Taroz

Taròz is a fulfilling, traditional dish from Valtellina that truly highlights several wonderful local products, from the potatoes and beans that are easily grown near the surrounding mountains to the renowned Valtellina Casera cheese. This hearty purée is prepared with potatoes and runner beans, first boiled, then fried in butter with onions and garlic. The mixture is flavored with Casera cheese which has been previously cut into small cubes, and it is then mashed with a fork until all ingredients are blended together. This basic, original recipe developed over time, so nowadays it is often enriched with pancetta, while Casera can be substituted with some other cheese, such as another famous local treat, Bitto. Taròz is usually served as an appetizer, but it is both delicious and nutritious enough to be consumed on its own as a main dish.