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Italy Cuisine

Europe · Southern Europe

103 recipes

Signature Italy Dishes

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Italy·Medium·45 minutes (including resting)

Bistecca alla Fiorentina

An iconic, thick-cut T-bone steak, traditionally from Chianina beef, grilled to perfection with a rare interior and a beautifully seared crust. Simple seasoning highlights the exceptional quality of the meat.

Italy·Challenging·25 minutes

Cacio e Pepe

Rome's iconic pasta dish, deceptively simple, relies on the perfect emulsification of Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and starchy pasta water to create a luxuriously creamy sauce without any added fat. Mastering the technique is key to its success.

Italy·Medium·1 hour 10 minutes - 1 hour 20 minutes

Carciofi alla Romana

A classic Roman dish featuring tender artichokes braised with garlic, mint, white wine, and olive oil. The key is to cook them until they are meltingly soft.

Italy·Easy·20 minutes

Pesto Trapanese

A vibrant and rustic Sicilian pesto, traditionally made without cheese or pine nuts. This version features the bright flavors of fresh tomatoes, the rich nuttiness of almonds, aromatic basil, and pungent garlic, all bound together with good quality extra virgin olive oil.

Italy·Easy·4 hours 30 minutes (including freezing and chilling)

Granita Siciliana

Granita Siciliana is a refreshing, crystalline frozen dessert originating from Sicily. It's traditionally enjoyed for breakfast, often served with a soft, sweet brioche bun called 'brioche col tuppo' for dipping. This recipe offers a guide to making a classic fruit or coffee granita.

Italy·Easy·45 minutes

Bucatini all'Amatriciana

A classic Roman pasta dish originating from Amatrice, featuring bucatini pasta coated in a rich sauce made with cured pork jowl (guanciale), tomatoes, and Pecorino Romano cheese. This recipe emphasizes authenticity with its simple yet flavorful ingredients.

Italy·Easy·40 minutes

Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa

A classic Pugliese dish featuring ear-shaped pasta tossed with slightly bitter broccoli rabe, fragrant garlic, a hint of chili, and savory anchovies, all brought together with good quality extra virgin olive oil.

Italy·Easy·2 hours 45 minutes (including chilling)

Insalata Russa

Insalata Russa, or Italian Russian Salad, is a beloved party staple featuring finely diced potatoes, carrots, peas, and pickles suspended in a creamy mayonnaise dressing. It's a refreshing and satisfying cold salad perfect for gatherings and holidays.

Italy·Easy·1 hour 5 minutes

Fegato alla Veneziana

A classic Venetian dish featuring thinly sliced calf's liver sautéed with sweet, deeply caramelized onions and a splash of white wine. Traditionally served with soft polenta.

Italy·Easy·30 minutes

Spicy Vodka Pasta

This creamy and spicy pasta dish, popularized by Gigi Hadid, features a rich tomato-vodka sauce with a hint of heat from chili flakes, tossed with orecchiette pasta and finished with Parmesan and fresh basil.

Italy·Hard·4 hours 30 minutes (includes resting time)

Torrone

A classic Italian confection made from honey, sugar, egg whites, and almonds. This recipe yields a firm, chewy torrone, perfect for slicing and sharing. It requires patience and precision, but the result is a delightful treat steeped in tradition.

Italy·Medium·25 minutes

Zabaglione

A classic Italian dessert, Zabaglione is a warm, frothy custard made by whipping egg yolks with sugar and Marsala wine over a bain-marie. It's light, airy, and delicately sweet, perfect served with fresh berries.

Italy·Easy·55 minutes (including resting time)

Panzanella

A vibrant and rustic Tuscan bread salad, perfect for using up stale bread. Ripe tomatoes, crisp vegetables, fragrant basil, and a tangy red wine vinaigrette come together for a refreshing and satisfying dish.

Italy·Medium·40-45 minutes

Costoletta alla Milanese

A classic Milanese dish featuring a bone-in veal cutlet, expertly breaded and fried to a perfect golden crisp in butter. The signature 'ear' shape, achieved by the bone, adds to its rustic charm and ensures a delightful crispy edge.

