Food is an essential element of Italian culture and, when visiting a region in Italy, knowing the typical dishes to try is definitely fundamental. Today we’d like to introduce you to the world of the infamous “Ribollita”, a particular soup that you will find in the region of Tuscany. This dish was apparently first made by families that lived in the countryside and it was considered a “poor” dish. We can assure you though that it’s definitely rich in flavor!
Let’s find out something more about Tuscany’s Ribollita and why you should add it to the list of things to eat whilst visiting this region!
From Humble Origins to Culinary Delight: The History of Ribollita
The origins of Ribollita date back to the early 1900s. As briefly mentioned before, this was considered a poor dish made by peasants who lived in the countryside. Its name comes from the fact that it was prepared in large quantities to last a whole week and it was then boiled once again to warm it up, hence the name “ribollita” (reboiled).
What Makes Ribollita a Tuscan Classic?
Given the fact that Ribollita was born as a poor dish, it was often made with leftovers. It mainly consists of a Tuscan bread soup garnished with vegetables and sometimes beans or cabbage. It is cooked in a large clay pot and it’s a beloved dish by locals and tourists.
As previously mentioned, the Ribollita is made with Tuscan bread which is typically made without any salt.
Best Places to Eat Ribollita in Florence
If you’re visiting the city of Florence and are interested in eating some Ribollita, here’s a list of some of the best places where you can get it and what to visit after filling up your stomach:
- TRATTORIA DE BURDE: Located via Pistoiese 154, this restaurant is known for making Ribollita on Thursdays;
- TRATTORIA BALDINI: Located in Via IL Prato 96, the Ribollita is definitely a classic in this restaurant and it’s popular because it always uses stale bread for its ribollita, giving this bread a second life;
- TRATTORIA AL TRANVAI: Located in Piazza Tasso 147, Trattoria Al Tranvai is one of the most suggestive restaurants in the city. Its ribollita is one of the best you will ever find, especially if you order it during the autumn or winter season, as the vegetables will be better.
After eating a Ribollita, you will have all the energy you need to explore the city of Florence! If you don’t want to miss out on anything, make sure you book a private tour of the city with us. This will give you the chance to get to know everything you need about this magical city!
Conclusion
Trying traditional food is definitely a must when visiting a foreign city and you shouldn’t miss out on having some ribollita whilst in Tuscany! Even if you or maybe your kids are not a fan of vegetables, we can assure you that this dish will make you rethink your taste and give you a whole new perspective on them! Get to know more about Italy, Tuscany and the city of Florence by checking out our other blogs and explore the wonders of this amazing region by booking a Tour of Tuscany with us!
