Pinoli di Bobbio: the gastronomic gem of the Trebbia Valley

In the heart of the Piacenza hills, nestled in the picturesque Trebbia Valley, the village of Bobbio holds a small treasure of local culinary tradition: the Pinoli di Bobbio. These elongated gnocchetti, made with ricotta and spinach, are a true gastronomic rarity – a simple yet flavorful dish passed down through generations in local families.

Their history dates back to ancient times, to the San Colombano monastery, where monks used the wild spinach growing abundantly in the surrounding valleys to create a nourishing and flavorful dough. This is how these gnocchi were born, with a rough and porous surface, perfect for holding the sauce and turning each bite into an explosion of authentic flavors.

Pinoli di Bobbio are almost exclusively found in this area of Piacenza, and finding a restaurant that serves them is not an easy task. However, those eager to taste them in their most authentic form cannot miss the Festa del Pinolo, held every year in Bobbio on the first weekend of August. It’s an unmissable opportunity to discover this delicacy and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of one of Italy’s most charming villages.

Traditionally, Pinoli are served with a simple tomato and basil sauce, which enhances the delicacy of the dough. But for those who want to experiment, they can be enjoyed with butter and sage, cream and sausage, or other creative variations, leaving room for imagination and personal taste.

Pinoli di Bobbio are not just a dish; they are a piece of local history, celebrating the most authentic flavors of the region. A small masterpiece of Piacenza cuisine that deserves to be discovered and savored at least once in a lifetime.

And if you can't make it to Bobbio? We provide you with the instructions to prepare them at home, with the recipe from our Cesarina Mariacristina of Gragnano Trebbiense. A unique opportunity to bring the authentic flavors of the Trebbia Valley directly to your table!