Italy·Very Hard·3 hours 30 minutes (plus 12-24 hours chilling)

Sfogliatella Riccia

Authentic Neapolitan 'lobster tail' pastry, featuring incredibly thin, crispy, shell-like layers encasing a sweet and creamy semolina-ricotta filling. This is a challenging but rewarding bake.

Italy·Easy·10-15 minutes

Pesto Eggs

This trending breakfast dish features sunny-side-up eggs cooked in a savory pesto sauce with cherry tomatoes. It's quickly prepared in a pan and served on toasted bread, often garnished with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.

Italy·Medium·2 hours 55 minutes

Ossobuco alla Milanese

A classic Milanese dish of slow-braised veal shanks, tender and flavorful, served with a bright gremolata and rich risotto. The name 'ossobuco' literally means 'bone with a hole,' referring to the marrow in the center of the veal shank.

Italy·Easy·50-55 minutes

Creamy Polenta

A classic Northern Italian staple, this creamy polenta is made from coarse cornmeal and can be served soft and flowing, or cooled and set for slicing. It's a versatile base for rich sauces or simply enjoyed with cheese.

Italy·Easy·35 minutes

Pasta al Pomodoro

A classic Italian pasta dish showcasing the pure, vibrant flavor of ripe tomatoes, enhanced by fragrant basil and rich olive oil. This recipe is deceptively simple, relying on the quality of its ingredients.

Italy·Easy·4 minutes

Affogato

A simple yet elegant Italian dessert where a scoop of cold vanilla gelato is 'drowned' in a shot of hot, freshly brewed espresso. The contrast of hot and cold, bitter and sweet, creates a delightful sensory experience.

Italy·Medium·6 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)

Tiramisù

Italy's beloved coffee dessert - delicate layers of espresso-soaked ladyfingers and a rich mascarpone cream, finished with a dusting of cocoa powder.

Italy·Medium·1 hour 5 minutes

Struffoli

Neapolitan honey balls - tiny, deep-fried dough balls coated in warm honey and traditionally decorated with sprinkles and candied citrus. A beloved Christmas treat from Naples.

Italy·Hard·4 hours 15 minutes

Tagliatelle al Ragù

An authentic slow-cooked meat sauce from Bologna, traditionally served with fresh tagliatelle. This is not the Americanized 'Spaghetti Bolognese'.

Italy·Medium·6 hours 40 minutes (including chilling and freezing)

Gelato Artigianale

Authentic Italian gelato, characterized by its denser, less airy texture and intensely concentrated flavors compared to traditional ice cream. It's a rich, creamy frozen dessert.

Italy·Easy·50 minutes

Cozze Gratinate

A classic Pugliese appetizer featuring fresh mussels baked with a savory breadcrumb topping until golden and crispy. This dish highlights the simple, fresh flavors of Southern Italian cuisine.

Italy·Medium·25 minutes

Classic Fettuccine Alfredo

An authentic and simple Roman dish featuring fresh fettuccine coated in a rich, emulsified sauce made from butter, Parmigiano Reggiano, and starchy pasta water. This recipe stays true to the original, foregoing cream for a lighter, more elegant sauce.

Italy·Medium·1 hour 30 minutes

Culurgiones con Sugo di Pomodoro Fresco

Traditional Sardinian pasta parcels filled with potato, pecorino cheese, and mint, served with a simple, fresh tomato sauce.

Italy·Easy·2 hours 20 minutes

Ribollita

A hearty and rustic Tuscan bread soup, traditionally made by reboiling leftover minestrone with stale bread. This version is rich with vegetables and beans, creating a satisfying and flavorful peasant dish that has been elevated to an art form.

Italy·Medium·2 hours 15 minutes

Melanzane alla Parmigiana

A classic Italian layered eggplant bake featuring tender fried eggplant slices, rich tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and savory Parmigiano Reggiano, baked until golden and bubbling. This dish is a comforting and flavorful vegetarian main course.

Italy·Medium·1 hour 50 minutes

Spaghetti alle Vongole

A classic Italian seafood pasta dish featuring spaghetti tossed with fresh clams in a briny, garlicky white wine sauce, finished with fresh parsley. This recipe emphasizes the natural flavors of the sea.

