Truffle creams

Italian truffle creams: creamy specialities for pasta, risotto and antipasti

A good Italian truffle cream adds a special touch to a simple dish. The earthy flavour of truffle pairs beautifully with ingredients such as porcini mushrooms, artichokes and other vegetables.

At Kelvini Italian Artisan, you’ll discover a range of truffle creams from Italian producers. Ideal for those who enjoy cooking with truffles but don’t always need fresh ones.

What is truffle cream?

Truffle cream is a smooth, creamy preparation in which truffle is combined with other ingredients. Depending on the recipe, a cream may contain, amongst other things, mushrooms, vegetables, oil, cheese or herbs.

The composition varies from one manufacturer to another. Some creams have a subtle truffle flavour, whilst others have a more pronounced aroma.

Truffle cream is easy to use as a seasoning, as a base for a pasta sauce or as a topping on a warm crostino.

What types of truffle cream are there?

Truffle cream with porcini mushrooms – Crema al tartufo e porcini

The combination of truffle and porcini mushrooms (Boletus edulis) has a rich, earthy flavour. This cream goes perfectly with tagliatelle, pappardelle, risotto and potato dishes.

Truffle cream with artichokes – Crema al tartufo e carciofi

Artichoke has a mild, vegetable-like flavour that pairs beautifully with truffle. An appealing choice for crostini, antipasti, pasta and other savoury dishes.

Other Italian truffle creams

Depending on the range, you’ll also find dishes featuring other vegetables or seasonings. Each combination has its own texture, flavour and culinary possibilities.

Check the ingredients and the type of truffle used for each product to choose the cream that suits your dish.

How do you use truffle cream with pasta?

Truffle cream is a simple way to make Italian truffle pasta at home.

Cook the tagliatelle, tagliolini or pappardelle until al dente. Heat a little butter or olive oil and add a small amount of truffle cream. Toss the pasta in the sauce and, if necessary, add a little of the pasta cooking water to make the sauce creamier.

Finish to taste with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, provided it goes well with the chosen cream.

Truffle cream with risotto, crostini and meat

Risotto: add a little truffle cream to a creamy risotto made with Carnaroli or Arborio rice.

Crostini: spread a thin layer of cream on toasted Italian bread and serve as an antipasto.

Meat dishes: use a suitable truffle cream to flavour a hot sauce or to accompany a simply prepared piece of meat.

Potato dishes: mix a small amount into mashed potato or serve with roast potatoes.

Egg dishes: a little truffle cream can add extra flavour to scrambled eggs or an omelette.

What should you look out for when buying truffle cream?

Not every truffle cream has the same composition. You should therefore look out for the following characteristics:

• Type of truffle: for example, summer truffle (Tuber aestivum) or another variety.

• Truffle content: this can vary considerably from one product to another.

• Other ingredients: such as porcini mushrooms, artichokes, oil or herbs.

• Artificial flavourings: check the list of ingredients if you want to be aware of these.

• Texture: some creams are smooth and creamy, whilst others contain visible particles.

A higher truffle content does not automatically mean that a cream will go better with your dish. The balance between the truffle and the other ingredients also determines the flavour.

What is the difference between truffle cream and truffle sauce?

A truffle cream usually has a smooth, creamy texture and can be used as a spread or as a base for a dish.

A truffle sauce is a broader category of compound sauces containing truffles. In Italy, for example, the term ‘salsa tartufata’ is used to refer to certain truffle sauces, often containing mushrooms and oil.

The names are not strictly standardised. That is why the list of ingredients remains the best way to compare products.

How do you store Italian truffle cream?

Store unopened jars in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Once opened, many truffle creams must be kept refrigerated and used within a certain period.

Always use clean cutlery and follow the storage instructions on the label. The exact use-by date varies depending on the product.

The Secret of Nonna Kelvini

You don’t need much to make a delicious truffle pasta dish. Choose some good-quality Italian tagliatelle, a little butter and a suitable truffle cream. Mix everything together with a splash of the pasta cooking water to make a smooth sauce.

It’s best to add just a little cream at first and taste it. That way, the flavours remain balanced and the truffle gets the attention it deserves.

Frequently asked questions about truffle creams

What is truffle cream?

Truffle cream is a creamy preparation made with truffles and other ingredients, such as mushrooms, vegetables or oil. The composition varies depending on the manufacturer.

Which truffle cream is best for pasta?

A truffle cream with porcini mushrooms is a good choice for a rich, earthy pasta sauce. Other creams, on the other hand, can give a milder or more vegetable-based flavour.

Can I eat truffle cream straight from the jar?

That depends on the product. Many truffle creams are ready to use straight away, but always check the instructions on the packaging.

How much truffle cream should I use per person?

Start with a small amount and taste it. The amount you need depends on the strength, the ingredients and the dish.

Is truffle cream the same as truffle oil?

No. Truffle cream is a smooth, creamy preparation made from several ingredients. Truffle oil is an oil-based product intended to flavour dishes.

Can I use truffle cream on bruschetta?

Yes. Many truffle creams are suitable for crostini or bruschetta, depending on their ingredients.

Order Italian truffle cream online

Whether you want to make a creamy truffle pasta, add a special touch to a risotto or serve some special crostini: Italian truffle cream is an easy way to add extra flavour.

Discover the range of truffle creams at Kelvini Italian Artisan and choose your favourite combination.