It’s easy to dream about your next vacation during the winter months. A getaway to Italy may be the perfect choice if you are looking for warm weather and delicious cuisine. Who can resist freshly baked pizzas, al dente pasta, and cured hams. Italian Cuisine
The Basics
Olive oil is the foundation of nearly all Italian cooking. It’s essential for cooking, braising, frying, and drizzling. It can be enjoyed on its own, with a little bit added to some dipping bread. You may also find garlic, parmesan, and onions in many recipes.
Pasta
It’s impossible to talk about Italian food without talking about pasta! Pasta can be served as a small starter course and comes in many shapes, sizes, colours, and sizes. Although pasta is a traditional dish, new flavour combinations are being created to make exciting sauces based on seafood, meat, and vegetable.
Fish & Meat
Always, the antipasto should be followed by a meat or fish dish. Italian food is full of flavour, from braised beef and roasted lamb to swordfish or sardines.
Vegetables
Outdoor markets are a key part of Italian cuisine. You’ll find a wide variety of colourful vegetables that will bring your dishes to life. You’ll find everything you need, from tomatoes, olives, and peppers, to vibrant greens, all of the local favourites.
Where to Eat
You’re now an expert in Italian cuisine and can plan your next culinary adventure. Here are some of my favourite foodie destinations.
Lombardy
Another great area of Italy is the northwest. It is known for being the fashion capital of Milan but also has a great selection of Italian food. You’ll love every Lombardian recipe, from the unrivalled saffron rice to Grana Padana cheese and light panettone cakes.
Sicily
Sicily is the best place to go if you love strong flavoured Italian food. Although this region is most well-known for its wonderful wines, fruits, and nuts, it also offers many other delights for your palate. The caponata is a mixture of seafood and vegetables. I also recommend the arancini, which are rice balls filled with meat, cheese, and peas. The deliciously sweet cassata and cannoli are the perfect desserts.
Puglia
This region is known for its delicious meats, seafood, and pasta. While you may be tempted to indulge in bread soaked with olive oil, which is a local speciality, you will also want to enjoy some local delights. For antipasto, I recommend the maccheroni alforno or the orecchiette. You can follow that with roasted beef or lamb. Puglia is also known for its sea bass, mussels and red mullet.
I hope you have been sated and are ready to embark on your culinary adventure.