Italy·Medium·1 hour 15 minutes

Caponata Siciliana

A classic Sicilian sweet and sour vegetable relish (agrodolce), featuring tender eggplant, crisp celery, briny capers, and olives, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Best served at room temperature.

Italy·Medium·50-55 minutes

Carciofi alla Giudia

A classic Roman Jewish specialty, these artichokes are deep-fried whole until their outer leaves are delightfully crispy and the hearts are tender and flavorful. The unique preparation involves opening the leaves to resemble a blooming flower before frying.

Italy·Easy·4 hours 30 minutes (plus overnight marinating)

Stracotto al Barolo

A classic Piedmontese pot roast where a generous cut of beef is slowly braised in rich Barolo wine until it's meltingly tender and infused with deep, complex flavors. Traditionally served with creamy polenta to soak up the luscious sauce.

Italy·Medium·1 hour

Fritto Misto di Mare

A classic Italian mixed fried seafood dish, featuring a light and crispy coating on shrimp, squid, and small fish, perfect as an appetizer or light main course. Served with fresh lemon wedges.

Italy·Medium·50 minutes

Testaroli al Pesto

Testaroli are a unique, pancake-like pasta from Lunigiana, Tuscany, traditionally cooked in terracotta molds called 'testi'. They are typically served with a rich pesto sauce.

Italy·Hard·4 hours

Agnolotti del Plin al Sugo d'Arrosto

A traditional Piedmontese dish featuring small, pinched pasta (agnolotti del plin) filled with roasted meats, served with a rich meat sauce derived from the roast.

Italy·Easy·40-45 minutes

Amaretti

Authentic Italian amaretti cookies, known for their delightful almond flavor and a texture that can range from delightfully chewy to satisfyingly crisp. Traditionally made with bitter almonds or apricot kernels for a distinct, slightly bitter-sweet taste.

Italy·Easy·2 hours 10 minutes (including freezing)

Carpaccio di Manzo

A classic Italian appetizer featuring paper-thin slices of raw beef tenderloin, dressed simply with peppery arugula, shavings of salty Parmigiano Reggiano, and a bright lemon-olive oil dressing. The optional drizzle of truffle oil adds an earthy, luxurious finish.

Italy·Medium·1 hour 10 minutes

Zeppole di San Giuseppe

Traditional Italian fried dough rings, often filled with pastry cream and topped with a cherry, especially popular for St. Joseph's Day (March 19th).

Italy·Easy·2 hours 10 minutes (plus overnight soaking)

Pasta e Fagioli

A hearty and rustic Italian peasant soup featuring tender beans and small pasta, enriched with pancetta and aromatics. This dish is known for its comforting texture and is even more flavorful when reheated the next day.

Italy·Medium·2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling and cooling)

Crostata di Ricotta

A classic Italian ricotta tart featuring a sweet, creamy ricotta filling infused with citrus zest and studded with chocolate chips, all encased in a rustic shortcrust pastry (pasta frolla). This dessert is a delightful treat, often enjoyed during holidays like Easter.

Italy·Easy·1 hour 20 minutes - 1 hour 25 minutes

Biscotti di Prato

Authentic Tuscan almond cookies, also known as Cantucci or Biscotti di Prato. These twice-baked, crunchy delights are traditionally served with Vin Santo for dipping, but are also delicious on their own. The absence of butter or oil contributes to their signature crispness.

Italy·Medium·2 hours

Cacciucco

A rich and spicy Livornese fish stew, this Cacciucco is a hearty tomato-based seafood soup featuring a variety of fish and shellfish, traditionally served with crusty bread.

Italy·Easy·15 minutes

Prosciutto e Melone

A classic Italian summer appetizer featuring the exquisite balance of sweet, ripe cantaloupe and salty, delicate Prosciutto di Parma. This dish requires no cooking and is all about the quality of its simple ingredients.

Italy·Easy·50 minutes (including resting)

Piadina Romagnola

A traditional Romagnola flatbread, this thin Italian wrap is typically filled with savory prosciutto, creamy squacquerone cheese, and fresh arugula. It's a simple yet delicious dish perfect for a quick meal or snack.

