The balanced influences of the Greek and Roman ancestors are combined with the genuine and decisive flavors typical of the peasant tradition.
Among the typical dishes and gastronomic specialties not to be missed in Cosenza, the "cuddrurieddri" stand out, delicious salty fried donuts. They are prepared especially for the feast of the Immaculate Conception and throughout the Christmas period, to be enjoyed accompanied by local cheeses, such as the excellent Caciocavallo silano, with homemade cold cuts and of course a good glass of local red wine.
The desserts are also simple but delicious, in which figs often appear, such as the "flask of figs ", dish of peasant origin in which the semi-dried fruits are baked in the oven and then wrapped in fig tree leaves to form a small ball.
A stop at the historian is highly recommended Gran Caffè Renzelli, founded in 1803, to delight the palate with typical cake from Cosenza par excellence: the Varchiglia, whose recipe based on almonds, sugar and chocolate was invented in the 300th century by the Discalced Carmelite nuns.
The excellences of the gastronomic tradition of Cosenza. Delicious dishes and typical products.
That of Cosentino is a gastronomic tradition that boasts numerous excellences including Caciocavallo Silano Dop. Among the most ancient and famous stretched curd cheeses of southern Italy, in particular of the Sila plateau, caciocavallo is produced with cow's milk and is characterized by the typical oval or truncated cone shape. Excellent alone, accompanied by bread and vegetables or as an ingredient in traditional Calabrian dishes.
Soppressata, capocollo, bacon and sausage. This is the delicious quatern of cured meats from Calabria PDO, promoted and protected by a specific Consortium. Their authenticity is guaranteed by the craftsmanship and high quality raw materials.
Il homemade bread is another typical product of Cosenza. To taste one of the best breads in the area, just go to the small village of Mangone, known as the "country of good bread". Made strictly with the traditional method, the bread has a very crunchy crust and a soft and tasty interior.
Cosenza: a land of fine wines
Among the many typical dishes and excellence of the Cosenza area, wine deserves a separate discussion. In recent years, the viticulture of Cosenza has experienced a real revolution, which has led to the birth of numerous wineries and the development of a diversified production strongly linked to the territory, but in the name of variety. Since 2011, the entire territory of the province has been included in the area of “Terre di Cosenza” DOP wines.
To experience the exciting tradition of the grape harvest, you have to go to Donci, a hilly hamlet of Cosenza, renowned for its climate but above all for its vineyards and its wine, whose myth is praised by the various murals that adorn the historic center. Here the excellent originates Donnici DOC, in the types red, red reserve, white, rosé and new. Every year in October, the ancient village hosts the historic one Grape and Wine Festival. It attracts thousands of visitors by offering tastings of wines and typical products.
