Italy is one of the countries that have the best food in the world. Italian food is full of interesting flavors and varies from region to region in Italy. In the north of Italy you will find mostly simple and local food, while in the south the food is lighter and fresher. In Italy, you will find good seafood, meat dishes and, of course, delicious pastas. If you travel to Italy, in addition to many historical attractions, there are also various cuisines that you should discover. Who doesn’t know pizza, lasagne, spaghetti, or gelato? These and many others are among the delicious foods that were born in Italy and are appreciated everywhere. Let’s discover the main Italian foods, a gastronomic journey through this boot-shaped peninsula, from north to south, to the sound of a fork to whet your appetite. It cannot be denied that cooking various dishes is an inseparable part of the daily activities of every Italian person, and in family gatherings and serving colorful dishes, it occupies an important part of the party.
1.Pizza
When it comes to Italian food, we all think of pizza. One of the main and most famous dishes in Italy is pizza, which is prepared in different ways and with different ingredients. Italian pizza is different from other pizzas and it is mostly prepared from organic ingredients. The “pizza margherita” is the most famous and simplest of pizzas, with its tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil, recalling the colors of the national flag.
2.Pasta
Pasta is another Italian food that has gained world fame and is cooked all over the world and has many fans in this world, which is prepared and cooked in different ways. Also, depending on the taste and art of each cook, you can see various side dishes in it. Rome, however, became the capital of spaghetti, and where “spaghetti alla carbonara” made history. It was born almost by chance, from the imagination of a young cook from Bologna, who added bacon with egg yolk, milk, cream, and cheese.
3.Gnocchi
Gnocchi is a type of doughy and tasty food that is cooked with semolina and wheat flour. Gnocchi is cooked in a special way in every city of Italy; But in its original recipe, it is stated that potatoes, eggs, cheese and baking powder should also be used. Some cooks also use cheese sauce in this dish and pour it on the dough and other ingredients when serving. It has even been seen that meat is poured into the nook.
4.Risotto
Risotto is a typical northern Italian dish that can be cooked in an infinite number of ways. Creamy and rich in cheese, it is prepared with rice typical of northern areas, such as the Arborio, Carnaroli, and Vialone varieties, and cooked slowly in broth. Among the most popular is “risotto alla milanese”, which is prepared with white wine, Parmesan cheese, butter, onions, and saffron, which gives it its unmistakable yellow color. But it can also be made with many other ingredients such as pumpkin, red radicchio, mushrooms, sausage, or shellfish.
5.Lasagne
Another cornerstone of Italian cuisine is lasagne. This baked dish, typical of Bologna, is made up of layers of fresh pasta covered in béchamel sauce and the famous “ragù bolognese.” A sauce composed of sautéed celery, onion, and carrot to which pieces of beef, pork, and concentrated tomato are added is cooked slowly and for a long time.
6.Bistecca alla Fiorentina
If you are more into a meaty Italian dish, then you must try Bistecca alla Fiorentina. You can find this traditional Florentine breakfast on the menu of almost all restaurants in Florence. The original taste of this dish is when a little meat is cooked on hot coals, but it is still a little raw.
7.Parmigiana Melanzane
This dish is actually made from eggplant cooked with tomato and cheese, so it will be a great choice for vegetarians. Parmigina melanzine is originally for the southern regions of Italy, but today you can get it in all parts of the country. If you don’t like eggplant, it’s interesting to know that this cheesy dish is also prepared with zucchini and it might be more to your liking.
8. Arrosticini
A typical specialty that comes from Abruzzo are arrosticini. They are lamb meat cut into small pieces, skewered on a stick and grilled or barbecued. It is a dish that is quick and easy to eat, and can also be taken away.
9.Funghi Porcini con Pasta al Tartufo Nero
Truffles are abundant in the Tuscany region of Italy in the months of October and November, and you can order them in most restaurants. So if you are going to try this dish, be sure to try it with porcini mushrooms and black truffle parcetta!
10.Tiramisu
So far, we have not introduced the list of sweet Italian food to you. Although you can order tiramisu in any country and restaurant, the quality of none of them can reach Italian tiramisu. Tiramisu is said to be native to Italy’s Veneto region, but we guarantee you won’t regret eating tiramisu in any part of Italy. Tiramisu is the most famous Italian dessert that can be found anywhere in the world. This delicious and lovely dessert is made from savoiardi biscuits, cream, eggs and coffee. You can try this famous sweet in cafes and restaurants in Rome, Milan, and Venice and with tea or coffee.
