734 Saving Europe's Art; Overlooked Cuisines of Italy; Belgian Treats
Nov 11, 2023
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Learn about the risks and heroism in protecting Europe's art treasures during World War II. Then indulge in Italy's overlooked cuisines, including elaborate seafood stews and spreadable salamis. Also, discover the rich flavors of Belgian cuisine, from muscles and stews to harmonious beer pairings with cheese and chocolate.
Belgians played a significant role in safeguarding art treasures during World War II by moving them to safer locations and carefully packing them, even marking some paintings as stolen by Nazis.
Italy offers a chance for visitors to explore authentic Italian cuisine in lesser-known regions like Sardinia, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Le Marche, and Lombardy, known for their unique gastronomic traditions and specialties such as sheep's milk cheeses, seafood stews, and risotto.
Belgium is renowned for its passion for food and beer, with traditional dishes like mussels, waffles, witloof, and rabbit stews being enjoyed along with a wide variety of Belgian beers, which are often paired with chocolate, cheese, or food dishes for an enhanced culinary experience.
Deep dives
Belgium's Role in Protecting Art during World War II
Belgium, particularly in the farming community, had pigeons soup as a main meal, which was made from the pigeons that lost in pigeon races. Belgians played a significant role in safeguarding art during World War II. They moved the Mona Lisa five times to protect it from bombing and theft. The Louvre and other major museums evacuated their artwork to chateaus and other locations to keep them safe. The precious canvases were taken out of their frames and carefully packed. Some paintings were marked with swastikas to indicate they were stolen by the Nazis.
Culinary Highlights in Italy's Lesser Appreciated Regions
Italy offers a variety of great foods and drinks, showcasing its culinary heritage. The regions of Italy that are less travelled, such as Sardinia, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Le Marche, and Lombardy, boast unique gastronomic traditions. Sardinia is known for its sheep's milk cheeses and comfort foods like pane frattau. Friuli-Venezia Giulia is famous for its abundant spices in dishes and exceptional wine. Le Marche offers seafood stews and chicken dishes. Lombardy is known for its cow's milk cheeses and risotto. These regions provide a chance for visitors to explore authentic Italian cuisine.
Belgian Comfort Foods and Treats
Belgian comfort foods include dishes like pigeon soup, potatoes with bechamel sauce and nutmeg, and fries, called Flemish fries. Belgian treats include gray shrimp, undivies (witloof), and traditional waffles, which come in different varieties like Liège waffles and Brussels waffles. Belgian cuisine also features popular dishes like mussels in white wine sauce, beef and beer stew, and rabbit dishes. Belgian chocolate is renowned for its quality and passion for craftsmanship, with various chocolate brands like Leonidas and Godiva.
The Significance of Belgian Waffles and Chocolates
Belgian waffles vary in style, including Liege waffles with caramelized sugar, Brussels waffles with a lighter texture, and Flemish waffles served with ice cream. The popularity of Belgian waffles extends worldwide, and the traditional waffle-making process involves a yeast-risen dough and pearl sugar. Belgian chocolates are revered for their high quality and craftsmanship, with a wide range of flavors and brands available. Chocolatiers often prioritize using natural ingredients and avoiding wax in their chocolates. Both Belgian waffles and chocolates are iconic symbols of Belgian culinary heritage.
The Passion for Food and Beer in Belgium
Belgium is known for its passion for food and beer. Traditional Belgian dishes like mussels, waffles, witloof, and rabbit stews are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Belgian cuisine combines rustic, peasant-style dishes with high-quality ingredients. Belgian beer is also an integral part of the culinary experience, with a wide variety of flavors and styles available. Beer is often paired with chocolate, cheese, or food dishes, enhancing the overall gastronomic experience. Belgian beers have a long history and are known for their craftsmanship and distinct flavors.
Hear about the risks and heroism it took to protect Europe's art treasures during World War II. Then vicariously eat your way through four of Italy's lesser-known regions — where specialties include elaborate seafood stews, spreadable salamis, and some of the world's best sheep's-milk cheeses — with Italian-food expert Fred Plotkin. And listen in as two Belgians discuss the hearty comfort food of their homeland.
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