The Italian Cuisine 101: Five Classic Meals
Italian cuisine is one of the most famous and most loved cuisines in the entire world, and with good reason.
Composed mostly out of simple, yet delicious combinations of flavours, this type of food is steeped in tradition, and something taken very seriously by its originators.
This article is for the uninitiated. Here are the five most famous Italian meals you should try if you haven’t already!
- Pizza
Right at the top of the list is Pizza – possibly the most famous Italian meal of all. While you’ve most certainly already had this classic, it couldn’t go without being mentioned.
There are so many different types of Pizza to choose from, too, that you most certainly haven’t tried them all. Neapolitan Pizza, for example, has received recognition from UNESCO for its global impact on cultural heritage.
No two restaurants are the same, so be sure to search online for ‘pizza near me’ to discover what’s available in your local area.
- Risotto alla Milanese
Risotto is a brilliantly versatile dish, but Risotto alla Milanese has earned recognition for being particularly great.
Because of the inclusion of saffron, this dish gives off a vibrant gold color, and the rice is cooked very slowly alongside wine and onions for a distinctive flavor like no other. It’s something every fan of Italian cuisine should try.
- Arrabiata
The word arrabiata translates to ‘angry’ in Italian, which is fitting given that this tomato pasta dish is packed full of red hot chillies.
The dish itself is very basic, but its combination of plenty of garlic and spice makes for something you’ll keep going back to. Having tried it, many consider it their go-to basic tomato pasta dish, and it’s a great choice if you’re looking for something that’s easy to cook.
- Ossobuco
Ossobuco is a unique dish comprising veal that’s been coated in white wine. It’s served with vegetables and broth, and is a favorite in high-end Italian restaurants. It’s usually served alongside lemon zest and parsley as a delicate seasoning.
This is certainly one of the more expensive dishes on this list, but perfect for those seeking something a little different.
- Lasagna alla Bolognese
Lasagna is a firm favorite all over Italy, and now all over the world, in fact. It’s a baked pasta dish that’s composed of many different layers, alternating between meat and sauce.
Egg pasta is used to give the dish a creamier taste, and in Italy, it’s simmered slowly in tomato and wine. It can take some time to prepare, but once the final product is ready, it’s always more than worth it. It’s certainly a good choice if you’re cooking and want to impress your guests with a homely cultural favorite!
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, this article has whetted your appetite for some classic Italian food – whether you’re looking for something to order the next time you go to a restaurant or new and exciting food to cook at home. Have fun exploring these flavors!
