Casale Rurale Verde Collese

Cooking up a storm

Each group of students spent an afternoon or evening at an agriturismo called Casale Rurale Verde Collese, run by Tiziana and Gianni. The agriturismo is immersed in the countryside and is oh so peaceful. There are sheep, chickens and donkeys, a plethora of cats and kittens, plus two polar bears; okay they aren't really polar bears, but big beautiful Abruzzan Shepherd dogs.

Pallote Cacio e Ova

Whilst the students were at the Casale, they had the opportunity to make Cacio e Ova. This dish is a typical Molisan dish made with cheese (Cacio), egg (U(ova) and basil. Pallote mean balls, so pallote cacio e ova are basically meatless meatballs. Various regions in Molise and also in Abruzzo make these, each area's recipe differing slightly. Some may include stale breadcrumbs, some may have garlic or onion added, or even small pieces of meat. Once the pallotte are made, they are either fried, to have as a snack, or even better, cooked in a thick tomato sauce that is simmering in a large saucepan on the hob.

Recipe for Cacio e Ova Molisana

1 eggs

200g (1.8oz) grated Pecorino Romano or similar

A few leaves of basil or parsley, or whichever herb you prefer

1.Beat the egg (yolk and white) in a bowl

2.Mix in the grated cheese

3.Rip you chosen herb into pieces and add to the mixture

4.Roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a ping-pong ball

5.If the mixture is too sticky, add a little more cheese

6.Lightly fry the balls in a little oil or butter, until slightly browned

7.Place the balls in a large saucepan of tomato sauce and simmer for 10minutes

8.Once cooked, decorate with a few herb leaves and serve.

The Casale is a beautiful place to stay, it's so very peaceful, with stunning views over the valley, and the River Volturno at the bottom of the garden. The casale has a number of bedrooms to choose from, including individual and family rooms. There is a small restaurant on the ground floor and Tiziana is the most amazing cook, creating beautiful dishes with locally sourced food.

https://www.casaleruraleverdecollese.it/