Cuneo's Authentic Cuisine: Local Dishes, Restaurants & Traditional Recipes

Welcome to Cuneo, a city located in the Piedmont region of Italy. Known for its rich culinary heritage, Cuneo offers a delightful array of traditional dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you are a meat lover or a vegetarian, there is something for everyone to enjoy here. Let's explore the local cuisine and discover the best places to taste these mouthwatering delicacies.

Local Dishes

Cuneo is renowned for its hearty, flavorful dishes that incorporate locally sourced ingredients. Here are a few must-try dishes:

• Risotto al Fungo Porcino: This creamy risotto is made with the prized porcini mushrooms harvested from the nearby mountains.
• Bagna Cauda: A typical Piedmontese dish, Bagna Cauda is a warm dipping sauce made with garlic, anchovies, olive oil, and butter. It is traditionally enjoyed with an assortment of vegetables.
• Brasato al Barolo: This slow-cooked beef dish is braised in Barolo wine, a renowned red wine from the region. The meat becomes tender and flavorful, making it a true delicacy.
• Tajarin: These thin, delicate egg noodles are often served with a rich meat ragu or a simple sage and butter sauce.
• Bocconotti: Cuneo's famous sweet treats, bocconotti are pastry shells filled with a luscious chocolate and hazelnut cream.

Restaurants

When it comes to dining out in Cuneo, you'll be spoiled for choice. Here are some top-rated restaurants that serve authentic Cuneo cuisine:

• Ristorante Del Plin: This cozy restaurant is known for its impeccable service and traditional Piedmontese dishes, including their signature plin pasta filled with meat.
• Trattoria La Credenza: With a focus on seasonal ingredients, this trattoria offers a wide range of regional dishes, from handmade pastas to slow-cooked meats.
• Osteria del Borgo: Located in the historic center, this charming osteria showcases the best of local Piedmontese cuisine, with a menu that changes daily based on what ingredients are available.
• Ristorante da Felicin: A family-run establishment since 1880, this renowned restaurant is beloved for its classic dishes and extensive wine list featuring local vintages.
• Taverna Storica del Lepron: Situated in a medieval building, this atmospheric tavern serves up traditional dishes with a modern twist, using innovative cooking techniques.

Traditional Recipes

If you want to recreate the flavors of Cuneo in your own kitchen, here are a couple of traditional recipes that you can try:

Risotto al Fungo Porcino

Ingredients:

• 300g Arborio rice
• 200g fresh porcini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 liter vegetable or chicken broth
• 50g butter
• 50g grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pan, melt the butter and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
2. Add the rice and stir well to coat it in the butter.
3. Gradually add the broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until the liquid is absorbed before adding the next ladle.
4. After about 15 minutes, add the sliced mushrooms and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Bagna Cauda

Ingredients:

• 10-15 cloves of garlic, minced
• 20 anchovy fillets, soaked in milk for 30 minutes and drained
• 150ml extra virgin olive oil
• 100g unsalted butter
• Assorted fresh vegetables, such as carrots, celery, radishes, and bell peppers

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, gently heat the olive oil and anchovy fillets over low heat until the anchovies have dissolved.
2. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for a few minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted and well combined.
4. Transfer the sauce into a heat-resistant serving bowl or fondue pot.
5. Serve the Bagna Cauda alongside the fresh vegetables for dipping.

Enjoy these traditional recipes and savor the flavors of Cuneo!