Introduction
The rapid globalisation of the past two decades has paved the way for India to adopt the cuisines of various countries into its culture and lifestyle.One of the most popular cuisines to enter Indian culture is Italian cuisine.
For long, Italian dishes to Indians were mostly pizzas and pasta. But today, with the installation of restaurants that have foods of diverse cuisines on their menus, people are experimenting with different types of Italian dishes and loving them for their flavour and aroma.
What is special about Italian dishes?
Italian cuisine is known for the quality, simplicity and taste of its dishes. Most Italian dishes involve only 4–8 ingredients and can be cooked in a few simple steps. Italian cuisine pays close attention to the quality and freshness of the ingredients used to make teh dishes.
Italian dishes mainly use olive oil instead of other oils that can increase our fat and cholesterol levels. They are a healthy diet because the ingredients are mostly fresh vegetables, fruits and other dairy products instead of artificial ingredients.
Each Italian dish tastes and smells different. But even though they differ in preparation methods, there are some ingredients that are common in most Italian dishes. Some of the ingredients frequently used are
- Tomatoes
- Eggplants
- Lettuce
- Peppers
- Parmesan or mozzarella cheese
- Rosemary
- Basil
- Garlic, etc.
These ingredients add to the quality and taste of the dishes. Italian seasonings like oregano and chilli flakes can also be used to enhance the flavour.
Top Italian dishes to try
1. Pizza
Pizzas are one of the most beloved Italian dishes worldwide. Pizzas have been around for a long time and are believed to have originated in Naples, Italy. A pizza is basically a flattened bread dough that is covered with a delicious spread of various ingredients like tomatoes, mozzarella or other cheese, olive oil, oregano, etc. You can have pizza as a starter, main dish or even a dessert, and there are many varieties of pizzas that you can choose to suit your taste.
2. Pasta
Pasta can be had in small amounts as a pasta salad or large amounts as a meal. They are fairly easy to make and are almost similar to noodles. Pasta can be served with different types of sauces and other ingredients. Pasta is generally made from a mixture of wheat flour and water (sometimes eggs) that are then formed into different shapes. They can be rolled and cut in the form of noodles, spaghetti, macaroni, etc., and then boiled in water.
3. Lasagna
Lasagna or lasagne is a type of pasta made by stacking the ingredients layer by layer in the form of wide, flat sheets. They can be topped with a variety of ingredients like meat, sauces, cheese (usually mozzarella and parmesan), veggies, and some seasonings like basil, oregano, etc. Just like pizzas and pasta, lasagnas are also available in several flavours and can be enjoyed as a whole or cooked with other dishes and eaten in portions.
4. Parmigiana
Chicken parmigiana, also referred to as chicken parmesan, is an Italian dish that consists of breaded, pan-fried chicken breast topped with tomato, basil, cheese and olives. This chicken parmigiana has a juicy interior and a crunchy exterior with the coating of the breadcrumbs, which makes it a dream for all chicken lovers. The tomato sauce and cheese add to the flavour of the dish.
5. Bruschetta
Bruschetta is served as a starter dish and consists of grilled bread topped with olive oil, garlic, basil and salt. This toasted bread can be served with a variety of ingredients like tomatoes, meat, vegetables, cheese, etc. The most popular bruschetta variety is the tomato bruschetta, which has tomato and basil toppings on the toasted bread. It is one of the most loved Italian starters and can also be enjoyed as an evening snack.
6. Crispy/fried calamari
Calamari is the Italian term for squids. Crispy or fried calamari are nothing but fried small squids that can be eaten as a starter dish or a snack. The meat is firm and chewy and readily absorbs the sauces and other ingredients they are marinated in. They have a mild and slightly sweet taste with a hint of a nutty flavour. They can be had with lemon squeezed on them or with dips like tomato sauce and mayonnaise.
7. Italian-style grilled chicken breast
This Italian grilled chicken is made according to the usual methods used to make grilled chicken but with Italian seasonings. The chicken is coated with flavourful Italian seasonings like olive oil, oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, etc. The meat is tender, juicy and grilled to perfection. They can be eaten as a side dish for other dishes or as a main dish for lunch and dinner. Having them with dips like tomato sauce or mayonnaise adds to their flavour.
8. Bolognese
Bolognese sauce is a slow-cooked Italian sauce made with minced meat such as beef or pork. The meat is cooked with vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, onions and celery. Milk is the main ingredient of the recipe, which makes it much thicker than regular sauce. This bolognese sauce is popularly eaten with spaghetti but can also be used in making pizzas and lasagna.
9. Minestrone soup
Minestrone is an Italian soup with a thick texture and is made using vegetables like carrots, beans, onions, tomatoes, celery and other leafy vegetables. It is one of the dishes where we can add any kind of vegetable. The vegetables are simmered with pasta and other fresh herbs. One of the popular variations of minestrone is seafood minestrone soup, which is made by adding seafood to the mixture.
10. Panini Sandwich
A panini or panino sandwich is an Italian dish made with Italian bread like rosetta, ciabatta, etc. They are grilled with the ingredients, and Italian seasonings stuffed in them and served hot. Like any other sandwich, any type of stuffing can be used for a panini sandwich, but with Italian seasonings. Some of the popular variations are veg, chicken and beef grilled panini sandwiches.
Craving a tasty Italian meal? Visit us!!!
Are you suddenly craving some fragrant and delicious Italian pizzas or pasta? You don’t have to go to Italy to have those now. We have all that you need for a sumptuous Italian meal right here at Jonah’s Bistro. Jonah’s Bistro is one of the best restaurants in Chennai that serves Italian, Japanese, European and Continental cuisine. Visit our restaurant to enjoy some finger-licking dishes like pizzas, pasta, burgers, bao, dumplings, sushi, and many more.
To know more about our journey and services, click here. To order our foods online, click here.
Conclusion
And there you have it, a list of the best Italian foods that you have to try. Use this list as your guide for a fulfilling Italian meal. From the delicious pizza to the crispy calamari, these dishes will let you experience the soulful taste of Italian cuisine. And don’t forget to visit us at the nearest Jonah’s Bistro to enjoy a delectable Italian meal.
FAQs Related to Best Italian Foods
1. Which country is known for its food?
Italy is the country that is most famous for its food. It is one of the nations renowned for its food whenever the topic is brought up. Many people love Italian dishes, especially pizzas and pasta, which are favourites of many.
2. Why is Indian cuisine so popular?
People love Indian food for its curries, variety of spices and complex flavours. Adding herbs and other ingredients like cardamom, tamarind, turmeric, etc, in the dishes adds flavour and aroma to the food.
3. What are some of the best Italian spices?
Italians are known for their flavourful and aromatic food. And most of the credit goes to the variety of spices they use to prepare the dishes. Some of the spices that Italians commonly use in their dishes are Basil, Rosemary, Oregano, Garlic, Sage, Pepper, Parsley, Thyme, etc.
