There are few foods that conjure up images of feasts like Italian meals do. This is a country that takes food seriously, and it is common to see four and five-course meals on a daily basis. When you consider there are more than six hundred types of paste and four hundred types of cheese, adding in homemade sauce means the possibilities are endless.
Italian food is some of the most globally recognised food in the world. People the world over turn to pasta, risottos and pizza as staples in their weekly dining desires. With that said, we felt it was high time to highlight 10 tasty Italian dishes you can make from home.
1. Focaccia Bread
Focaccia Bread is a wonderfully fresh bread that is topped with basil leaves, tomato slices, olives, caramelised onions and grated parmesan cheese. It then baked to perfection and ready to delight the crowd.
2. Bruschetta
Bruschetta is another famous Italian appetiser. It uses country styled loafs of bread and is covered in a wide range of toppings from tomatoes, onions, cheers, olive oil, basil and other Italian fav’s. It is served with cold or room temperature toppings.
3. Panzenella
A Tuscan bread salad, Panzenella is most ideal during the summer. There is no specific recipe for Panzenella but the two ingredients always used is bread and tomatoes. It is generally served with a chilled glass of Prosecco.
4. Caprese Salad with Pesto Sauce
Caprese Salad with Pesto Sauce is perfect for antipasto lovers before the main course. It is topped with mozzarella cheese, fresh tomatoes and of course, fresh homemade pesto sauce.
5. Pasta Con Pomodoro E Basilico
Pasta Con Pomodoro E Basilico is one of the more basic sauces for pasta. It is reputed to be the first tomatoes based sauce used for Italian pasta dishes and often referred to as homemade sauce, a staple in any respectable Italian family.
6. Pasta Carbonara
Pasta Carbonara is a simple pasta dish from Roman times. The name “carbone” refers to coal and became famous as a dish that was popular with those who worked in the mines.
7. Mushroom Risotto
Italians love their risotto, and high on the list is Mushroom Risotto. It celebrates the goodness of mushrooms and will feed an army if mama makes it!
8. Pizza
Pizza goes hand in hand with Italy. Pizza comes in many sizes, shapes and styles, is easy to make and can use any combination from all veggies to just a few, meant, cheeses and just screams goodness.
9. Tiramisu
Tiramisu is a delightful Italian dessert that has cross all oceans and found in many cultures. It includes sponge cake that gets a healthy soaking in coffee, then is layered in a pan with creamy mascarpone. It is both tasty, light and a joy to eat.
10. Panna Cotta with Raspberry Coulis
Panna cotta with raspberry coulis is an Italian dessert that includes cream, milk and gelatine. It is served cold with a raspberry coulis and fresh whole raspberry.