Italy·Medium·4 hours 0 minutes

Brasato al Chianti

A classic Tuscan dish featuring a tender beef roast slowly braised in robust Chianti wine with aromatic herbs and vegetables. Perfect for a comforting meal.

Italy·Hard·25-37 hours (including multiple rises and cooling)

Panettone

A traditional Milanese Christmas bread, characterized by its tall, domed shape and rich, airy crumb studded with candied citrus peel and raisins. This is a challenging but rewarding bake.

Italy·Medium·40-45 minutes

Risotto alla Milanese

Milan's iconic golden saffron risotto, a creamy Arborio rice dish slowly simmered with rich bone marrow, aromatic white wine, and the precious threads of saffron.

Italy·Hard·24-72 hours (minimum, including fermentation and proofing)

Pizza Napoletana

Authentic Neapolitan pizza, characterized by its soft, airy, and slightly charred crust, topped with the simple yet exquisite flavors of San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella di bufala.

Italy·Medium·24-48 hours (including fermentation and proofing)

Margherita Pizza

The quintessential Neapolitan pizza, featuring a vibrant San Marzano tomato sauce, creamy fresh mozzarella, aromatic basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, all atop a perfectly blistered and charred crust.

Italy·Easy·25 minutes

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

A classic and incredibly simple Italian pasta dish featuring garlic, olive oil, and a hint of chili. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a late-night craving.

Italy·Medium·2 hours 20 minutes

Involtini di Carne alla Siciliana

Tender thin slices of beef, rolled around a savory and slightly sweet filling of breadcrumbs, pine nuts, raisins, and Pecorino cheese, then slow-braised in a rich tomato sauce. A classic Sicilian specialty.

Italy·Medium·4.5+ hours (including rising and soaking)

Babà al Rum

A classic Neapolitan yeast cake, famously soaked in a generous amount of rum syrup until it's delightfully moist and dripping.

Italy·Easy·30 minutes

Impepata di Cozze

A classic Neapolitan dish of mussels quickly steamed in white wine with garlic and a generous amount of black pepper, perfect as an appetizer or light meal. The flavorful broth is meant to be soaked up with crusty bread.

Italy·Easy·55-60 minutes

Ciambella

A simple, rustic Italian ring cake, often enjoyed for breakfast or as a light dessert. Its straightforward preparation and comforting flavor make it a delightful everyday treat.

Italy·Easy·4 hours 15 minutes (minimum, includes resting)

Farinata di Ceci

A traditional Ligurian specialty, Farinata di Ceci is a thin, savory pancake made from chickpea flour, baked until golden and crispy. It's incredibly simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and a long resting period for the batter to develop its characteristic flavor and texture.

Italy·Hard·5 hours 15 minutes

Bollito Misto

A grand Piedmontese feast featuring seven different cuts of meat, slow-cooked to tender perfection and served with a selection of traditional sauces. This dish is a celebration of rich flavors and textures, perfect for special occasions.

Italy·Hard·24+ hours (includes multiple rises and chilling)

Pandoro

A traditional Veronese Christmas cake, this tall, star-shaped, buttery sweet bread is a festive delight, known for its rich flavor and airy crumb.

Italy·Easy·28 minutes

Pasta Chips

Transform everyday pasta into a crispy, flavorful snack with this simple air fryer recipe. Boiled pasta is coated in olive oil and a savory seasoning blend, then air-fried until golden and crunchy, perfect for munching.

Italy·Medium·1 hour

Risotto ai Funghi Porcini

An earthy and rich classic Italian risotto featuring the deep flavor of porcini mushrooms, enhanced with fresh mushrooms and finished with a creamy 'mantecatura'.

Italy·Easy·1 hour 5 minutes - 1 hour 10 minutes

Salsiccia e Lenticchie

A hearty and satisfying Italian dish of sausage and lentils, traditionally eaten on New Year's Eve for good luck, symbolizing coins and prosperity. This recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting meal.

