Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in Southern Europe. It is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, fashion culture and scenic landscapes. Millions of tourists visit Italy every year to explore Rome’s ancient ruins, the canals of Venice and the art filled streets of Florence. The country is also famous for its warm people, vibrant festivals and strong love for tradition and family.
Italian cuisine is loved around the world for being simple, fresh and full of flavour. Most dishes are made using tomatoes, olive oil, basil, cheese and handmade pasta. Every region has its own speciality, which gives Italian food a unique identity. Naples is famous for pizza, Rome for pasta and Sicily for sweet treats like cannoli. Whether you enjoy gelato on a sunny day or a classic pizza dinner, Italy offers taste, beauty and culture in every moment.
1. PIZZA MARGHERITA
Recipe
Place a pizza base on a tray.
Spread tomato sauce evenly.
Add mozzarella slices over the base.
Sprinkle a little salt and drizzle olive oil.
Preheat oven to 230C.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until cheese melts and crust becomes crisp.
Remove and top with fresh basil.
Slice and serve hot.
2. PASTA CARBONARA
Recipe
Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente.
Cook guanciale or bacon until crispy.
Whisk eggs with parmesan and pepper.
Drain pasta but save a little pasta water.
Add pasta to guanciale and mix.
Turn off heat and pour egg mixture, stirring quickly.
Adjust with pasta water for creamy texture.
Serve immediately.
3. LASAGNA
Recipe
Cook minced meat in tomato sauce with seasoning.
Prepare white sauce until smooth and thick.
Grease a baking dish.
Layer lasagna sheets at the bottom.
Add meat sauce, white sauce and cheese.
Repeat layers and finish with cheese on top.
Cover with foil and bake at 180C for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake 10 minutes more until golden.
Rest, slice and serve warm.
4. RISOTTO ALLA MILANESE
Recipe
Warm broth on low heat.
Saute onion in butter until soft.
Add rice and toast lightly.
Pour broth gradually while stirring.
Add saffron for colour and aroma.
Cook until creamy but not mushy.
Stir in butter and cheese.
Serve hot.
5. TIRAMISU
Recipe
Prepare strong coffee and cool it.
Mix mascarpone and sugar until creamy.
Dip ladyfinger biscuits in coffee.
Arrange as a base layer in dish.
Spread mascarpone mixture over it.
Repeat biscuit and cream layers.
Dust with cocoa powder.
Refrigerate 3 to 4 hours and serve chilled.
6. GNOCCHI
Recipe
Boil potatoes and cool slightly.
Peel and mash until smooth.
Add flour and egg to form soft dough.
Roll into logs and cut small pieces.
Boil pieces until they float.
Toss with melted butter and cheese.
Serve warm.
7. FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
Recipe
Boil fettuccine in salted water.
Melt butter in pan and add cream.
Simmer gently.
Add parmesan to form sauce.
Mix pasta in sauce and coat well.
Add pasta water if thick.
Serve with extra parmesan.
8. BRUSCHETTA
Recipe
Toast bread slices until crisp.
Rub garlic on warm toast.
Mix tomatoes with basil and salt.
Add olive oil and combine.
Top bread with mixture.
Serve fresh.
9. GELATO
Recipe
Heat milk and sugar until dissolved.
Add cream and flavour like pistachio or chocolate.
Cool mixture fully.
Churn in icecream machine.
Freeze a few hours.
Serve slightly soft.
10. ARANCINI
Recipe
Take cold risotto and shape in hand.
Add cheese or filling in centre.
Close and form a ball.
Coat with crumbs.
Fry until golden and crisp.
Drain and serve hot.
