Lenticchie di Castelluccio IGP
Castelluccio di Norcia, Umbria
The tiny, paper-skinned lentils of the Piano Grande di Castelluccio (1452m) in the Sibillini mountains — the only lentil to hold IGP status in Italy. Grown without irrigation on high-altitude volcanic-glacial soil, they are characterised by extreme thinness of skin (no soaking required, 20-25 minute cooking) and an intense, nutty, mineral flavour with none of the flatness of lowland lentils. Prepared simply: soffrito of onion, celery, and carrot, lentils in cold water, a sprig of sage, olive oil at the end.