Basilicata is an area in Italy, located in the instep of the
Italian boot. This hilly and mountainous region is located in the southwest
corner of Italy. Like so many other parts of Italy, this region has known many
Conquerors, each of whom has left a Cultural and Culinary trace. This region is
known for Caves and now is becoming a trendy tourist attractions, complete with
Upscale Restaurants.
Start your adventure with some delicious Vegetables. One great
dish is Piatto di Erbe alla Lucana (Dish of Herbs Lucana Style) consisting of
eggplants, onions, yellow peppers, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and a few other
ingredients. Start by salting the eggplants to remove their bitter juices. Fry
and then simmer the veggies and their accompaniments. This is not a quick dish,
but you will enjoy it whether you are a vegetarian or not. The suggested wine
pairing is an Italian Syrah.
Lamb is popular in Basilicata. Make sure to try Cutturiddi o
Agnello in Casseruola (Cutturiddi or Lamb Casserole) made from a combination of
lamb breast and shoulder with pearl onions, chili peppers, ripe tomatoes, and a
few other ingredients. The classic wine pairing is the local Aglianico del
Vulture DOC named for the extinct Mount Vulture volcano that gives the wine its
special taste.
Maybe you like your lamb Baked. Try Agnello e Funghi al Forno
(Baked Lamb with mushrooms), ideally made with cardoncelli mushrooms that tend
to grow under thistle bushes. The other ingredients include chili peppers and
olive oil. Suggested wine pairings include Italian Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah,
and Pinot Nero. Nobody will blame us for yet another popular but different local
lamb specialty, this time based on leg of lamb. Agnello Venosino (Lamb Venosino
style). Other ingredients include asparagus, onions, grated Pecorino cheese,
eggs, and olive oil. This delicious dish calls for an Italian Cabernet
Sauvignon, or those Piedmont prizes, Barbaresco DOCG and Barolo DOCG.
Let us not forget Chicken. One local dish is Pollo alla Potentina
(Chicken Potenza Style), chicken braised in white wine with onions, tomatoes,
sweet peppers, and some other ingredients. Recommended wine pairings include an
Italian Pinot Nero and a Barbera from Piedmont.
At TheUpScaleKitchen we are always
searching for new recipes, places to visit and tips to share. Some
recipes are from our family some we find while researching topics for our
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