TUSCAN FOOD

Tuscan food is of the earth. The food is meant to be an accompaniment to the classic wines of Tuscany. Unlike most of Italy where meat is used for flavoring, the Tuscan diet is heavy with wild game, cured meats, homemade sausages, including ones made with wild boar, and the most famous of Tuscan meats Bistecca alla Fiorenta, or steak Florentine. This is traditionally a three inch Porterhouse, marinated simply in olive oil and garlic, grilled over hot coals, until medium rare and served over a bed of arugula or grilled vegetables.

Another Tuscan favorite is porchetta or roast stuffed suckling pig. This is available in most village butcher shops one day of the week. Find out what day and don’t miss it. Tender suckling pig is flavored with aromatic spices such as rosemary, thyme, sage and pepper and roasted leaving a crisp, crackling crust surrounding the succulent meat. Add a crusty loaf of traditional pane toscano and a wedge of Pecorino Toscana, made with sheep’s milk and you will understand the Tuscan love of simple delicious foods.

Pappardelle, a flat homemade noodle is often served with a rich sauce such as hare, wild boar or duck sauce and will be found on most menus in the Tuscan region. Another restaurant favorite is fritto misto lightly fried foods such as chicken, rabbit, artichokes, cauliflower and mushrooms.

Vegetarians can also find rich, hearty food in the region. The classic bean soup, ribollita, literally meaning re boiled is a flavorful vegetable soup thickened with day old bread. Bruschetta is also a way for a restaurant to showcase their local fresh ingredients. Thick bread is grilled, rubbed with fresh garlic and topped with items such as sautéed wild mushrooms, fresh tomatoes and basil, or cheese.

The desserts of Tuscany use the best of the region in simple ways. Most of them use simple ingredients such as figs, raisins, ricotta cheese and sweet wines such as Marsala. Paneforte di Siena is probably the most famous of all Tuscan desserts; this flat sweet confection dates back to the Middle Ages.

If you really want to experience Tuscany through its food, try a cooking class, such as the one offered by five ladies at www.tutti-a-tavola.com. This is a unique experience in the heart of the Tuscan region, in the town of Radda in Chianti. Olive oil tasting, wine tasting and market visits enhance the classes.