Video to be posted
Truffles, with their rich aroma, are truly special. One dish that makes the most of their flavor is truffle pasta.
At first glance, it seems simple, but it has a deep charm.
Now, let's take a closer look at truffle pasta.
The beginning of Truffle Pasta
Truffle pasta is a luxurious dish that combines truffles, one of the world's three most prized delicacies, with pasta, a classic Italian dish.
Since ancient Roman times, truffles have been treasured as “treasures of the earth” and used in banquets and special occasions.
On the other hand, pasta did not become widespread until the Middle Ages, and it is believed that truffle pasta as we know it today originated in northern Italy, where truffles are abundant, when local chefs began combining truffles with pasta.
Nowadays, when the white truffle season arrives in autumn and winter, it has become a standard menu item enjoyed at high-end restaurants around the world.
Various types of Truffle Pasta
There are various variations of truffle pasta depending on the type of truffle used, the sauce, and the shape of the pasta.
● White truffle pasta
White truffles have a very strong and delicate aroma. Since the aroma disappears when cooked, it is common to combine them with light sauces such as butter or egg yolk, and then thinly slice them and use them as a topping.
● Black truffle cream pasta
Black truffles have a mild aroma and are resistant to heat, making them a good match for rich sauces such as cheese and cream. Chopping them up and mixing them into the sauce will give it a deeper flavor.
● Easy recipes using truffle oil
When fresh truffles are hard to come by, you can enjoy the flavor of truffles at home by using truffle oil, which captures the aroma of truffles. However, there are many inexpensive oils that contain only artificial flavors, so it is important to choose a high-quality product that uses natural aromas.
Trivia about truffles
●Why are truffles so expensive?
Truffles can only grow in nature and are almost impossible to cultivate artificially. Furthermore, they are hidden underground, making them difficult to harvest, and are affected by the climate each year.
White truffles are especially rare, sometimes costing over several hundred thousand yen per kilogram.
●Truffle dogs and truffle pigs
In the past, truffle pigs were used, but they often ate the truffles they found, so now truffle dogs are the norm.
Dogs are easy to train and make excellent partners because they will find truffles and let you know without eating them.
●Does fragrance have a pheromone effect?
The aroma of truffles is said to contain a component called androstenone, which is similar to human pheromones.
For this reason, it is also referred to as the “seductive scent” or “scent of love,” and is believed to have the power to attract people sensually.
●Careful storage of truffles
Truffles are a very delicate ingredient, and freezing them can cause them to lose their aroma.
When storing fresh truffles, wrap them in newspaper to prevent moisture, place them in an airtight container, store them in the refrigerator, and use them as soon as possible.
A simple truffle pasta recipe you can make at home
Ingredients (for 2 people)
- Pasta (tagliatelle, fettuccine, etc.)...160g
- Butter... 30g
- Parmigiano Reggiano (grated)... 2 tablespoons
- Truffle oil... 1-2 teaspoons (to taste)
- Fresh cream (if available)... 50 ml
- Salt and pepper...to taste
- Black truffles (if available)... a few slices
How to make them
- Boil plenty of water in a pot, add salt, and cook the pasta.
- Melt butter in a frying pan, add the cooked pasta and a little cooking water, and mix.
- Add cheese and mix well. If necessary, add a little fresh cream.
- Turn off the heat, drizzle with truffle oil, and serve on a plate.
- Finish by slicing black truffles on top and sprinkling with pepper.
Summary
Truffle pasta is a dish with depth not only in its aroma and taste, but also in its history and background.
It can be described as a dish that allows you to enjoy the blessings of nature and culture, rather than simply being “high-end gourmet food.”
With truffle oil, you can easily enjoy special dishes at home.
Why not try making truffle pasta on a special day or when you feel like a change of pace?
Comment