Why would anyone be immune to the deliciousness and lusciousness of pasta and pizzas when they are so delicious? Italy, a country that is known for its amazing architecture, art, and history, is a treat for foodies looking for something new. Suppose you are a lover of Italian cuisine. In that case, your trip to Italy will give you the chance to try authentic Italian dishes, including some traditional dishes you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re trying to create a list of the delicious food and drinks that you would like to sample while in Italy, continue reading. Enjoy 15 well-known Italian dishes.
- Pizza
Pizza is one of the most popular dishes in Italy. You can’t miss it when you visit. The pizza is baked in a wood-fired oven using hand-flatted dough. It’s topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil.
- Risotto
The risotto, a dish from Lombardy (northern Italy), is a favorite among Italians. The word is made with rice cooked in broth with onions and wine. It is then topped with lots of grated Parmesan.
- Polenta
Polenta, a simple but delicious dish that uses cornmeal, is made with a thick and creamy mush of cornmeal cooked in butter and Parmesan. It can be eaten as it is or cooled down into a loaf, which you can then grill, bake, or fry. It’s usually served with salads, meat, or zuppa.
- Negroni
The Negroni, a popular alcoholic drink served all over the world and traceable to Count Camillo Negroni, is one of the most well-known drinks. The glass is available in many variations, but its original version is served over ice, with one part red Vermouth, part Campari, and one part gin.
- Pasta
It is impossible to visit Italy without tasting pasta. Italian pasta comes in many forms and is usually made with durum wheat semolina. It is also cooked al-dente, which means it is soft but not yet tender. Try ravioli, tortellini and pasta carbonara.
- Ravioli
The ravioli is a well-known pasta that’s made by sandwiching a filling between two thin layers of pasta dough and then serving them in whichever sauce or broth they like. Ravioli are usually square, but they can also be circular or semicircular. Ravioli can be served as a main dish or an appetizer.
- Gelato
Gelato is a popular dessert in this country. It is available almost everywhere in the country. It’s like ice cream but with a lower fat content because it contains more cream and less milk. Choose from rich flavors like pistachio or chocolate, almond, pesca, or peach.
- Aperitivo
Aperitivo is almost a tradition for Italians before dinner, as it is believed to help prepare the digestive tract. This is a low-alcohol, light bitter beverage similar to the Aperol. It can be paired with crackers, olives, cheese, or meats.
- Fiorentina Steak
Fiorentina, or Bistecca Fiorentina, is an Italian specialty that originated in Florence. The T-bone steak is cooked over hot coals for about 5-7 minutes to achieve a rare or medium-rare interior while the exterior is nicely grilled. The steak is seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil. The steak is usually served with polenta or salads, crisp potato chips, etc.
- Ossobuco
Ossobuco, a dish that originated in Milan, is a renowned Lombard dish. It features veal shanks cut into cross-sections and cooked with vegetables, white wine, and seasonings. It may be served with polenta, risotto, or alla Milanese, depending on where you are.
- Zuppa Toscana
Zuppa Toscana, a Tuscan soup, is made with chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, mild Italian sausages, and fresh spinach. It is also flavored with herbs, Italian bacon, and potatoes. This is a simple recipe that goes well with bread.
- Arancini
Arancini is a mainstay of Sicilian food. They are arborio rice balls made with chicken stock, white wines, Parmesan, Mozzarella, ham, and seasonings. These fried balls of rice are usually served with aubergine or peas.
- Caffe
The cafe, a staple Italian coffee order, is a small cup of espresso served with a shot. It can be consumed throughout the day. If you want a little extra kick to your coffee, opt for the caffe corretto, which is a shot of liquor such as cognac, grappa, or sambuca. Most locals prefer to drink their coffee right at the counter. They don’t sit down and enjoy it slowly.
- Lasagna
The lasagna is a popular Italian pasta dish that originated in Naples. It’s made by baking pasta sheets layered with meaty ragu or cheese. Locals prefer Parmigiano Reggiano over Mozzarella because it has a mild, tangy taste.
- Bellini
The Bellini drink is named after the artist Giovanni Bellini, who lived in the 15th century. It is a mixture of Prosecco sparkling wine and pureed white peaches. The drink is available in a variety of variations, including cherries or raspberries, to give it a pinkish hue.