When thinking of traditional italian food, the cuisine varies greatly from region to region. This is due to both the culinary influences of each area as well as the climate and terrain. However, the Italians do share a love for delicious food that is healthy and wholesome. Most people are familiar with pizza, pasta, and the famous tiramisu.
The top ten traditional italian foods, however, are much more diverse than these staples. Each region has its own unique dishes and ingredients, many of which have been passed down through generations. This article delves into some of the most popular and delicious regional dishes from across Italy.
One of the most distinctive aspects of traditional italian food is that it reflects the local landscape and history. This is evident in the food that is served as an antipasto. A typical antipasto will consist of several types of cheeses, olives, and fried appetizers such as zucchini flowers or croquettes. It is also common to serve a bowl of soup or risotto as an antipasto.
Risotto alla Milanese is an excellent example of this. It contains cross-cut veal shanks, gremolata, vegetables, white wine, and broth. The dish takes up to three hours to cook, but it is worth the wait when you taste its rich and hearty flavor.
Another traditional dish from Lombardy is Ossobuco. This dish is made with fall apart tender veal shanks bathed in a tomato white wine sauce. It is very reminiscent of chicken piccata, but this time with veal instead.
Veal is a favorite meat in Italy, and it is commonly used in both savory dishes and sweet ones like tiramisu. It is also a great source of protein and iron, making it very good for you.
A dish that is very unique to Sicily is caponata. It is a rich dish of eggplants, bell peppers, sometimes carrots, tomatoes, celery, and olives in a savory sauce of vinegar, sugar, and tomato paste. The sauce is then topped with a layer of toasted bread. Caponata was probably introduced to Sicily during the Arab conquests of the 9th century, and it is now a beloved traditional Sicilian dish.
Porceddu is a traditional dish from Sardinia that is prepared for celebrations and holidays. It consists of a whole suckling pig that is cooked on skewers and seasoned with saffron, black pepper, nutmeg, myrtle, and thyme. This is a dish for those who are not scared of whole animals or the smell of pork!
The number one spot of our list of the most traditional italian foods goes to a classic: pizza. The world may have adopted parts of Italian cuisine, but pizza is truly a special part of the culture that you should try in its birthplace. It is usually served with a salad and a cup of strong coffee for dessert to make the perfect meal. The Italians are also known for their long meals, so don’t be surprised if dinner lasts for hours!