There is no doubt that, nowadays, the black truffle is an exclusive and coveted ingredient in haute cuisine. This gourmet fungus, which has the particularity of growing in symbiosis with the roots of certain trees, is often widely appreciated for its intense aroma and its exquisite and unmistakable flavour. Its rarity, the complexity involved in its harvesting and its excellent ability to raise the quality of any dish to gourmet level explain its high market value.
It is a very versatile food that allows us to enhance everyday foods very easily, and it unveils a world of surprising nuances that make our taste buds dance. For this reason, in this article, we are going to show you which ingredients and dishes the black truffle combines best with to make the most of everything it has to offer in the world of cooking. If you want to discover the secrets of what is known as the “black diamond of the kitchen”, we recommend you read on.
With which dishes is the black truffle traditionally used?
Over the last decades, the black truffle (Tuber melanosporum Vitt) has become a fundamental ingredient in the world of gourmet cuisine, especially when it comes to French and Italian dishes. This ingredient has an unmistakable aroma and a persistent, umami flavour that allows it to be used in a large number of recipes without losing its prominence or being masked.
However, although it is a versatile ingredient that can be combined with an infinite number of foods, it is true that there are some dishes in which it combines better than others. For this reason, in order to get the most out of the black truffle, we are going to show you some of the best combinations you can make so that you can enjoy this gourmet ingredient to its full potential.
Pasta and black truffle
The combination of black truffle with pasta is undoubtedly a classic of haute cuisine. This fungus brings an irresistible depth of flavour to even the simplest recipes. The key is to use fresh, quality pasta with mild sauces that bring out the aroma of the truffle without masking it. Among the more traditional options, we can mention tagliatelle or pappardelle with butter, olive oil or a mild cream cheese sauce with boletus.
You can also try the egg pasta with grated black truffle mushroom. When we have finished making the sauce and poured it over the pasta dish, while it is still hot, it is the perfect moment to add the black truffle in the form of fine shavings to transform a seemingly simple dish into an exceptional gastronomic experience that will not leave you indifferent.
Meat and black truffle
There is no doubt that black truffle can be perfectly complemented with selected meats, which helps to enhance its flavour and add a touch of gourmet, elegance or sophistication to this recipe. It is often used with red meats such as beef sirloin or beef tenderloin, enhancing its juiciness with thin slices of truffle. It also goes perfectly with poultry such as turkey or duck.
For this reason, it is often mixed in stuffings, together with sauces or simply using truffled oils or butters that help to give the meat the unmistakable aroma and flavour of this exceptional mushroom. However, it should be remembered that Tuber melanosporum Vitt. is an ingredient that cannot be cooked at high temperatures, as its flavour and aroma are extremely volatile and can easily be lost. Therefore, it is better to grate or slice the black truffle directly on the dishes while it is still warm.
Seafood and black truffle
Although it is a little-known combination of ingredients, black truffle can actually enhance the flavour of certain seafood thanks to its exquisite aromatic elegance. The key lies in choosing products with delicate and smooth flavours and aromas, such as scallops, lobster, prawns, or Galician octopus, among others. These are perfect foods to enjoy with this gourmet mushroom, as they have such a mild flavour and aroma that they intermingle with the aroma and flavour of the truffle without masking them.
For example, we can say that mixing a scallop carpaccio with truffle oil can make your taste buds dance in a surprising way. Similarly, tasting a lobster cream with a touch of grated truffle can also become an unforgettable and luxurious gastronomic experience thanks to its umami taste.
Salads with black truffle
Of course, the exquisite character of the black truffle also has a lot to contribute to salads. The elegant, earthy flavour of this gourmet fungus can enhance the flavour of quality ingredients that can be used in the preparation of any salad, no matter how simple it may seem. The key is to use high quality vegetables that have a mild flavour that cannot mask the taste of this exquisite ingredient.
For example, a salad of rocket, parmesan cheese and walnuts with thin slices of truffle and a light dressing of olive oil, a pinch of salt and lemon can be a delicious option. Another excellent combination is a salad with artichokes, poached egg and grated black truffle on top. In this case, we obtain a salad with an incredible balance of textures and aromas.
Cheeses that complement the flavour of black truffles
And we could not finish this article without talking about the combination of cheeses with black truffle. To achieve a perfect balance, we recommend opting for fresh, light and semi-cured cheeses that are capable of bringing out the flavour of the truffle without masking it. Among the best options, we can mention brie, camembert and mozzarella.
Parmesan and pecorino are also worth mentioning. Another exceptional alternative is toma piemontese or fontina cheese, which have a flavour and aroma that can be wonderfully integrated with those of the black truffle in different types of dishes or simply on a cheeseboard.
Black truffle and wine
Finally, we will talk about the pairing of black truffle and wine, which is considered an art in itself. Its penetrating aroma and delicate flavour require the best possible decision to be made in order to prevent the wine from taking the exclusive limelight. The best option is to choose balanced wines, which are not overly structured or overly aromatic, and which allow the subtle notes of the truffle to be appreciated. If you would like more information on this subject, we recommend you read our article entitled “Perfect pairings: recipes with black truffle and wine“.
Among white wines, barrel-aged Chardonnay or Viognier can be an excellent choice, as their flavour and aroma can complement the earthy character of the truffle without overshadowing it. In the case of reds, we recommend opting for varieties such as Pinot Noir or Merlot, which offer soft tannins and moderate acidity, making for an elegant and harmonious pairing. However, if you are someone who prefers sparkling wines, a good Champagne or Cava can be the ideal accompaniment, as their freshness and bubbles help to cleanse the palate and, at the same time, help to enhance the nuances of the black truffle.