Italy·Easy·55 minutes (plus cooling)

Torta Caprese

An authentic Torta Caprese, a rich, dense, and fudgy flourless chocolate cake from the island of Capri, made with dark chocolate and almond flour. It's naturally gluten-free and incredibly decadent.

Italy·Medium·3 hours 15 minutes (including rising)

Bomboloni

Bomboloni are classic Italian doughnuts, often a specialty in Tuscany. These fluffy, fried pastries are typically filled with rich pastry cream and dusted generously with sugar, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Best enjoyed fresh.

Italy·Easy·25 minutes

Bruschetta al Pomodoro

Classic Italian grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with a fresh, vibrant tomato and basil mixture. A perfect appetizer or light snack.

Italy·Medium·2 hours 15 minutes

Trippa alla Romana

A classic Roman dish featuring tender honeycomb tripe braised in a rich tomato sauce, infused with the fresh aroma of mint and finished with salty Pecorino Romano cheese.

Italy·Medium·1 hour 15 minutes

Pasta alla Norma

A classic Sicilian pasta dish featuring tender fried eggplant, a rich tomato and basil sauce, and salty ricotta salata. This recipe offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors.

Italy·Medium·6 hours 30 minutes (including freezing)

Classic Italian Semifreddo

A luxuriously light and airy Italian semi-frozen mousse, requiring no ice cream maker. This versatile dessert is perfect for a refreshing treat.

Italy·Easy·35 minutes

Spaghetti alla Puttanesca

A classic Neapolitan pasta dish, 'Spaghetti alla Puttanesca' translates to 'pasta of the prostitutes' or 'lady of the night pasta.' It's renowned for its intensely savory, spicy, and briny flavor profile derived from a quick sauce featuring tomatoes, olives, capers, anchovies, and chili. Traditionally served without cheese.

Italy·Easy·1 hour 10 minutes - 1 hour 20 minutes

Peperonata

A classic Italian sweet pepper stew, where colorful bell peppers are slowly simmered with sweet onions and ripe tomatoes until tender and flavorful. This versatile dish can be served as a side, a topping, or even a light main course.

Italy·Hard·5 hours 30 minutes

Lasagna alla Bolognese

Emilia-Romagna's iconic baked dish, featuring layers of fresh pasta, rich Bolognese ragù, creamy béchamel sauce, and nutty Parmigiano Reggiano. A true taste of Italian tradition.

Italy·Medium·2 hours 30 minutes (including dough resting)

Panzerotti Pugliesi

Authentic Pugliese panzerotti are delightful, small, fried calzones filled with a simple yet flavorful mixture of tomato and mozzarella. They are a popular street food, perfect for a snack or appetizer.

Italy·Medium·40 minutes

Cicchetti

Venetian small plates - bite-sized snacks, akin to tapas, traditionally served at bàcari (wine bars) with a small glass of wine (ombra).

Italy·Easy·30-35 minutes

Pesce all'Acqua Pazza

A classic Neapolitan dish where tender fish is gently poached in a fragrant broth of tomatoes, garlic, white wine, and herbs. The name 'Acqua Pazza' translates to 'crazy water,' referring to the flavorful, light broth created.

Italy·Medium·1 hour 5 minutes

Strascinati con Rapini e Peperoncino

A rustic pasta dish from Puglia featuring hand-dragged pasta (strascinati) tossed with bitter broccoli rabe (rapini), garlic, chili flakes, and olive oil.

Italy·Medium·1 hour 15 minutes

Zuppa di Pesce

A rustic and flavorful Italian fish stew, showcasing the bounty of the sea. Regional variations are common, but it's always best served with generous slices of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

Italy·Easy·35-37 minutes

Calamari Fritti

Crispy, golden fried squid rings, lightly coated in semolina flour and served with fresh lemon wedges. A classic Italian appetizer that's surprisingly simple to make.

Italy·Easy·1 hour 20 minutes

Hearty Italian Minestrone

A robust and comforting Italian vegetable soup, packed with tender beans, seasonal vegetables, and small pasta, perfect for a satisfying meal.

