If there’s one thing that Italy is known for, it’s the country’s incredible gastronomy. From the world-famous wines of Tuscany and Piedmont to the endless variety of pasta dishes, Italian cuisine is sure to satisfy any palate. But if you can’t make it to Italy, don’t worry: we’ve got you covered. We reveal the secrets to enjoying the flavours of Piedmont from home, with recipes and tips that will transport you right to the heart of this beautiful region.

One of the best things about Piedmontese cuisine is its simplicity. While there are some stunningly complex dishes out there, sometimes the most delicious meals are made with just a few fresh ingredients. That’s why we’ve put together a list of our favourite simple recipes that you can easily make at home. From creamy risottos to hearty stews, these dishes will give you a taste of Piedmont that you won’t soon forget.

Of course, no meal is complete without a good bottle of wine. And when it comes to wine, Piedmont definitely delivers. With world-famous wines like Barolo and Barbaresco, as well as lighter options like Gavi and Barbera, there’s something for everyone. Not sure which wine to pair with your meal? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered there too. Just check out our handy guide to Piedmontese wines and you’ll be a pro in no time.

So what are you waiting for? Get cooking and enjoy the flavours of Piedmont from home!

Piedmont Food and Wine:

Piedmont is known for its high-quality ingredients, so it’s no surprise that the dishes from this region are some of the best in Italy. If you’re looking to recreate the flavours of Piedmont at home, here are some of the key ingredients you’ll need:

Meat: Piedmont is famous for its beef, so be sure to pick up some high-quality cuts for your dishes. One of the tastiest dishes from Piedmont is Brasato al Barolo, which is a rich stew made with beef, celery and carrots in a Barolo wine-based gravy, served over polenta.

For an authentically decadent hit of umami, try grating in some black truffle, and serve with a bottle of 2017 Barolo from Luca Bosio.

Cheese: There are many delicious cheeses used in Piedmontese cuisine, such as Gorgonzola, Robiola and Toma, but many of these come from outside of the region. One of the most delicious Piedmont native cheeses is La Tur – a creamy brie-like cheese, made from a combination of cow, sheep and goat’s milk. You can pick up a fantastic example in Jeroboams’ Holland Park shop.

If you want a real hit of Piedmont without the airmiles, try a wheel of La Tur served with a lees-aged Gavi di Gavi like the Fignini from La Chiara. While this Gavi has enough richness and body to stand up to the creaminess of the cheese, its delicate flavours won’t overwhelm, and its characteristic acidity will cut through the cheese, refreshing your palate between nibbles.

Truffles: These prized fungi are often used as a finishing touch on Piedmontese dishes. To get the full story on truffles, check out our post on Truffles from Piedmont: A Gastronomic Delight – but make sure when choosing that you select those that are firm and have a strong aroma. Avoid any that are soft or have a weak smell. If you can’t source fresh truffles where you are, or they’re out of season, dried truffles or truffle oil can be used as a substitute.

One of our favourite truffle-infused Piedmont dishes is a wild mushroom risotto – which can be made vegetarian (with vegetable stock) and, due to its incredibly umami-rich flavours, served with a red wine.
A top tip to avoid stodginess in your risotto is to avoid over-stirring. While you’ll need to agitate the rice to stop it from sticking to the bottom of the pan, stirring too vigorously will cause the rice to break down and release its starches into the liquid. No one wants that!

Once your rice has absorbed the stock, it should still be a little al dente – and can be served with a juicy Barbera such as the Fisetta from Marco Oberto. The fine acidity of this typical Piedmont red will cut through the creaminess of the risotto without any trouble whatsoever, while the spicy cherry and sour cherry fruit will be a wonderful counterpoint to the dish’s earthy richness.

With these ingredients, matched with the incredible wines on offer, you’ll be well on your way to creating some truly delicious Piedmontese dishes at home. Buon appetito!