A Day in Turin with My Grandparents

Since moving to Calabria, returning to Turin to visit my grandparents, Gianni and Liliana, has become a cherished tradition. Seeing me always fills them with immense joy, and for me, it’s a chance to dedicate time to two of the most important people in my life. Whenever I visit, I try to savor every moment, blending old family rituals with the creation of new, unforgettable memories.

Our Ritual at Porta Palazzo

The day begins with one of our beloved traditions: my grandmother and I meet at Porta Palazzo, the largest open-air market in Europe. It’s a vibrant explosion of colors, flavors, and scents that draws both locals and tourists alike. As usual, my grandfather drives us there, finds a parking spot, and patiently waits while we lose ourselves among the bustling stalls.

Walking through the market with my grandmother is like stepping into a timeless routine. She selects each item with the care and attention she has always shown in her life—fresh vegetables, crusty bread, fragrant spices. The pumpkin, however, is not among our purchases today. That comes from my grandfather’s garden in the mountains, where he cultivates it with the same dedication he puts into every task.

On the way home, we stop at the bakery for fresh bread. Once we’re back, my grandmother promptly puts on the moka pot—coffee is a ritual we never skip. She pours me a cup, then smiles mischievously and says, “Just one teaspoon of sugar—I’ve put on weight!” We laugh together, and soon my grandfather appears in the doorway, curious: “What’s for lunch? How can I help?”

The answer comes quickly: risotto with pumpkin and sausage, a dish that perfectly captures the flavors of autumn and the simplicity of home cooking. My grandfather takes charge of peeling and chopping the pumpkin with the precision of a craftsman who has spent a lifetime working with his hands. Meanwhile, my grandmother organizes the other ingredients, and I jot down notes to make sure I never forget this special recipe.

Pumpkin and Sausage Risotto Recipe for 4 People

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups Carnaroli rice
• 2 ½ cups pumpkin (peeled and diced)
• 7 oz fresh sausage
• 1 medium onion
• 4 cups hot vegetable broth
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 3 tbsp butter
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan and sauté the chopped onion. Add the diced pumpkin and cook over medium heat until soft.
2. In a separate pan, crumble the sausage and cook it until browned, then combine it with the pumpkin.
3. Add the rice to the mixture and toast it for a couple of minutes, stirring frequently. Deglaze with white wine and allow it to evaporate.
4. Gradually add the hot vegetable broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly and letting the liquid absorb before adding more.
5. Once the rice is fully cooked, stir in the butter and Parmesan for a creamy finish. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

While my grandmother finishes cooking, my grandfather proudly shows me one of the spinning wheels he crafted decades ago. Though it’s not his latest creation—he’s always working on something new—it’s a beautiful piece of craftsmanship that symbolizes his dedication and skill. With steady hands, he begins spinning wool, explaining how his manual work is woven into the rhythm of their daily life. Every time I visit, he gives me a pair of socks made from this very wool—a simple but deeply meaningful gift.

When the risotto is finally ready, we gather around the table. The aroma fills the house, and the flavors are rich and comforting. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of family and tradition. We raise our glasses, and my grandfather declares, “To family!” I can’t help but feel grateful for these precious moments together.

After lunch, it’s time for stories. My grandfather retrieved an old photo album filled with black-and-white pictures. He shows me images of himself in his military uniform, his charming smile lighting up the room. He tells me how he saved up to buy a Balilla car, which he used to drive to the seaside with friends. My grandmother teases him: “You had far too many admirers, Gianni!” We laugh together, but in my heart, I treasure every tale they share.

The day ends with the sound of a 45 rpm record by Mina. My grandfather rises and offers his hand to my grandmother. She smiles and accepts his invitation to dance. Watching their slow, synchronized movements is deeply moving, a reminder that love is found in life’s simplest gestures: an unplanned dance, a shared meal, an album of cherished memories.

As I head back home, my heart feels full, and the pair of wool socks in my bag is a tangible token of their love. These moments aren’t just family traditions—they’re fragments of life I’ll treasure forever.