Welcome to Cascina's Food Paradise!

If you love exploring local cuisines when you travel, Cascina is a true culinary delight waiting to be discovered. Located in the heart of a beautiful countryside, Cascina offers a rich tapestry of flavors influenced by its history and natural bounty. From fresh ingredients sourced from local farms to traditional recipes passed down through generations, the food culture here is a celebration of authenticity and regional pride. Let's embark on a culinary journey through Cascina's vibrant gastronomy!

Traditional Dishes

Cascina boasts a wide array of traditional dishes that reflect its agricultural heritage and the abundance of fresh produce available in the region. Here are a few must-try dishes:

• Risotto alla Cascina: A creamy risotto made with tender Carnaroli rice, locally grown saffron, and finished with a generous amount of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
• Torta Pasqualina: This savory pie is a gem of Ligurian cuisine. It features layers of thin, buttery pastry filled with a mixture of Swiss chard, fresh herbs, ricotta cheese, and eggs.
• Bagna Cauda: A beloved Piedmontese fondue-like dish, bagna cauda is made from garlic, anchovies, olive oil, and butter. It is typically served with an assortment of fresh vegetables for dipping.
• Tagliatelle al Ragu: This classic pasta dish features long, flat ribbons of homemade tagliatelle served with a rich, slow-cooked meat sauce highlighting the flavors of local beef and herbs.
• Panissa: A deliciously comforting dish originating from the Vercelli area, panissa is a type of thick pancake made from chickpea flour, served with various toppings such as sautéed greens or cheese.

Iconic Restaurants

When it comes to experiencing Cascina's cuisine, you'll find a variety of exceptional restaurants that showcase the region's culinary excellence. Here are a few favorites:

1. Ristorante del Fiume: Located on the banks of the picturesque river, Ristorante del Fiume offers a romantic setting and a menu that highlights local river fish and freshwater delicacies.
2. Trattoria La Cascina: A charming trattoria nestled in the heart of Cascina's countryside, La Cascina serves traditional dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients sourced directly from local farmers.
3. Osteria del Borgo: Situated in the historic center of Cascina, Osteria del Borgo tantalizes taste buds with its menu inspired by regional recipes. Don't miss their exquisite risotto alla Cascina!
4. Ristorante La Torre: For panoramic views and delicious food, head to Ristorante La Torre. Located in a quaint tower, this restaurant specializes in gourmet dishes that showcase the best of Cascina's cuisine.

Recipes to Try at Home

If you want to recreate a taste of Cascina in your own kitchen, here are two traditional recipes to try:

Torta Pasqualina

Ingredients:

• 500g Swiss chard
• 300g ricotta cheese
• 4 eggs
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• Handful of fresh parsley, chopped
• Handful of fresh marjoram, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 sheets of puff pastry
• Butter for greasing

Instructions:

1. Cook the Swiss chard in boiling salted water until tender. Drain well and squeeze out any excess liquid. Chop the cooked chard.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped chard, ricotta cheese, 3 beaten eggs, onion, parsley, marjoram, salt, and pepper.
3. Grease a round baking dish with butter and line it with one sheet of puff pastry.
4. Add the filling mixture to the dish and make 4 wells. Crack an egg into each well and season with salt and pepper.
5. Cover the filling with the remaining sheets of puff pastry, sealing the edges well.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 40-45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
7. Allow the torta pasqualina to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Risotto alla Cascina

Ingredients:

• 300g Carnaroli rice
• 1 liter vegetable or chicken stock
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 50g butter
• 1 glass dry white wine
• A pinch of saffron threads
• 80g Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable or chicken stock and keep it simmering.
2. In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
3. Add the Carnaroli rice to the pan and toast it for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Pour in the white wine and stir until it evaporates.
5. Add a ladleful of the hot stock to the rice and stir until the liquid is absorbed. Repeat this process, adding more stock each time, until the rice is cooked but still al dente.
6. Dissolve the saffron threads in a little bit of hot stock and add it to the risotto. Stir well.
7. Remove the risotto from the heat and stir in the grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Cover the risotto and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Buon appetito!

Explore Cascina's Culinary Delights