A holiday in Tuscany probably conjures certain ideas and expectations such as pretty scenery, picturesque villages, culture and food and wine. In fact, few would think a holiday in Tuscany complete or satisfying without time taken to enjoy its wonderful cuisine and dining experiences. Most have prior experience with Italian food but Tuscan food, developing from peasant roots and generally comforting, wholesome and hearty, is a rather particular entity. You'll probably have plans already to enjoy some gelato, coffee, wine and cheeses but here are some specific Tuscan dishes and foods that we think you should be sure to try!
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Ribollita Toscana is a popular soup dish which can be found all over the region of Tuscany. It combines saltless bread, beans, and Lacinato kale. The name, “ribollita” means “boiled twice” and refers to the fact that this is a dish which is intended to be made in large quantities and heated and reheated to be served on multiple occasions.
While different towns and cities, and even homes, will have their own variation on the recipe, you can expect all to include onions, carrots, celery, beans, cavolo nero, bread and olive oil.
Tasty and comforting, it's the perfect thing all year round to warm you up, fill you up and make your tastebuds happy.
Ribollita Toscana is a popular soup dish which can be found all over the region of Tuscany. It combines saltless bread, beans, and Lacinato kale. The name, “ribollita” means “boiled twice” and refers to the fact that this is a dish which is intended to be made in large quantities and heated and reheated to be served on multiple occasions.
While different towns and cities, and even homes, will have their own variation on the recipe, you can expect all to include onions, carrots, celery, beans, cavolo nero, bread and olive oil.
Tasty and comforting, it's the perfect thing all year round to warm you up, fill you up and make your tastebuds happy.
If you're feeling a little braver and want to try something a little more adventurous but very authentic and particular to Tuscany, Lampredotto is just what you're after!
A traditional Florentine street food, it is usually served as a sandwich and sold at stalls in the streets. It is made from beef tripe and sold at tripe stands called "banchini dei trippai".
The meat is simmered in a seasoned broth with tomato until tender, cut into slices and served on a large round bun or with the insides of the bun dunked in broth as well.
A traditional Florentine street food, it is usually served as a sandwich and sold at stalls in the streets. It is made from beef tripe and sold at tripe stands called "banchini dei trippai".
The meat is simmered in a seasoned broth with tomato until tender, cut into slices and served on a large round bun or with the insides of the bun dunked in broth as well.
Another food with strong ties to a particular part of Tuscany is Panigacci. Panigacci are a speciality bread from Podenzana in the Lunigiana. It is a type of round unleavened bread which has a soft or crunchy texture and are thin and well cooked. They are served dunked in sauces and toppings, cured meats and cheeses. Restaurant owners in Podenzana have even banded together to preserve the tradition of panigacci and make sure that the antique recipe stays the same.
Some restaurants in Lunigiana serve a sweet variety as well as the savoury kind, which is eaten warm and covered with chocolate spread.
Some restaurants in Lunigiana serve a sweet variety as well as the savoury kind, which is eaten warm and covered with chocolate spread.
Another Tuscan treat is Panforte which is similar to fruitcake. The ingredients include nuts, honey, sugar and spices and there are a huge variety of recipes from the traditional to chocolate versions.
Though the dessert is not just a Sienese tradition, Siena is considered the panforte capital of Italy.
You're probably hungry now, right? A trip to Tuscany is just the solution!
Though the dessert is not just a Sienese tradition, Siena is considered the panforte capital of Italy.
You're probably hungry now, right? A trip to Tuscany is just the solution!
Photo credits
picture 1: Martin Falbisoner / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Joy / CC BY 2.0;
picture 3: Fabio Venni / CC BY-SA 2.0;
picture 4: J.P.Lon / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 5: Stephen Butterworth / CC BY-SA 2.0
picture 1: Martin Falbisoner / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: Joy / CC BY 2.0;
picture 3: Fabio Venni / CC BY-SA 2.0;
picture 4: J.P.Lon / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 5: Stephen Butterworth / CC BY-SA 2.0
