There is no better way to get to know a culture, than by getting a taste of its traditional dishes. Tuscany is known throughout the world for its picturesque cities and its history and natural wonders. Tuscan cuisine is equally characteristic, and can offer the most attentive traveler a remarkable perspective to understanding its identity.
CUISINE: THE BEST WAY TO UNDERSTAND THE HISTORY OF A REGION
Traditional Tuscan dishes go all the way back to ancient times. The land has been cultivated by generations of farmers for centuries. And the result is a straightforward cuisine, made of simple ingredients with intense flavors. These authentic dishes often favor substance over form and are akin to the character of the inhabitants of this land, simple and direct.
Cooking enthusiasts will find countless opportunities to expand their knowledge of Tuscan food and wine. From lunches in the most elegant facilities, suggestive wine tastings in the cellar, cooking courses, private lessons and visits to farms, the Tuscan cuisine is an experience to discover, understand and savor… Once home, you can impress friends and family by preparing simple and tasty dishes, such as Tuscan crostini, Ribollita or the unforgettable Pici al Ragù with homemade pasta!
THINGS YOU WILL FIND IN A TUSCAN COOKING CLASS
In a Tuscan cooking class, you will have the opportunity to be fully immersed in the gastronomic culture of this region. It is an experience that will help you acquire new cooking techniques, teach you about fresh, seasonal ingredients and give you the opportunity to savor delicious homemade dishes. From choice of ingredients to the presentation, the objective is to provide the knowledge necessary to prepare a complete meal. Although it is impossible to grasp all of the characteristics of traditional dishes in a few hours, you can learn to prepare the simplest ones. One can still gain valuable secrets for creating an authentic Made-in-Tuscany dinner. During the course you will learn how to choose fresh, seasonal ingredients and pair them with the most suitable wines to compose a harmonious and tasty menu.
Throughout the course and private lessons, expert chefs explain how to prepare an entire dinner, from homemade pasta to meat and fish entrees and desserts. The experience of cooking and eating together is an opportunity for sharing. In this setting it is common to create new friendships. People who get to know each other in the kitchen often find themselves spending the rest of their trip in Tuscany together and even organizing future trips.
SECRETS OF THE TUSCAN CUISINE
The importance of fresh, local ingredients
Tuscan cuisine was conceived using local ingredients, produced by its abundant countryside. The most commonly used products are olive oil, wine, meat and cheese, vegetables and fresh pasta. They are selected with special care and attention to seasons, in order to guarantee a maximum freshness and quality of the dish.
The role of wine and oil in Tuscan cuisine
Extra virgin olive oil is used for cooking and seasoning dishes. It is known for its slightly spicy flavor and is considered to be a high-quality oil. Wine on the other hand, is used to accompany meals and as a special ingredient for recipes, such as the famous Chianti Risotto. Some of the finest wines in the world, such as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Nobile di Montepulciano, are produced in Tuscany.
The typical Tuscan menu included in a Tuscan cooking course
The menu of a Tuscan cooking course can vary depending on the season and the ingredients available but the focus is always on traditional dishes. Some of these are: Ribollita, a vegetable soup made with stale bread, Pici and Pappardelle, homemade pastas served with a meat or vegetable sauce, Bistecca Fiorentina, a succulent steak grilled for a few minutes and served rare. There is a variety of cheeses such as the Tuscan pecorino and Cantuccini di Prato, are an example of a cherished dessert. Crunchy almond biscuits to be dipped, in the typical Tuscan tradition, in a dessert wine called Vinsanto.
PRIVATE COOKING COURSES AND A PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE
Those looking for a more intimate experience can opt for a personalized cooking class. In Tuscany, particularly in the Chianti area, numerous chefs offer private lessons, where you can learn to cook Tuscan dishes and get suggestions in line with your tastes and eating habits. These courses are perfect for those who want to learn to cook specific dishes or create new recipes with the chefs, perhaps attempt to reinterpret Tuscan dishes to suit their personal preferences.
RETURN HOME WITH TUSCANY IN YOUR HEART: RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
After their stay in Tuscany, those who participated in a cooking course, want to try their hand at the dishes they learned to make on vacation. After all, to surprise your friends with this new skill is the best souvenir you can bring home! We therefore advise you, at the end of a course or a lesson, to ask the Chef to repeat the recipes again. Make sure you take good note of the ingredients you will need, the cooking times and methods, as well as the type of wine that suits the dish best.
Keep in mind that every self-respecting chef will repeat the same phrase: "The secret of a good dish is the quality of the ingredients.” We therefore suggest you take home with you, the local products that are so hard to find outside of Tuscany. When it comes to fruits and vegetables keep in mind that Tuscan cuisine relies on the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients, therefore to truly recreate a Tuscan recipe will depend on the season in which you find yourself. For example, in the summer you can use tomatoes and basil for a tomato soup, while in the winter you can warm up with a black cabbage and cannellini bean soup. As far as olive oil and Chianti wine, we suggest you buy them directly from a local company or at the local markets which you can find in almost all urban centers.
In conclusion, it is important to reiterate that taking part in a Tuscan cooking course is a unique experience. It will allow you to learn and savor a truly Italian cuisine, which uses fresh, seasonal ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.