Italy can surprise the most demanding gourmets! This southern European country is not new to tourists, the coasts of the Adriatic, Tyrrhenian, Mediterranean and Ionian seas, ancient monuments, resorts with crowds of tourists and, of course, local cuisine, are worth visiting Italy, especially by car to feel the full charm.
The cuisine of Italy is Mediterranean, which is difficult to confuse with any other. Here they cook a lot of beef, fish, seafood, pork, combining them with vegetables, rice, pasta, dough and herbs and garlic. Olive oil is added almost everywhere. In the southern regions, many delicious dishes are prepared and this is very noticeable in comparison with northern Italy. In the north, the variety of dairy products, especially soft cheeses and yogurts, is impressive. We have selected 11 unusual dishes without which a trip to Italy will not be complete.
Pizza Margherita
Pizza Margherita is the most popular Italian pizza originally from Naples in the province of Campania. There is nothing extraordinary about it, but it can be called the queen of all pizzas. Mandatory ingredients are San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella from local farmers, fresh basil, salt and olive oil. In all restaurants in the south of Italy, you can safely order and you won’t miss out, because everyone knows how to cook this pizza in the south. Try it, you won’t regret it.
Mortadella
Mortadella is a well-known Italian sausage. It is sold in almost every supermarket and restaurant. In supermarkets and restaurants, it is sliced very thinly, and the thinner the slice, the tastier it is. Olives, pepper, and pistachios are added to mortadella, which gives it a better taste. The birthplace of mortadella is the city of Bologna in northern Italy. Sandwiches or Italian paninis are eaten with mortadella and added to omelette frittata, as well as to salads and cold snacks.
Tortellini
Tortello is a name mainly used in northern Italy in Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy and Tuscany. The most popular filling is with ricotta cheese and herbs and covered in butter, also with sage and spinach and pumpkin. Try it, it’s really worth it.
Italian sweet
Italians skillfully combine the color, taste and smell of food. Be sure to try the handmade sweets made by Italians. The most delicious sweets are sold in family confectionery, which can be found in almost every town. People in Italy are so gourmet that they can drive several tens of kilometers by car to buy their favorite dessert.
Spaghetti with clams
Spaghetti vongole is what the Italians call this dish. Spaghetti with mussels is popular in Italy, especially near the sea, where restaurants buy fresh catch from fishermen from the very morning to serve fresh mussels for lunch and dinner. Garlic, lemon, olive oil, parsley and pepper are added to the mussels. Everything is mixed with freshly cooked spaghetti. The dish looks simple, but very tasty.
Grilled cuttlefish
Grilled cuttlefish is a great choice for people who love the Mediterranean diet or seafood. It is prepared very quickly, simply fried on the grill on both sides and poured with olive oil with garlic, parsley and lemon. Everything is very simple and delicious.