Italy·Medium·1 hour 20 minutes

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

A classic Sorrentine dish featuring tender potato gnocchi baked in a rich tomato sauce with creamy mozzarella and fresh basil.

Italy·Medium·3+ hours (including chilling of risotto)

Supplì al Telefono

Supplì al Telefono are classic Roman street food: golden fried rice croquettes with a molten, stretchy mozzarella center, reminiscent of a telephone cord when pulled apart. This recipe assumes you have pre-made, chilled tomato risotto.

Italy·Medium·3 hours

Ossobuco

Tender, slow-braised veal shanks, rich with the flavors of white wine, tomatoes, and aromatic vegetables, finished with a vibrant gremolata. The succulent marrow within the bone is a delicacy to be savored.

Italy·Medium·4 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)

Arancini

Crispy, golden-fried rice balls from Sicily, traditionally made with leftover risotto, filled with a savory ragù, sweet peas, and melting mozzarella. A perfect appetizer or street food delight.

Italy·Easy·35 minutes

Bagna Càuda

A traditional Piedmontese warm dip made with olive oil, garlic, and anchovies, perfect for sharing with an assortment of raw vegetables.

Italy·Hard·1 day 30 minutes (including chilling)

Cassata Siciliana

A quintessential Sicilian dessert, Cassata Siciliana is a vibrant and rich cake featuring layers of moist sponge cake, a creamy sweetened ricotta filling, and a sweet marzipan coating, often adorned with candied fruits. It's a labor of love, traditionally prepared for Easter.

Italy·Easy·1 hour 40 minutes

Pollo alla Cacciatora

A rustic and hearty Italian classic, Pollo alla Cacciatora, meaning 'hunter's style chicken', is a flavorful braised dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich tomato sauce with aromatic herbs, briny olives, and a splash of red wine. Perfect for a comforting family meal.

Italy·Medium·1 hour

Bigoli in Salsa

A traditional Venetian dish featuring thick, whole wheat spaghetti (bigoli) served with a simple yet flavorful sauce made from onions and salt-cured anchovies.

Italy·Medium·1 hour 30 minutes

Ravioli di Ricotta e Spinaci

Classic homemade spinach and ricotta ravioli, tossed in a fragrant brown butter and sage sauce, and finished with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano.

Italy·Easy·45-50 minutes

Branzino al Forno

A simple yet elegant Italian classic featuring a whole branzino baked to perfection with aromatic herbs, garlic, lemon, and sweet cherry tomatoes. The fish is moist and flaky, infused with Mediterranean flavors.

Italy·Medium·3 hours 30 minutes (including rising)

Focaccia Genovese

Authentic Focaccia Genovese, a classic Ligurian flatbread from Genoa, characterized by its airy crumb, dimpled surface, generous olive oil, and a perfectly salty crust.

Italy·Easy·35-40 minutes

Italian Frittata

A rustic Italian open-faced omelet, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner. This versatile dish features eggs baked with your choice of vegetables or leftover pasta, and is finished with savory Pecorino cheese and fresh herbs.

Italy·Medium·40 minutes

Pizzoccheri della Valtellina

A hearty and rustic buckwheat pasta dish from the Valtellina region of Lombardy, traditionally made with local cheeses, potatoes, and savoy cabbage, all tossed in garlic-infused butter.

Italy·Medium·48+ hours (including soaking)

Baccalà Mantecato

A classic Venetian appetizer, this dish features salt cod whipped into a creamy, airy spread, traditionally served with grilled polenta or crusty bread. The key is to achieve a light, emulsified texture.

Italy·Easy·25 minutes

Saltimbocca alla Romana

A classic Roman dish featuring tender veal cutlets topped with savory prosciutto and aromatic sage, pan-fried to perfection and finished with a light white wine sauce. The name 'Saltimbocca' literally translates to 'jumps in the mouth,' a testament to its bold and delicious flavor.

Italy·Easy·4 hours 10 minutes (including chilling)

Classic Panna Cotta

A silky, smooth, and elegant Italian dessert from the Piedmont region, featuring delicately set sweetened cream infused with vanilla. Served chilled, often with fresh berries or a fruit coulis.

