Bresaola della Valtellina IGP can be considered a real jewel of Italian gastronomy. However, the many lovers of this Valtellina cured meat wonder how best to combine it with other products to enhance its taste and create truly unique recipes.
Today, therefore, we propose some combinations, from the most classic to the most surprising, to enhance the intense and aromatic flavour of Bresaola della Valtellina IGP.
Classic pairings
Bread: focaccia, with its softness and aromas, is an ideal companion for bresaola. With breadsticks or cereal bread, for a rustic but not intrusive touch, its unmistakable flavour is preserved.
Vegetables: tomatoes, olives, rocket, grilled courgettes. The freshness of the vegetables balances the savouriness of the bresaola, so don't set yourself limits with the ‘green’ combinations, but opt for the lighter ones: the balance of your preparations will be rewarded!
Cheeses: crescenza, mozzarella and, of course, Parmigiano Reggiano: the combination with cheeses, whether hard, soft or spreadable, creates a play of textures and flavours that complement each other.
Creative pairings
Fruit: the sweetness of fruit contrasts nicely with the strong taste of bresaola. So leave room for creativity and choose figs, pears, apples, nuts and many other combinations.
Cocktails: a Negroni or Bellini can be surprising companions to our bresaola, creating a refined and tasty aperitif.
Risotto and other recipes: bresaola, cut into strips, can enrich a mushroom or saffron risotto. In salads, perhaps with Parmesan shavings and citronette, it makes for a fresh and light dish.
For more recipes with Bresaola della Valtellina IGP, visit the dedicated page.
Tips for a perfect pairing
Wine: A wine pairing is a must. You could opt for light reds such as Valtellina Superiore or fresh whites such as Sauvignon Blanc, which are among the most suitable to best accompany bresaola.
Extra-virgin olive oil: another perfect match, but one that requires special attention: a drizzle of quality oil enhances the flavour of the bresaola, but don't exaggerate with the quantities!
If you, just like us, love Bresaola della Valtellina IGP, the advice we can give you is to experiment until you find the combinations you like best. Pay attention to taste, however: bresaola will be the queen of your preparations, so be careful not to overpower its flavour with products that are too strong.