inside the tavern, an entire wall was dedicated to celebrating the film with images, quotes and even the brown bag, the same one used in the filming. Here then is the recipe that Mario Ruoppolo prepared for Beatrice. A simple dish, made with love, in memory of the great figure of Massimo Troisi.

Spaghetti with artichokes Mario Ruoppolo style

Ingredients

• 500 g of spaghetti
• 6 artichokes
• 400 g of ripe or peeled tomatoes
• 1 clove of garlic
• 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• fresh basil
• fresh parsley
• Salt to taste
• pepper as needed

Method

1. Clean the artichokes by removing the hardest outer leaves, cut them into slices and place them in a pan with the oil and garlic. Let them simmer for a few minutes and add the diced tomatoes.
2. Cook for half an hour, season with salt and pepper, flavor with a few basil leaves and parsley (or even without anything).
3. When the artichokes are cooked, season the spaghetti cooked al dente in plenty of salted water.