When it comes to tasty, flavor-rich food, Italian cuisine is perhaps one of the best. It’s no secret that Italian cuisine consists of some of the most iconic dishes that have become staples in kitchens across the world. These include pizzas, all the different variations of risottos, and pasta. This is evidenced by the fact that people around the world consume around 17 million tons of pasta per year. However, Italian cuisine also consists of many regional specialties that are closely guarded recipes that have been perfected over time.
So, unless you’ve had the chance to visit this stunning Mediterranean country, its wide culinary variety might shock you. Nonetheless, read on as we share the undeniably timeless and satisfying Italian dishes you must try.
- Butternut Squash Ravioli:
A bowl of butternut squash ravioli is perfect for cozy occasions, and as the Autumn season arrives, what better way to celebrate rustic fall flavors than with the sweet, moist, but nutty flavor of butternut squash, accompanied by the spicy, woodsy hints of sage, and classic ravioli.
Generally, homemade butternut squash ravioli is made with fresh egg pasta dough for the ravioli, filled with ricotta, and accompanied by a creamy and rich butternut squash. These ingredients are tossed in a special sauce, the contents of which change depending on the region and season. Try cucinabyelena.com’s recipe for sauce for butternut squash ravioli. This recipe includes a sage butter sauce that coats the ravioli beautifully. This combination perfectly balances the slightly peppery notes of the sage with the earthiness of the butternut squash. The crispy sage also adds a delightful textural contrast, giving you a perfect bowl of goodness.
- Pizza Napoletana:
From thin crusts to deep dish pans, there is a huge variety of pizza dishes, all having evolved from pizza Napoletana. The name is derived from the city of Naples, where pizza originated, and the pizza actually must meet a set of strict standards to be labeled as such.
To make the pizza, you’ll need to follow certain guidelines for the width and diameter of the crust, along with specific ingredients for the dough. Toppings may consist of buffalo mozzarella, a handful of fresh basil, and tomatoes. All these are also the classic ingredients of pizza Margherita. The pizza is baked in a very hot wood-fired stove that’s generally around 800 to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. The result is pure bliss. The wood-fired stove lends the crust a subtle smokiness, accompanied by the fresh flavors of the toppings, so you’re in for a delicious treat.
- Risotto alla Milanese:
Risotto is a dish that is as classy as it is comforting. Like other Italian classics, this rice-based dish also comes in endless variations, with one of the most popular being the risotto alla Milanese. Named for its city of origin, Milan, it’s indicative of the warm weather in the north of Italy, which has ripe conditions for growing rice, making it a suitable local dish.
The exact history of the risotto is vague; however, according to Italy Heritage, it seems to have first appeared in a tale from the 1500s about a saffron fanatic. However, the actual recipe appeared sometime in the 1800s, courtesy of a chef named Felice Luraschi.
The classic risotto dish consists of toasted rice and onions, usually in butter. A broth is then mixed in slowly and cooked until the rice is al dente. Wine is also usually incorporated into the dish to balance out the acidity. The risotto alla Milanese stands out because of its radiant yellow color, thanks to the infusion of saffron in the dish, lending it a beautiful aroma. The dish is also usually accompanied by some other regional meals, like the osso buco or the Milanese cotoletta that perfectly complements its rich creaminess.
- Caprese Salad:
Simply put, a Caprese salad is a simple classic Italian salad, embodying Italy’s love for fresh and high-quality ingredients. However, the seemingly simple salad is so popular it has inspired a range of diverse variations and creations in the form of flatbreads, pasta salads, and more.
An authentic Caprese salad is a combination of refreshingly sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors. The tanginess of the dish comes from the red ripe tomatoes, while a generous serving of mozzarella lends creaminess to the texture, topped with a handful of basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil for the mild fruitiness, which brings it all together.
- Tiramisù:
The tiramisù has cemented itself as an iconic Italian dessert. You may have come across a huge variety of tiramisù flavors. However, the traditional one remains the best one by far. With a delicate flavor profile of mascarpone and custard contrasting the robust bitterness of espresso and cocoa powder, it stands out among classic Italian desserts.
Generally, the traditional tiramisù consists of layers of Savoiardi cookies soaked in espresso coffee, egg yolks, sugar, mascarpone cheese, rum, wine, and cocoa.
Conclusion
The most difficult part of choosing what to eat is that you can’t eat everything the Italian cuisine has to offer. From their regional specialties to seasonal delicacies, every dish is something one must absolutely try. One thing is for sure: the recipes for classic Italian dishes are handed down through generations, with every culinary creation budding with passion and loyalty to its historical roots. So, make sure you check out these five dishes for an authentic experience. Buon appetito!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
