by Luisa Antognetti
One of the
best parts of travelling is sampling the local cuisine and libations. In fact,
many people travel with this in mind, seeking out the best destinations for
food and drink. Italy especially is known worldwide for its exquisite culinary
delights. Italian cuisine is extremely varied, offering an array of delicious
indulgences. Each region features its own unique specialties with different
dishes eliciting surprise. The following is a guide to help you plan your
culinary adventure through Italy.
Pasta is
typically the first course of an Italian meal. There are all sorts of
imaginative ways to season or sauce a pasta dish, plus a huge variety of
different pastas. For instance, parma tortellini is made with herbs and
ricotta and served with hot butter and parmesan. In Northern Italy, rice rather
than pasta is served in risotto dishes. In Milan, one will often find risotto
flavoured with saffron or truffles.
The main
course in an Italian meal is usually a meat dish. Bistecca alla fiorentina, or
charcoal grilled beef steak, is a specialty in Florence. In the north of Italy,
ossibuchi—stewed shin of veal, or cinghiale agrodolce— boar in a sweet and sour
sauce, are specialty dishes. Pork products such as salumi are also popular
choices in Italy. The Friuli region features exquisite San Daniele ham and
Parma is known for langhirano ham. Another popular main dish is fish and
seafood. Gran fritto misto—a deep fried selection of seafood with lemon—is a
countrywide favourite.
Salad or
vegetables are often served as their own course, after the main meat dish. The
Island of Capri is known for its popular caprese salad, which is made with
mozzarella from buffalo’s milk, tomatoes and fresh basil.
At the end
of the meal, world-famous gelato or blood oranges are often served. Another
favourite end of meal dish is cheese. Delicious caprini made with goat’s milk
and caciotta from Tuscany are both popular cheeses to serve at the end of a
meal.
To go along
with your Italian culinary adventure are a number of fine wines. Fine red wines
from Barolo, Chianti and
Barbera are especially popular. The white wines of Suave and Verdicchio are
also favourites. In
addition, the south and the islands feature dessert wines such as Marsala and
raisin Muscatel as specialties.
With so
many delicious choices, something is bound to excite your taste buds in every
region!
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