Parmesan rinds and acts of care help answer the question “How can I help?”—revealing how small gestures can create real impact.
In 2012, following the devastating earthquake in Emilia Romagna, thousands of Parmigiano Reggiano wheels were damaged. Rather than seeing this as a loss, Chef Massimo Bottura saw an opportunity to transform tragedy into a collective act of solidarity. He called on chefs and home cooks alike to use the damaged cheese to create dishes that would not only reduce waste but provide nourishment in a moment of crisis.
This May, we celebrate the often-overlooked Parmesan rinds—those humble remnants that hold surprising depth and flavor. Once seen as waste, they now reveal their true potential, transforming into something that nourishes both body and soul.
As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Refettorio Ambrosiano in May, we also remember the role that recipes play in bringing people together, especially in times of need. One such example is Chef Michel Troisgros’s “Réconfort Soup” at Refettorio Ambrosiano, a dish he crafted using Parmigiano rinds. The name of the soup—”réconfort“—derives from the French word for comfort, and it truly lives up to its name: a nourishing, restorative dish that soothes both body and soul. As Massimo Bottura reflects, the soup was about more than just the ingredients; it was about providing warmth, care, and solidarity through food.
How can I help?
In moments of need, a recipe can become a powerful means of connection. The act of cooking and sharing a meal becomes an expression of solidarity, turning simple ingredients into something much greater than the sum of their parts.
Warm regards,
Food for Soul
