Milanese Tripe (Busecca) Recipe
Category: One-Dish Meals
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Carrots | 1 |
| Onion | 1 |
| Celery | 1 stalk |
| Tomato Passata | 4 tablespoons |
| Water | as needed |
| Cloves | 3 |
| Juniper Berries | 3 |
| Pancetta (tese) | 100g |
| Butter | 30g |
| Sage Leaves | 4 |
| Black Pepper | to taste |
| Tripe | 700g |
| Cooked White Beans | 200g |
| Grana Padano DOP Cheese | to taste |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Vegetables: Start by finely chopping the onion, carrot, and celery. Set them aside for later use.
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Sauté the Pancetta and Aromatics: In a large pan or pot, heat the butter and add the pancetta. Cook until it begins to brown and release its fat. Add the sage leaves, juniper berries, and cloves, allowing them to infuse their aromatic flavors into the butter.
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Add the Tripe: Once the pancetta and spices have begun to flavor the butter, add the tripe that has been cut into bite-sized pieces. Allow the tripe to brown slightly, letting it release its natural flavors and moisture.
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Incorporate Tomato Passata and Water: Once the tripe has browned, pour in a few tablespoons of tomato passata. Stir to coat the tripe evenly. Season with black pepper, and then add enough hot water to cover the ingredients. The water will help cook the tripe slowly and allow the flavors to meld together.
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Simmer the Tripe: Let the mixture simmer over medium heat for at least one hour. Stir occasionally, ensuring that it does not dry out. If needed, add more hot water to maintain a gentle simmer and tenderize the tripe.
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Add the Beans: After the tripe has cooked and softened, add the pre-cooked white beans (such as cannellini or borlotti beans). Stir them into the dish and allow everything to cook together for a few more minutes.
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Serve the Milanese Tripe: Once everything is cooked and the flavors have developed, serve the busecca in warm earthenware bowls. For the perfect finishing touch, garnish with a generous sprinkling of freshly grated Grana Padano cheese and some crispy toasted bread on the side.
Tips:
- For a Richer Flavor: If you prefer a deeper, richer flavor, let the tripe cook for an additional 30 minutes to an hour on low heat.
- Perfect Pairing: This dish is best enjoyed with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth and a glass of dry white wine.
- Adjusting Consistency: If the dish is too thick, simply add a little more hot water to reach your desired consistency.
This Milanese Tripe (Busecca) recipe is a hearty, comforting dish that brings the authentic flavors of Milanese cuisine to your table. With its rich, savory broth, tender tripe, and beans, it’s the perfect meal for a cozy evening with loved ones. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this traditional recipe is a rewarding dish to try for your next special occasion.
