When travel is your business, discovering unique flavors is a tasty perk of the trade, and if pasta is your favorite, there is no better place to indulge than in Italy. Italians pride themselves on serving authentic, fresh, and locally sourced pasta dishes, but not all are created equal. With culinary traditions and ingredients varying widely between regions, knowing what to order and where is crucial. Here are three of our favorite iconic dishes that will not disappoint when visiting a few of Italy’s most popular destinations.
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1. Carbonara in Rome
“When in Rome, do as the Romans,” and order the carbonara. This popular pasta dish is a staple found on any menu in nearly every eatery in Rome. Carbonara, a decadent combination of crispy guanciale (cured pork cheek), Pecorino-Romano cheese, egg, and black pepper, reflects the traditional and rustic flavors of Roman cuisine. Typically tossed with longer pasta such as spaghetti, carbonara’s ingredients are simple yet surprisingly flavorful, and the combination creates a rich and dreamy dish.
With the origin of this classic dish up for debate, some argue that carbonara was first developed when Roman shepherds combined these ingredients for a satisfying meal, while others point to a more modern birth in the twentieth century. Carbonara, nonetheless, has become a symbol of Roman cuisine and is a must-try when visiting the Eternal City. When searching for homemade and authentic carbonara, avoid restaurants offering menus in English, with photos, or those adjacent to popular tourist locations such as Piazza Navonna or the Trevi Fountain. Instead, head to a traditional trattoria or osteria for the best and most authentic carbonara experience.
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2. Spaghetti alla Nerano on the Amalfi Coast
When traveling south along the Amalfi Coast, spaghetti alla Nerano is about as authentic as it gets. Originating in the small seaside village of Nerano, located on the Sorrento Peninsula, it was invented by a woman who stumbled upon this now favorite recipe by simply experimenting with local ingredients while cooking in her family-owned restaurant. Today, Spaghetti alla Nerano is found and enjoyed on menus throughout the Amalfi Coast.
Like many great Italian pasta recipes, the ingredients are simple. Zucchini, fried until golden brown, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and a touch of basil. Cook the spaghetti to al dente, combine the above, and add the “surprise” ingredient, grated local Provolone del Monaco cheese, which gives the dish its salty, buttery, and slightly spicy flavor. With a gentle stir, the cheese melts, creating a delicate yet sturdy sauce that coats the pasta to perfection.
Stop in charming Nerano, where this fresh and zesty pasta began. Savor spaghetti alla Nerano’s bright flavors, compliment with a glass of peach wine, and take in the stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea.
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3. Ragù alla Bolognese in Bologna
Bologna, situated in the picturesque Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, is a vibrant and youthful city full of food markets and delicious restaurants. This medieval city has been dubbed “The Culinary Capital of Italy,” and the dish to justify that profound honor is the city’s namesake, ragù alla Bolognese.
Not to be confused with the ubiquitous red sauce that comes to the minds of most Americans. Authentic ragù alla Bolognese is a velvety, aromatic, meat-centric sauce that, at its origin, was heavily influenced by traditional French stewing techniques and surprisingly did not include tomato. Today, traditional ragù is typically a recipe of ground beef or veal, pancetta, onion, carrot, celery, a small amount of tomato, and a splash of wine. It is slow-cooked for hours, producing a complex flavor that perfectly complements homemade tagliatelle pasta. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, pour a glass of local red wine, and enjoy this flawlessly balanced dish.
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The Destination Designer team believes that a beautiful way to learn about a country’s culture is through its cuisine. Let us help plan your next culinary adventure, whether it is a customized “food tour” across Europe or simply providing you access to personally vetted and authentic culinary experiences. The Destination Designer is committed to providing unparalleled customer care, customized itineraries, and memorable experiences to share with friends and family.
To learn about these destination and custom travel planning, visit www.thedestinationdesigner.com.
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