There's a sense of divine mystery and history behind the truffle. Whilst it has enthralled people for thousands of years, viewed by rulers of the Greek and Roman Empires as a sign of great power, for many today it is still an anomaly.
Truffles are broadly split into two types, black or white. When you delve a little deeper, this is where it gets interesting as each species of truffle is determined by its shape, size, colour, smell and taste and this fungi varies across the world in location and type. All are commonly found in the living roots of chestnut, oak, hazel and beech trees and they really are quite enchanting with their not-so-perfect round shape, strong aroma and rich taste. They're considered somewhat of a rarity and this is also what marks them as one of the most expensive culinary ingredients in the world.
Similar to garlic, truffles are a flavour enhancer. Truffles attain their rich and meaty flavour due to their high content of glutamic acid, which gives foods that satisfying sweet, salty, 'umami' taste sensation.
You, too can incorporate truffles into your cooking and onto your plates. So store, stir, shave, grate, drizzle and toss, the truffle will make sure there is no flavour stone left unturned.
Handy tips
• Because of their strong aroma storing your truffles in paper towel in a dry and sealed container for up to 2 weeks is best. If you're riding the truffle momentum, then place them with your eggs in the fridge and leave them overnight. Come morning, you'll have some truffle-flavoured omelette potential on your menu. Get the recipe here.
• If you have a sweet tooth then using truffle is a fun way to explore the rich and decadent potential. Recipes such as mousse, panna cottta, souffle, cakes and ice-cream work a treat.
Revive your veg
1. Wild mushroom risotto with egg and black truffle
Get ready to inspire with this Spanish-inspired risotto. Champagne, parmesan, jamon and truffle will take regular risotto and ramp it up ten fold.
2. Spelt salad
An Italian-style dish of spelt is combined with porcini mushroom and black truffle for a simple, flavour-packed vegetarian idea.
3. Baby potatoes cooked in aromates and clay
Take small baby potatoes to create this exciting side. Be sure to crack the clay at the table to reveal your spud surprise.
Under the sea goes underground
4. Truffle and crayfish fava
Chef Shane Delia swears this is the best dip you'll ever eat! This fava puree calls on a touch of truffle oil and fresh shaved truffle over the top.
5. Crayfish and truffle toastie
Take the above truffled fava and turn it in toastie gold. You just can't beat a jaffle situation especially late at night when you need a little comfort food.
6. Slow-cooked amadai with black truffle
Amadai is a firm, white, dense, meaty fish. Watch Adam Liaw as learns how to whip up a dish of amadai with fresh black truffle from renowned chef Tetsuya Wakuda - and it's ready to enjoy in less than 30 minutes! Get the full recipe here.
7. Yabby turnovers with truffle
French chef Gabriel Gaté shares a dish all the way from the Alps. Yabbies are a much-loved delicacy in France and you can also use prawns in this very special (and very scrumptious) recipe.
Hearty
10. Veal and pork balls with polenta
Thanks to warm, creamy polenta with the divine kick from the truffle salt and truffle oil, these delicious balls make a hearty meal.
11. Roast chicken with truffle and cauliflower
Double your truffle! Get your hands on high-quality chicken and let the roasting plans fall into place with discus of fresh truffle placed under the skin and a cauliflower side with an additional truffle hit.
12. Bresse chicken with crispy polenta
Generously flavoured with winter truffles, this decadent dish of chicken and mushroom gets a crispy polenta finish. #DestinationFlavour
For more truffle-filled adventures join Adam Liaw for Destination Flavour Singapore, airing Thursdays at 8pm on SBS. Visit the program page for more details, recipes and guides.
SBS Food is a 24/7 foodie channel for all Australians, with a focus on simple, authentic and everyday food inspiration from cultures everywhere. NSW stream only. Read more about SBS Food
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