Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 4
Step into the heart of Florence, Italy, and indulge in a culinary tradition that’s as rich in history as it is in flavor—Italian Lampredotto. This humble yet iconic street food, made from slow-cooked cow’s stomach, has been a beloved staple of Florentine cuisine since the Renaissance. Served in a crusty bun and topped with a zesty green sauce, Lampredotto is a testament to Italian culinary ingenuity, transforming simple ingredients into a true gastronomic masterpiece.
📜 The History and Cultural Significance of Italian Lampredotto
“Lampredotto is more than just food—it’s a symbol of Florence’s working-class roots and culinary creativity.”
Dating back to the Renaissance,
Italian Lampredotto was once a meal for the working class, offering an affordable and nourishing option from Florence’s bustling food markets. The dish takes its name from the lampreda, or lamprey eel, as the cooked tripe resembles the eel’s shape and texture.
Today, this traditional Florentine street food is a culinary icon, enjoyed by locals and adventurous food lovers from around the world. Found in food stalls across Florence, particularly in markets like Mercato Centrale and Sant’Ambrogio, Lampredotto continues to celebrate the city’s rich cultural heritage and love for bold, rustic flavors.
Ingredients for Traditional Italian Lampredotto
For the Lampredotto:
☑️ 2 lbs cow’s fourth stomach (lampredotto), cleaned
☑️ 1 🥄 tablespoon sea salt
☑️ 1 large carrot, chopped
☑️ 1 large onion, halved
☑️ 2 celery stalks, chopped
☑️ 1 bay leaf
☑️ 1 🥄 teaspoon black peppercorns
For the Salsa Verde (Green Sauce):
☑️ 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
☑️ 2 🥄 tablespoons capers, drained
☑️ 2 🥄 tablespoons olive oil
☑️ 1 🥄 tablespoon white wine vinegar
☑️ 1 🥄 teaspoon Dijon mustard
☑️ 1 garlic clove, finely minced
☑️ Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
☑️ 4 crusty sandwich rolls (such as ciabatta or Tuscan bread)
☑️ A drizzle of cooking broth
☑️ Extra salsa verde for topping
👩🍳 How to Make TraditionalItalianLampredotto
🔥 Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Lampredotto
1️⃣ In a large pot, add the cleaned lampredotto, sea salt, carrot, onion, celery, bay leaf, and black peppercorns.
2️⃣ Cover with water and bring to a boil.
3️⃣ Reduce heat and let simmer for 3 hours until the lampredotto becomes tender and flavorful.
4️⃣ Remove the meat from the broth and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
🌿 Step 2: Make the Salsa Verde
1️⃣ In a food processor, combine parsley, capers, olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
2️⃣ Blend until smooth but still slightly textured.
3️⃣ Season with salt and pepper to taste.
🥖 Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
1️⃣ Cut the sandwich rolls in half and hollow out the middle slightly.
2️⃣ Fill the rolls with sliced lampredotto and drizzle with some of the reserved broth for added juiciness.
3️⃣ Top generously with salsa verde.
🔥 Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
1️⃣ Serve warm and enjoy this traditional Florentine street food experience.
2️⃣ Pair with a glass of Chianti for a true Tuscan culinary adventure.
💖 Why You’ll LoveItalian Lampredotto
Italian Lampredotto offers more than just bold Italian flavors—it’s a bite of Florence’s history and culinary tradition.
Every mouthful brings:
☑️ Tender, flavorful beef slow-cooked to perfection
☑️ A vibrant and tangy salsa verde that enhances every bite
☑️ A soft, crusty bread roll soaked with rich, aromatic broth
☑️ An authentic Italian street food experience straight from Florence’s heart
“Lampredotto isn’t just a sandwich—it’s a true expression of Florentine culinary craftsmanship and tradition.”
🌍 Craving More Authentic Italian Street Food? Explore another Tuscan favorite with our Fugu Sashimi—a hearty, vegetable-packed bread soup that captures the rustic charm of the Italian countryside.
Discover rare culinary experiences at Good Food and More—where every recipe is a journey through heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavors. 🐡🍋🍶
