GASTRONOMY OF VALTELLINA AND VAL CAMONICA
The traditional Lombardy cuisine may not be as famous as its neighbouring Emilia-Romagna or Piemonte regions, yet it is full of interesting and hearty dishes and ingredients. Our chefs have been hard at work to design a menu that reflects the best of both valleys - Valtellina and Valcamonica - which out hotel sits in the middle of. You can indulge in plenty of the traditional recipes in our Ristorante Albergo Miramonti, such as Pizzoccheri della Valtellina or even Corteno’s most famous dish: Polenta e Cuz.
Meats
“a prominent part of Northern Italian subsistence”
Meat is a prominent part of Northern Italian subsistence - with beef and pork dominating the dishes. The much-loved meats are often thrown into a rich, hearty stew. Our village of Corteno Golgi is famous for a Lamb recipe who’s origins date back to several hundred years. The dish is called “Polenta e Cuz” and it consists in a slow stew of mutton, cooked for several hours over wood fire and served with a creamy polenta. This is a dish that can only be found in our village and it is something that we prepare for the local community at least once a month. If you would like to sample this traditional dish we can prepare it for you, upon request, for a minimum of two people. On our menu you will also find a selection of dried and cured meats, most of which have been prepared by our local butchers and aged in our own cellars.
Cheeses
“a cheese-lover’s dream getaway destination”
Lombardy is one of Italy’s most prolific cheese-making regions, as the lowlands of the River Po are the ideal environment for rearing dairy cattle. There are 13 Protected DOP cheeses belonging to Lombardy, so it’s safe to say it’s a cheese-lovers dream getaway destination. Cheese is incorporated in many of the dishes we serve in our Albergo Miramonti ristorante. For example the beautiful Casera cheese of Valtellina is a key ingredient for our Sciatt and Pizzoccheri dishes. Make sure you try them while you are here.
Rice and Grains
“a huge part of the lombardy specialities”
Down in the Po Valley, much of the land is covered by rice paddies - so it’s no surprise that rice and grains are a huge part of the Lombardy specialities. You’ve probably heard of polenta, which is one of the oldest recipes in history - of course originating from Lombardy. This is widely incorporated in many dishes, often enriched with butter and cream. Buckwheat is also hugely popular within the North of Italy - with Pizzoccheri standing out as the crowd's favourite. Although, rice certainly wears the crown for the most popular carbohydrate! With dishes such as Risotto Alla Milanese being a widely popular dish worldwide.
Pasta
“One of our signature dishes at miramonti are hand-made tagliatelle with locally sourced porcini mushrooms”
We’re sure that when you think of Italy, pasta is one of the first things that springs to mind. Although, it may come as a surprise that in the north rice and polenta take centre stage. They overtake pasta as a daily staple, but that doesn’t mean we don’t love a bit of pasta. One of our signature dishes at Miramonti are hand-made Tagliatelle with locally sourced Porcini mushrooms. Something delicious to enjoy while you are here.
Fine Wines
“Valtellina wineries being known as some of the best in the world!”
Lombardy is the home to some of the most famous wine-producing regions in Italy. With Valtellina wineries being known as some of the best in the world! You’ll be able to discover what makes Valtellinese wines so special. There are plenty of wine tours and tasting sessions for you to choose from.
