Carchiola is a traditional cheese from the region of Basilicata in southern Italy. It is a semi-hard cheese made from cow’s milk and has a distinct flavor and texture. Carchiola can be found in various towns and communes in Basilicata, including Matera, Potenza, and Melfi.
In Matera, you can find Carchiola at local cheese shops such as Caseificio Matera and Latteria Sociale Matera. These shops offer a wide selection of local cheeses, including Carchiola. In Potenza, you can visit Caseificio Potenza, which is known for its high-quality dairy products, including Carchiola. In Melfi, you can find Carchiola at Caseificio Melfi, a renowned cheese shop in the area.
Carchiola is a versatile cheese that can be used in various recipes. One popular recipe is Carchiola and Tomato Bruschetta. To make this dish, you will need slices of toasted bread, ripe tomatoes, Carchiola cheese, olive oil, and fresh basil. Simply top the toasted bread with sliced tomatoes, Carchiola cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve as an appetizer or snack.
Another delicious recipe using Carchiola is Carchiola and Mushroom Risotto. For this dish, you will need Arborio rice, mushrooms, Carchiola cheese, vegetable broth, onion, garlic, white wine, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sauté the mushrooms, onion, and garlic in butter until golden. Add the rice and cook for a few minutes. Gradually add the vegetable broth and white wine, stirring constantly until the rice is cooked. Stir in the Carchiola cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve hot and enjoy!
Carchiola has been recognized with the PAT (Traditional Agri-Food Product) recognition, which guarantees its traditional production methods and quality. The specifications for Carchiola include:
– Made from cow’s milk
– Semi-hard texture
– Distinct flavor
– Produced in specific towns and communes in Basilicata, such as Matera, Potenza, and Melfi
Sources:
– “Carchiola” – www.caseificiomatera.it
– “Carchiola” – www.caseificiopotenza.it
– “Carchiola” – www.caseificiomelfi.it