While Italy is best known for its care-worn and time-tested culinary traditions dating back to the Roman Empire and beyond- even they have food fads that come and go. The difference is that their flashes in the pan are based on well-loved family recipes that have served Italy- and the world- for ages on ages.
Here are a few examples of what’s in fashion at the Italian table today.
Slow-fermented sourdough pizza
The idea for this delicious treat hails from Naples where many authentic pizzerias ferment the dough for 24 hours using natural yeast which contains only salt, flour and water. It’s very light and easy to digest.
Smoked peppers with tomato and cheese
Smoking fresh peppers, tomatoes and cheese really changes their flavor, giving them added depth of flavor.
Arancini balls & spaghetti cakes
Arancini balls are a traditional Italian street food. They are usually filled with a meaty ragu or mozzarella. Also, while we’re talking about fried treats, keep an eye out for fried spaghetti cakes, which are deliciously crispy on the outside, cooked in a delightful tomato sauce.
Guanciale
This is the traditional cured meat often used with carbonara and it comes from pork jowl. It’s a very savory ingredient as the fat cooks away during the cooking process, leaving just tender meat with a dainty pork flavor.
Varying aged Parmesan
The minimum time for the aging of a good Parmesan cheese is about one year, and the maximum would be roughly 36 months for a very mature cheese. You will find there’s even more choice when buying today, as this treat has become quite popular. So whether you prefer your Parmesan mild or strong, there’s plenty available.
Aged, flavored balsamic vinegar
The assortment of balsamic vinegar you can find in the markets has increased significantly, but currently, you can buy flavored vinegar like pomegranate balsamic, strawberry, or cranberry crème for a twist to your Italian dish.
Regional pasta types: candele and ziti
Everyone is familiar with penne, and fusilli but there’s been a recent resurgence of traditional and regional types of pasta coming back- traditional pastas like candele, which have a long, hollow shape, and ziti, which is very much like a thick spaghetti that’s hollow in the middle.
Fresh Sorrento and Sicilian lemons and limoncello desserts
If you manage to find fresh Sorrento or Sicilian lemons at the market, why not make use of them to create a lemon drizzle cake? It’s perfect for entertaining guests. If you would like to make your own liqueur, try a homemade limoncello. You’ll be amazed just how easy it is to make (and, you can save some bottles to re-gift as homemade Christmas presents when the season comes.
There is a good chance you have never enjoyed genuine Italian dishes. Stop on in for dinner at L’amore Italian Restaurant to experience the taste of real Italian food.
