Found all over the north of Italy, bresaola is definitely something you should try, especially while traveling the upper regions. Similar to prosciutto but made with horse or beef, bresaola is an air cured meat which is salted and traditionally flavored with spices including clove, cinnamon and laurel. Coming from the ‘ham’ (or hind leg) of of the animal, it is very lean and should be sliced thinly. Try eating it plain to understand it’s flavor purely. Alternatively, try it as an antipasti paired with rucola and cheese (grana padano), drizzled with local olive oil and fresh lemon. A delightful starter to any meal, it will hold you over for the main course without filling you up.