Italy·Hard·3 hours 30 minutes (including chilling and frying)

Cannoli Siciliani

Authentic Sicilian pastry tubes featuring crisp, golden shells filled with a luxuriously sweet and creamy ricotta filling, often studded with candied fruits and chocolate chips.

Italy·Easy·20 minutes

Pesto alla Genovese

Authentic Pesto alla Genovese, a vibrant and aromatic sauce from the Liguria region of Italy, made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and two traditional cheeses. Best prepared using a mortar and pestle for optimal texture and flavor.

Italy·Hard·12+ hours (including resting and chilling)

Pastiera Napoletana

A traditional Neapolitan Easter cake, this rich and fragrant tart features a sweet shortcrust pastry filled with a creamy mixture of cooked wheat berries, ricotta cheese, candied citrus peel, and the distinctive aroma of orange blossom water.

Italy·Easy·35 minutes

Piccata di Pollo

Tender, pan-fried chicken cutlets coated in a light flour dredge, served with a vibrant and tangy sauce made from lemon, capers, and white wine, finished with a swirl of butter.

Italy·Medium·35 minutes

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

An authentic Roman pasta dish featuring crispy guanciale, a rich sauce made from eggs and Pecorino Romano cheese, and a generous amount of black pepper. This recipe strictly adheres to the traditional method, omitting cream for a pure, unadulterated flavor.

Italy·Medium·8 hours 30 minutes (including poaching, cooling, and chilling)

Vitello Tonnato

A classic Piedmontese dish of thinly sliced, tender veal served cold with a rich, creamy tuna and caper sauce. Perfect as an elegant appetizer for warm weather gatherings.

Italy·Easy·15 minutes

Insalata Caprese

A quintessential Italian summer salad showcasing the vibrant flavors of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic basil, simply dressed with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and sea salt. This dish celebrates the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients.

Italy·Easy·35 minutes

Pasta alla Gricia

A classic Roman pasta dish, often considered the ancestor of both Carbonara and Amatriciana. It features crispy guanciale, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper, creating a rich and savory sauce without the addition of eggs or tomatoes.

Italy·Hard·25-37 hours

Colomba Pasquale

Colomba Pasquale, or Easter Dove Cake, is a traditional Italian sweet bread shaped like a dove, symbolizing peace. It shares similarities with panettone, featuring a rich, enriched dough studded with candied fruits and topped with a crunchy almond glaze. This recipe requires significant time for dough development and proofing, making it a rewarding challenge for experienced bakers.

Italy·Hard·3 hours 45 minutes (excluding broth preparation, which can take 6+ hours)

Tortellini in Brodo

Authentic Tortellini in Brodo, a classic Bolognese dish featuring delicate, hand-made pasta parcels filled with a savory meat and cheese mixture, served in a rich, clear capon or chicken broth. This is a traditional Christmas delicacy.

Regional Cuisines of Italy

Explore the diverse culinary traditions across different regions

Tuscany

Known for its rolling hills, olive groves, and rustic farmhouse cuisine that celebrates simple, high-quality ingredients.

Extra virgin olive oilChianti wineBistecca alla Fiorentina

Key ingredients: Olive oil, Cannellini beans, Tuscan kale, Wild boar...

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Sicily

An island cuisine shaped by Arab, Greek, Spanish, and Norman influences, featuring bold flavors, seafood, and sweet-savory combinations.

AranciniCannoliCassata

Key ingredients: Swordfish, Sardines, Capers, Pistachios...

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Emilia-Romagna

Italy's gastronomic heartland, home to Parmigiano-Reggiano, balsamic vinegar, prosciutto di Parma, and filled pastas.

Parmigiano-ReggianoTraditional balsamic vinegarProsciutto di Parma

Key ingredients: Parmigiano-Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Balsamic vinegar, Mortadella...

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Naples & Campania

The birthplace of pizza and home to Italy's most beloved tomato-based dishes, shaped by volcanic soil and coastal influences.

Pizza NapoletanaLimoncelloSfogliatella

Key ingredients: San Marzano tomatoes, Buffalo mozzarella, Basil, Olive oil...

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