• Food & Wine

Cotechino pavese

A traditional peasant's delight

Cotechino Pavese is one of the most authentic symbols of the traditional cuisine of the province of Pavia, a product that tells stories of conviviality and ancient peasant customs. This sausage, prepared with pork, spices and natural aromas, is the protagonist of many tables during the holidays, but is appreciated all year round for its strong and unmistakable taste.

Origins

Cotechino has deep roots in the rural culture of Pavia, where nothing of the pig was wasted. The name derives from "cotica," or the pig's rind, which is one of the main ingredients of this sausage. Originally prepared in the farms during the winter slaughter, cotechino was a perfect food to face the rigors of the cold season, thanks to its high nutritional value.

Preparation

The processing of Cotechino Pavese follows a traditional recipe handed down from generation to generation. Lean and fat pork, minced rind, salt and a mix of spices (which may vary slightly depending on family recipes) are used. The mixture is stuffed into a natural casing and subjected to a slow cooking process to enhance its flavor and soft texture.

How to taste it

Cotechino Pavese is traditionally served hot, accompanied by side dishes that enhance its flavor. Mashed potatoes, lentils, or polenta are the most classic choices. It is an essential dish in New Year's Eve celebrations, a symbol of good wishes and prosperity.

A product to enhance

Today, Cotechino Pavese is appreciated not only for its link with tradition, but also for the quality of local raw materials. Several butcher shops and artisan cured meat producers in the province of Pavia continue to produce it following traditional methods, offering consumers a genuine product rich in history.

Tasting a Cotechino Pavese means immersing yourself in the culinary culture of this land, rediscovering the authentic flavors that make the gastronomic tradition of Pavia unique.

On the same topic

Wine Cellars in Casteggio

An ancient village in the Oltrepò Pavese, rich in high quality vineyards
  • Food & Wine
Wine cellars in Casteggio, a hidden treasure

Zucca Bertagnina di Dorno

In Dorno, pumpkin cultivation has an ancient tradition. In particular, a variety of pumpkin called "Bertagnina" was historically grown.
  • Food & Wine
Zucca Bertagnina

Wines of Valtellina

The extreme variety of the Lombardy territories is reflected in a very wide range of absolutely fine and famous red and white wines all over the world
  • Food & Wine
Discover and savor the wines of Valtellina

What can I eat in Cremona?

The main courses of Cremona’s tradition
  • Food & Wine
What can I eat in Cremona?

Today's Recipe

Every day a new recipe to try from the Lombard tradition
  • Food & Wine
Today's recipe, what to eat

Agritourism in Pavia: where you feel ‘naturally’ at home

Dove è naturale sentirsi a casa
  • Food & Wine
Agritourism in Pavia: where you feel ‘naturally’ at home

Brasadè di Staghiglione

Il Brasadè, ciambelline d’origine ottocentesca
  • Food & Wine
Brasadé di Staghiglione

The cheese

Ben sei formaggi prodotti nel Cremonese hanno ottenuto il riconoscimento DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta): grana padano, provolone valpadana, taleggio, quartirolo lombardo, gorgonzola e salva cremasco.
  • Food & Wine
The cheese

Discover the flavors of Valtellina

Leafy woods and thermal waters. Alpine pastures that offer great cheeses, meats and full-bodied wines
  • Food & Wine
A caccia di sapori in Valtellina

Lake Garda, olives and lemon houses

Calm waters and mountains landscapes, olives and lemon houses, an exceptional extra virgin olive oil
  • Food & Wine
Sirmione, Garda lake

Campagna Amica, the Sunday markets

In Stradivari Square in Cremona
  • Food & Wine
Campagna Amica, the Sunday markets

Traditional cheeses of lombardy

It is from Lombardy that some of the most famous Italian cheeses come from all over the world
  • Food & Wine
Traditional cheeses of Lombardy

Wine and Flavor Trail Valtellina

A scenic road through the terraced vineyards
  • Food & Wine
Strada vino e sapori Valtellina, percorriamola insieme

Freshwater fish: a true Lombardian menu

Lake and river fish in Lombardy: between tradition and innovation, Lombardian fish cuisine offers up some delicious dishes
  • Food & Wine
Pesce d’acqua dolce: un menù tutto lombardo - Tinca

Rosemary Risotto from Montevecchia

A typical dish of the Brianza kitchen
  • Food & Wine
Rosemary risotto from Montevecchia, a delectable recipe

Franciacorta Wine

An ancient art that unites, in perfect union, with the most modern technologies and the mastery of the winemakers of the territory
  • Food & Wine
Franciacorta wine, an international success

Varese Local Products Guide

The typical products with which to prepare the dining table are varied and include all the dishes: from appetizers to desserts
  • Food & Wine
Varese local products guide, essential tips

Eating in Val Sabbia

The authentic taste of Val Sabbian cuisine
  • Food & Wine
Spiedo bresciano

Lodi cheeses

Curiosities and characteristics of cheeses for you to taste in Lodi and surrounding area
  • Food & Wine
Formaggi lodigiani

Wine and Flavor Trail Oltrepò Pavese

Oltrepo Pavese has always been recognized for its wines and most of those who have had the pleasure of going to this part of the province of Pavia, will remember above all its hills and stretches of vine rows
  • Food & Wine
Wine and Flavor Trail in Oltrepò Pavese, history taste and traditions