One of the highlights of Cosenza’s cuisine is the typical dishes of Diamante, Belvedere, and Belmonte, which are served on the table of most local restaurants. These three towns are located in the Tyrrhenian Coast of Calabria and are known for their unique gastronomic delights.
Diamante, also known as the City of Chili Peppers, is famous for its Italian-style sardines and its famous peperoncino, a spicy red chili pepper that is used in many traditional dishes. In fact, the town is considered the chili pepper capital of Italy, and locals celebrate the annual Sagra del Peperoncino, a festival celebrating the brightly colored vegetable.
One of the most popular dishes from Diamante is the peperoncino sardines. This dish is made by grilling fresh sardines and serving them on a bed of spicy chili peppers, garlic, and parsley. The combination of the slightly bitter and salty sardines with the spicy paprika spikes of the peperoncino is an explosion of flavors in every bite.
Belvedere, a charming medieval town surrounded by mountains and forests, is very proud of its ancient Roman roots. Therefore, many of its traditional dishes take inspiration from the Romans. An example of this is the Belvedere-style meatballs, which are prepared using ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, and a generous amount of parmesan cheese and then simmered in a tangy tomato sauce.
The Belvedere-style meatballs are usually served with cavatelli, a type of small pasta similar to gnocchi, or with a generous helping of polenta, a traditional Italian dish made from boiled cornmeal. The result is a hearty and comforting meal that showcases the simplicity of Italian cuisine.
Finally, Belmonte, known as the Land of the Bergamot, is a mountainous town located in the heart of Calabria. The bergamot, a sour citrus fruit with a fragrant aroma, is grown on the slopes surrounding the town and used in many of Belmonte’s traditional dishes.
One of the most popular Belmonte dishes is patate con le baccalà. This dish, made with salted codfish and potatoes, is a beloved classic of Calabrian cuisine. The codfish is soaked in cold water for hours before being cooked with diced potatoes, onions, garlic, and tomatoes. The result is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for colder months.
In conclusion, Cosenza’s cuisine offers a range of dishes that are deeply connected to the local territories and their traditions. The typical dishes of Diamante, Belvedere, and Belmonte celebrate the various flavors and ingredients of Calabria, creating a unique culinary experience for visitors and locals alike.