Aninoasa - Argeş gastronomic traditions

Variated and colorful seasonal vegetables meet here to be transformed into a divine monk pot. Cut into large, juicy pieces, they find their place in the hot oil in the kettle. They are enhanced by delicious spices. Home-made tomato juice and basil, the herb that sanctifies any food, take pride of place. It doesn't take long, and the unforgettable aromas begin to be felt. From time to time, they must be carefully mixed so that the texture of each vegetable is preserved until the end. 

This is the monk's pot skillfully made at Slănic Monastery. You have to taste it when you come to Argeș and stop to visit the commune of Aninoasa, known for ecumenical tourism. If you've decided to get to this part of Arges, the northern part, pass through Curtea de Argeș and Câmpulung Muscel, because you have a lot to see.

In Câmpulung there are the Jidova Roman Castle, the Romanian Automobile Museum, stone crosses, restaurants, confectionery, cafes, Merci Garden and Pardon Boulevard, and in Curtea de Argeș there are the Curtea de Argeș Monastery, the Manole Fountain, the Royal Court, the Municipal Museum and many others.

Between the two cities is Aninoasa, an oasis of rural tranquility where you can taste the traditional cuisine of Muscel. Former village of Moșneni, hill area with pastoral tradition, Aninoasa is known for the cheeses you can find here. They say that they make all kinds of cheese, from smoked or fresh curd, telemea, urda, burduf cheese to curd in the basket. You can buy cheese from the locals, perhaps the most famous being the shepherd Cătălin Isac. Ask the people about "Shepherd" cheese and you will see that they will all know how to guide you.

And if you are lucky enough to visit them during the Easter holidays, you will be greeted with the delicious authentic Muscel pretzel. It is a fluffy copper pretzel prepared with egg and found in all households.

To delight your soul with peaceful and quiet places, visit the two monasteries - Aninoasa and Slănic. Here you will find fresh and nutritious products made by the nuns and monks from the two places of worship.

The nuns of Aninoasa take care of the beehives, make honey, raise animals and make dairy products, gather fruits and plants for tasty jams and syrups. You can find them at their shop, where they sell them to help those in need.

Then climb a scenic road at 1,000 meters altitude to visit Slănic Monastery, an Orthodox monastery where 17 monks live. One of them is brother Daniel, who is in charge of the dishes and products of the monastery. He makes various healing remedies, products that you can only find here. He can reveal countless monastic recipes to you. If you have never tried the drink of youth, mead or honey wine, you must stop in these special Muscel lands to discover the unique tastes of these places.