Truffle Hunting in Tuscany

by | Jul 31, 2024 | Day Trips, Events, Food

Truffle Hunting in Tuscany at Palazzo Passerini

Truffle Hunting in Tuscany: A Gourmet Adventure

Tuscany is renowned for its culinary treasures, and among them, truffles (black and white) stand out as the most coveted delicacy. Embark on a truffle hunting adventure and discover the rich flavours and traditions that make Tuscan truffles so special.

The Truffle Hunting Experience

Truffle hunting is a time-honoured tradition in Tuscany, passed down through generations. Join an expert truffle hunter and their specially trained dogs as they venture into the lush woodlands in search of these elusive treasures. The hunt itself is an exhilarating experience, combining the beauty of nature with the excitement of discovery. Truffles are not easy to spot under the naked eye and can look like dirt-covered stones, so specialist hounds are needed to hunt them out.

Learning from the Experts

During your truffle hunting trip, you’ll learn about the different types of truffles found in Tuscany, including the prized white truffle. The truffle hunter will share insights into the best hunting grounds, the role of the dogs, and the delicate art of harvesting truffles without damaging the surrounding environment.

Savouring the Fruits of Your Labour

After a successful hunt, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labour. Some truffle hunting tours include a cooking class or a gourmet meal where you can taste freshly harvested truffles. Learn how to prepare classic Tuscan dishes that highlight the truffle’s unique flavour, and savour each bite paired with exquisite local wines. A typical Tuscan pasta dish that we love from Gordon Ramsay is below:

INGREDIENTS

Serves 4

For the vegetable stock:

  • 3 celery stalks
  • 2 onions, peeled and chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 leeks, cleaned and chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic
  • 2 spring thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 pinch of peppercorns
  • Small bunch of parsley stalks
  • 300ml white wine

For the truffle sauce:

  • 200ml vegetable stock
  • 200g unsalted butter
  • 100g Parmesan (or hard cheese)
  • Pinch sea salt
  • 25ml truffle oil
  • 10g fresh truffle

For the pasta:

  • 550g of 00 flour
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 4 whole eggs
  • 20ml olive oil
  • Pinch of salt

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

For the vegetable stock:

  1. Put all ingredients for the stock into a pan, cover with cold water
  2. Bring to the boil
  3. Lower the heat and simmer gently for 30-45 mins
  4. Remove from the heat and allow to cool
  5. Pass through a fine strainer

For the truffle sauce:

  1. Cut the butter into small cubes and return to the fridge
  2. Put 200g of veg stock in a saucepan bring to the boil
  3. Add the butter gradually, beating briskly with a whisk
  4. As soon as the butter has melted take off the heat, beat the mixture energetically
  5. Add the truffle oil, Parmesan or hard cheese and grated fresh truffle

For the pasta:

  1. Mix the eggs together with oil
  2. Put the flour and the salt into a food processor
  3. Slowly add the egg mix to the flour until it forms a breadcrumb consistency
  4. Turn out into a clean work surface, then knead the dough for 5 or 6 minutes
  5. Wrap in cling film and place in the fridge to rest for 2 hours
  6. Cut a piece of the dough off and start to roll through the pasta machine until you reach the desired thickness (around 2mm)
  7. Cut the sheet of pasta into strips and lay onto a tray of semolina
  8. Bring a saucepan of water to the boil, season with salt
  9. Cook the pasta for 2 minutes and drain

To finish:

  1. In a separate pan, gently warm the truffle sauce
  2. Add the pasta to the sauce, ensuring all of the pasta strips are well-coated
  3. Sprinkle with chopped chives (optional)
  4. Plate and shave fresh truffles on top

Stay at Palazzo Passerini

Enhance your stay at Palazzo Passerini with a truffle-hunting adventure in October or November. Our luxury air-conditioned townhouse is the best place to stay in Cortona. After a day in the woods, relax in the drawing room, help yourself to a drink from the honesty bar and watch the sunset over the rooftops and Tuscan landscape.