The Unique Tastes of Italy

Italian food is some of the most popular food in the world, and these delicious dishes are often served in many homes and restaurants all around the globe. When vacationing in Italy, visitors will want to taste several of the country's flavorful foods. While there are many different terrific dishes to try in Italy, the following dishes are some of the most popular.

Some rights reserved by wEnDaLiciousChicken Parmigiana:
Chicken Parmigiana is a southern Italian dish, originating from Sicily. Many people use veal or eggplant in place of the chicken, but no matter what they may choose to use, the dish is still quite delicious. Chicken Parmigiana consists of baked or fried chicken breasts, coated in bread crumbs, and covered in a delicious tomato sauce and sprinkled with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Some rights reserved by stu_spivackVeal Marsala:
Veal Marsala is a delicious dish consisting of breaded and fried veal cutlets, simmered in Marsala wine, mushrooms, garlic, thyme and shallots. This dish is best when served over pasta or rice, and people can also substitute chicken for veal if they choose. Veal Marsala is also terrific when served with a fresh vegetable salad.

Some rights reserved by variant5gShrimp Fra Diavolo:
For people who love spicy foods, they must try Italy's Shrimp Fra Diavolo. This dish is definitely not for the faint of heart, as it is one of the spiciest dishes in the country. Diavolo is Italian for the word devil; thus, this dish is appropriately named. It is prepared with shrimp and a lot of crushed red peppers, making it extremely spicy, but delicious all the same.

Some rights reserved by thebittenword.comChicken Saltimbocca:
Although there are slight variations of this recipe, the dish typically consists of boneless chicken breasts, coated in bread crumbs, Parmesan and parsley and covered with Prosciutto and Provolone cheese. This is one of the juiciest and most delicious chicken dishes in Italy, and it is great when served with pasta, rice or salad. Some people also choose to add a sauce of their choice to the chicken as well.

Some rights reserved by adactioPasta Primavera:
Vegetarian visitors to Italy will love their Pasta Primavera. This is mainly a vegetarian pasta dish, prepared with various fresh vegetables, such as asparagus and zucchini, and topped with grated Parmagiano cheese and/or toasted pine nuts. Some people choose to add peas and cherry tomatoes as well. While this is mainly served as a vegetarian dish, people may also choose to add shrimp or chicken if they wish.

Some rights reserved by Foodie In DisguiseFettuccine Alfredo:
Fettuccine Alfredo consists of long, wide pasta and a rich, creamy white sauce. This is a favorite not only among Italians, but among people all over the world. This dish is great when served with chicken or beef, and even children absolutely love it. Some people choose to serve a fresh, green salad along with it as well, making a colorful and delicious meal that people will want to try again and again.

Some rights reserved by stu_spivackLinguini:
Linguini is a delightful pasta dish made with penne pasta and fresh clams. This, too, is a popular dish among both Italians and visitors, alike. The dish consists of penne pasta covered in a delicious clam sauce made from fresh clams, olive oil, garlic, clam juice, heavy cream and various spices, such as chili flakes and tarragon.

Some rights reserved by .angels.Spaghetti Bolognaise:
Spaghetti Bolognaise is perhaps the most widely known and popular dish in Italy. People all over the world serve their own variations of this fabulous dish, and it is enjoyed by people of all ages. Although this dish can be prepared many different ways, it typically consists of spaghetti pasta topped with a sauce, consisting of tomato paste, tomatoes, ground beef, meatballs, mushrooms, bell peppers and a variety of spices, such as oregano, garlic and thyme.

There are many more wonderful dishes that visitors can enjoy while vacationing in Italy, including such traditional dishes as Lasagna, Pizza and Ziti. However, the above dishes are some of the most popular dishes today. Italians are known for the great care they put into their preparation and cooking of food, and there is sure to be a dish to satisfy most anybody's tastes.

Diane Magruder is a hotel and resort reviewer and, while she's in between destinations is a freelance blogger for lakecomo.org.uk where you can find loads of information about beautiful Lake Como as well as listings of Lake Como hotels - a travel destination she highly recommends considering for your next trip.

Comments

[James Dugan]

Wonderful list of delectible favorites that makes me grateful we have a time of day for dinner. While lunch is quick and healthy, I still think time gives us an Italian world for dinner where we can spend the last hours of the day savoring our experiences and people we love the best. The best part of these meals is that they are all capable of being cooked within a hour.

I can't wait for your wine list. Welcome to lunch.

[Patrick Edmonds]

My wife and I are going to Italy in a month, and I can't wait to try all of the different dishes. The ones above are definitely on my current list of favorites, and the ones I haven't tried are definitely on my list of must trys. Thanks for the tips and welcome to Lunch!