Fossano's Culinary Delights: Local Dishes, Restaurants & Traditional Recipes

Welcome to Fossano, a charming town in the Piedmont region of Italy renowned for its rich culinary heritage. In this guide, we will take you on a gastronomic journey, introducing you to the local dishes, the best restaurants, and even share some traditional recipes that you can try at home.

Local Dishes

Fossano's cuisine is characterized by its simplicity, emphasizing the use of locally sourced ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. Here are some of the must-try local dishes:

• Plin: This is a traditional Piedmontese pasta dish, similar to ravioli. The pasta pockets are filled with a mixture of roasted meats, garlic, and herbs, and then served with a rich meat-based sauce.
• Bagna Cauda: A classic Fossano dish, bagna cauda is a warm dipping sauce made with garlic, anchovies, olive oil, and butter. It is usually served with a variety of fresh vegetables, which are dipped into the flavorful sauce.
• Brasato al Barolo: This is a delicious braised beef dish that is slow-cooked in Barolo wine, a famous red wine from the Piedmont region. The result is tender, flavorful meat that melts in your mouth.
• Tajarin: Tajarin is a type of long, thin pasta similar to tagliatelle. It is typically served with a rich meat or mushroom sauce.
• Torta di Nocciole: No culinary journey in Fossano is complete without trying the famous hazelnut cake. Made with locally grown hazelnuts, this dessert is nutty, rich, and absolutely delightful.

Restaurants

Fossano is home to several outstanding restaurants where you can savor the local cuisine and more. Here are some recommended establishments:

1. Ristorante Bianca: Located in the heart of Fossano, Ristorante Bianca offers an elegant dining experience with a focus on traditional Piedmontese dishes. Their Plin and Brasato al Barolo are highly recommended.
2. Trattoria del Pesce: If you're a seafood lover, Trattoria del Pesce is the place to be. This cozy restaurant specializes in fresh seafood dishes, including a delightful Bagna Cauda.
3. Osteria del Tajarin: As the name suggests, Osteria del Tajarin is known for its mouthwatering Tajarin pasta. From classic meat-based sauces to vegetarian options, they have something for everyone.
4. Pasticceria Amadeo: For a sweet treat, head to Pasticceria Amadeo, a pastry shop known for its Torta di Nocciole. Indulge in a slice of this delectable cake paired with a cup of aromatic Italian coffee.
5. Ristorante La Piazzetta: Situated in a charming square, Ristorante La Piazzetta offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu featuring a variety of regional specialties. Their expertly prepared Plin is a must-try.

Traditional Recipes

Bring the flavors of Fossano into your own kitchen with these traditional recipes:

Plin Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the pasta:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• Pinch of salt
• For the filling:
• 1/2 cup roasted meats (such as beef and pork), finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (such as thyme and rosemary), chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the sauce:
• 1 cup meat broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, eggs, and salt to make the pasta dough. Knead until smooth and elastic, then cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. In another bowl, mix together the roasted meats, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper to make the filling.
3. Roll out the pasta dough into thin sheets and cut into small squares.
4. Place a small amount of the filling in the center of each square. Fold the dough over to form a triangle and pinch the edges together to seal.
5. In a saucepan, bring the meat broth and butter to a simmer. Cook the plin in boiling salted water until they float to the top, then transfer them to the saucepan.
6. Stir gently to coat the plin with the sauce. Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Enjoy the homemade Plin, celebrating the flavors of Fossano in your own kitchen!

Bagna Cauda Recipe

Ingredients:

• 12 garlic cloves, minced
• 10 anchovy fillets, rinsed and minced
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Assorted fresh vegetables (such as carrots, celery, radicchio, and artichokes), cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over low heat until the butter melts.
2. Add the minced garlic and anchovy fillets, stirring constantly until the anchovies dissolve and the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Transfer the sauce to a heat-proof serving dish and arrange the fresh vegetables around it.
4. Dip the vegetables into the warm sauce and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors.

Now you can recreate the delightful Bagna Cauda experience in your own home!

Explore Fossano's Culinary Treasures

If you're planning to visit Fossano, be sure to check out these culinary hotspots on the map below:

Enjoy your culinary exploration of Fossano!