This black truffle & provolone toastie is quite simply the most decadent toasted sandwich you’ll ever make. Australian black truffles are one of the joys of winter and, although they cost upwards of $2,500/kg, a little goes a long way with a small one (20g) costing only $50. If you’ve bought a larger one to shave over your pasta or risotto, this is a great way to use up all those irregular bits left behind that are impossible to shave. Enjoy this Sunday night treat with a slightly earthy pinot noir, such as Golden Child’s Lazy Sunday Light Red, an easy drinking pinot-shiraz blend.
Serves 2
Ingredients
- 20g black truffles, finely chopped
- 50g freshly grated provolone cheese
- Salt flakes, to taste
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 50g unsalted butter
Method
- Combine truffle, cheese and a good pinch of salt.
- Mound onto 2 slices of bread, gently pressing it on.
- Top with remaining bread and press together.
- Melt butter in a frying pan over medium heat until just starting to brown.
- Add sandwiches and fry for a few minutes each side until golden brown.
- Cut in half and eat immediately.
FAQ
When were black truffles first harvested in Australia?
On 18 June 1999 Duncan Garvey harvested Australia’s first black truffle in Tasmania.
When are black truffles in season?
Truffles are harvested in winter, so from about June to August in Australia and November to January in Europe.
Where are truffles grown in Australia?
The first Australian truffles were harvested in Tasmania. Since then truffles have been cultivated in NSW, ACT, WA and Victoria (as well as in New Zealand) with plantations in SA and Queensland that haven’t yet produced.
How much do truffles cost?
Black truffles cost around $2,500/kg, but a little goes a long way with a small one (20g) costing only $50.
How much truffle do I need for 6 people?
A 40g truffle costs about $100 and is enough to shave over pasta or risotto for 6-8 people.
What do you serve truffles with?
To make the most of truffles, keep it simple and remember they need warmth and fat to bring out their aroma and flavour. Think butter, cream, mild cheese, eggs, pasta and rice.
How are truffles prepared?
Truffles are best served over dishes like pasta and risotto at the last minute using a special truffle shaver.
How do you store truffles?
Store truffles in a jar of rice in the fridge, they’ll impart the rice with a delicious truffle aroma.
What’s the best wine match for truffles?
A slightly earthy pinot noir work well with truffles’ funky aroma.
Where do white truffles come from?
Alba in northern Italy is famous for white truffles, which are harvested from mid-October to mid-December.
Click Here For Print Friendly Version >
