Moveable Feast with Fine Cooking Season 5 Episode 6 Vercelli, Italy
- TV-PG
- November 4, 2017
- 22 min
The episode, titled "Vercelli, Italy", is the sixth installment of the fifth season of Moveable Feast with Fine Cooking. The show features world-class chefs traveling to different cities and towns across the globe to gather inspiration from local flavors and create epicurean masterpieces.
In this episode, host Pete Evans and guest chef Amy Thielen journey to Vercelli, a small Piedmontese town in northern Italy known for its renowned rice fields and its bountiful produce. Their first stop is at the legendary Santa Chiara market, where they explore the seasonal ingredients and meet the local vendors who supply them.
Next, the pair head to Cascina Oschiena, a picturesque farmstead nestled in the foothills of the Alps, where they meet owners Filippo and Federica Moretti. Here, they gather fresh herbs and vegetables to prepare a traditional dish of bagna cauda, a warm dip composed of anchovies, garlic, and olive oil that is a staple of Piedmontese cuisine.
Afterward, they make their way to Riserva San Massimo, a natural park that is home to one of the largest and most important wetlands in Italy. Here, the duo meets Davide Laviola, a hunter who takes them on a fascinating excursion to observe and learn about the local fauna and wildlife.
Back in Vercelli, Pete and Amy head to Cascina La Valle, a local farm that specializes in the production of Carnaroli rice, the "king of rice" used in many Italian dishes. Here, they meet with owner Gianenrico Sibona and his family, who share with them the secrets of producing this special grain.
To cap off their culinary adventure, the chefs prepare a sumptuous feast of mouth-watering dishes, including risotto made with local white wine and handmade sausage, crispy fennel fritters, and a dessert of luscious chocolate mousse with hazelnuts and zabaglione cream.
Overall, the episode provides a delicious insight into the vibrant flavors and traditions of Piedmontese cuisine, as well as the breathtaking natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.