Whether traveling to Italy for the first time or you’ve been there, there is always time to try a new dish! For a good reason, Italian cuisine is one of the most popular worldwide.
There’s something for everyone in Italian food, from traditional pizza to regionally varying pasta dishes. Here are some of the best Italian dishes you must try while visiting this beautiful country or just dining in an Italian resto.
Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is the perfect summer dish with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil. It is easy to prepare and requires just a few ingredients. It is the ideal starter to a meal or can be served as a side dish with grilled meats such as tenderloin, skirt steak, ham, or baked white fish. It can also be a refreshing snack when you’re craving something light.
It is also a wonderful and healthy option that you can get for delivery from the greatest Italian restaurants that offer the best Italian delivery because it has key ingredients that shield us from vascular illnesses, diabetes, and cancer. Also, the nutrients in tomatoes and basil are good for our hearts and vision.
The easiest way to prepare this dish is to slice and layer the tomatoes and cheese on a plate. Then drizzle the top with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze. You can also sprinkle some flaked sea salt, pepper, and fresh basil over the top.
You can use any tomato for this recipe. Still, I suggest using semi-green tomatoes that provide an acidity that nicely contrasts with the rich mozzarella cheese and sweet basil. You can also use grape or cherry tomatoes to make this dish more colorful.
This salad is a must-try in Italy and can be eaten as a main course or as a side dish with a bbq of beef or grilled white fish. You can also serve it with a bowl of pasta for a full Italian meal.
Spaghetti Seafood
Spaghetti Alle Vongole (spaghetti tossed with clams) is one of Italy’s most beloved pasta dishes. It is a simple dish that can be easily prepared for an everyday meal. However, it is also very popular at dinner parties and a perfect option for an elegant meal.
It is made with various seafood, including calamari, squid, shrimp, and clams. It is usually served with tomato sauce but can also be prepared without the sauce.
To prepare the pasta, add it to boiling water that has been salted and cook until al dente. Once it is cooked, drain and reserve the water.
Meanwhile, wash the clams and mussels well. Inspect the shells to remove cracked or open ones, as these could be unsafe to eat.
In a large pan over medium-high heat, saute the garlic in olive oil until it is softened but not colored, about 30 seconds. Gently add the clams and mussels, along with four teaspoons of parsley. Stir well and let cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
After the clams and mussels have soaked for a few minutes, stir in wine, salt, red pepper, and tomato sauce. Let the liquid evaporate slightly for 2 minutes, then add the remaining parsley.
Before preparing the spaghetti, selecting the best-branded pasta is important. It must be of high quality, and it should be able to absorb the sauce. Moreover, it should be thin and long to cook easily in the sauce.
Carbonara with Truffles
One of the most classic and popular dishes of Italian cuisine, Carbonara is a simple yet satisfying dish. It uses ingredients often found in the pantry and requires only a few steps to prepare.
To start, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and reserve a cup of pasta water.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. Combine the egg and cheese paste with hot pasta water to temper it. Add the egg mixture to the hot pasta and stir quickly until everything is incorporated and the sauce is thickened.
When the pasta is done, toss it with the sauce. If you find the sauce too runny, add a little more hot pasta water to help it thin out.
This Carbonara is more creamy and rich than traditional ones but still very filling. It’s a great choice for those who want to try new flavors without sacrificing the comfort of classic pasta dishes.
It’s also a perfect dinner for a summer evening with a glass of white wine. For a slightly smoky flavor, add smoked paprika to the recipe.
The best part of this Carbonara with Truffles is that it is easy to make! Follow the directions, and you’ll have a delicious dish quickly.
Fried Balls of Rice
Fried Balls of Rice are a staple in Italian cuisine and have existed for hundreds of years. They are battered until crispy and golden on the outside and can be served as a snack or a meal.
Whether they’re made from short-grain rice or sticky rice with various fillings, there are plenty of delicious ways to make this classic dish. This savory finger food can be made with whatever you have and is always a hit at parties.
You’ll need rice flour, a little salt, and water to make these. After combining the ingredients, you’ll fry the mixture into balls until golden brown.
Once you’ve fried your rice balls, you can serve them with soy sauce or dip them in a sauce bowl to coat them. This is a great way to use up leftovers!
The best way to make fried rice is to shape it into one 1/2-inch balls and cook them in butter. Please wash your hands to prevent them from getting too sticky.
After frying the rice balls, you can coat them in bread crumbs to give them a crunchy exterior and softer interior.