Beyond Tuscany: Discovering Italy's Regional Culinary Wonders
When we think of Italian cuisine, pizza and pasta are probably the first dishes that come to mind. But Italy has much more to offer when it comes to food than just those staple dishes, and many of these specialties are specific to certain regions of Italy. Let's take a look at some of the regional culinary wonders that Italy has to offer beyond Tuscany.
Lombardy
Located in northern Italy, Lombardy is known for its rich, buttery risotto dishes. The most popular version is risotto alla Milanese, which is made with saffron and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. But Lombardy is also the birthplace of ossobuco, a classic stew made with veal shanks and vegetables.
Emilia-Romagna
Emilia-Romagna is a region in northern Italy known for its rich culinary traditions, and is often considered the gastronomic capital of Italy. Some of the region's most famous dishes include ragù alla bolognese, a meat-based sauce that is typically served with tagliatelle pasta, and tortellini, small ring-shaped pasta stuffed with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
Sicily
Sicilian cuisine is a blend of Italian, Greek, Spanish, and Arab influences, reflecting the island's complex history. One of the most famous Sicilian dishes is arancini, deep-fried rice balls stuffed with meat, cheese, or vegetables. Another must-try dish is pasta alla norma, a pasta dish made with tomatoes, eggplant, and ricotta cheese.
Campania
Campania, the region that includes Naples, is best known for its pizza, which is often cited as the best in Italy. But the region has other notable dishes as well, including spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams), and mozzarella in carrozza, a sandwich made with breaded and fried mozzarella cheese.
Puglia
Puglia, located in southeastern Italy, is known for its rustic cuisine and use of simple, local ingredients. One of the region's most famous dishes is orecchiette con le cime di rapa, a pasta dish made with broccoli rabe and anchovies. Puglia is also home to burrata cheese, a creamy cheese made from mozzarella and cream.
Liguria
Located in northwestern Italy, Liguria is best known for its pesto sauce, which is made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and olive oil. The region is also home to focaccia, a flatbread that is often topped with cheese, tomatoes, or olives.
When it comes to Italian cuisine, there is no shortage of regional specialties to explore beyond the familiar dishes of Tuscany. Whether you're a fan of rich and buttery risotto, or love a good plate of pasta, there's something for everyone to discover in the various regions of Italy.
