Before coming to Tuscany, I only new the famous song “Viva la Pappa col Pomodoro” sung by Rita Pavone.. in Piedmont isn’t a tradition.

When I discovered it (Giorgio made me taste it), I found it really special.. and asked Giorgio to do it so many times!

It is a very simple plate, a traditional plate of Tuscany, one of the poorest plates of the tradition but it is so good! So I find it like a cuddle:-))

Here is Ciorgio’s recipe:

Ingredients:

1 onion, some extra virgin olive oil, tomato paste, 2 fresh tomatoes, Parmigiano Reggiano

Procedure:

Cut the onion in little pieces. Put a little ‘of oil in a pan and then heat the oil.
When the oil is hot, add the onion.
When the onion is a bit ‘faded add the tomato puree and two fresh tomatoes into small pieces. Cook stirring occasionally for 15 to 20 minutes on very low heat.
Serve and, in the plate, add a lot of grated Parmigiano Reggiano.

Something about Parmigiano Reggiano: if you wish to taste the real italian plates, you have to buy the real Parmigiano Reggiano, not already grated and not with other names such as Parmesan or other things.. they are not the real Parmigiano and won’t taste the same and won’t give you the same suggestions. These products are frauds.. they won’t assure you all the quality certifications.. so pay attention!

I will tell you the same about extra vergin olive oil: these italian recipes give their best with original and best quality ingredients. If you’re not planning to come to Italy, you can buy some good oil with e-commerce maybe? or, if you’re lucky and you’re planning a trip to Italy, when you come you also buy some some good extra virgin olive oil directly buy farmers. (I usually buy extra vergin olive oil in Murlo with 6, 7 euro per liter.. it is not so much, isn’t it? like one of the worste quality in a supermarket..The right period for the famous “olio novo” (new oil) is december, after olive harvest. My opinion is, that to taste olio novo directly by farmers is one of the most important things to do in life:-)

For celebrating the new oil, in december there are some special festivals: for example, the “Festa dell’Olio” (Oil Festival), on december 8th,  in San Quirico d’Orcia..