Best Italian Recipes- It would not be an exaggeration to say that India loves its pizzas, pasta and risottos, even if it means giving the authentic Italian dishes our own desi tadka. Italian food is one of the few global cuisines that Indians are truly obsessed with. Italian food regularly features on the dining tables of most urban Indian households, and more often than not, we fall back on pastas, pizzas and risottos to satisfy our cravings for a good meal. There are so many varieties to choose from among Italian dishes in veg or non-veg, from when it comes to pasta - penne, lasagne, spaghetti, macaroni, tagliatelle and ravioli, among others - that you can toss them in numerous sauces, herbs, vegetables and meats and enjoy a hearty meal. Home-made pizzas are also a favourite option for a quick meal during game nights or family get-togethers.
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George Miller had rightly said, "The trouble with eating Italian food is that two or three days later you're hungry again". A four-course meal is served with a variety of 400 types of cheese, and every bite speaks of its origins from the 4th century BC. Did you know that Italians are known to take their food very seriously? The lunch hour is the most important meal of the day. It starts with antipasti (before the meal) like cheese, olives, salad, etc. The main course mostly comprises the most popular Italian recipe, pasta or risotto. Fact: There are more than 600 shapes of pasta produced across the world.
Here are our 17 best Italian recipes, ranging from Focaccia bread to a luscious Tiramisu and more. Buon Appetito!
1. Caprese Salad with Pesto Sauce
Nothing like a fresh tomato salad in summer! A great antipasto bite to start your meal with. This combination of juicy tomatoes and mozzarella cheese salad, topped with freshly made pesto sauce, is a distinct yet simple one. It offers a twist to the classic caprese salad.
Italian Recipes: Caprese Salad with Pesto Sauce is a fresh and distinct twist to a tomato salad.2. Panzenella
Panzanella is a Tuscan bread salad, ideal for summer. It does not follow a particular recipe, but the two ingredients that do not change are tomatoes and bread. This salad is great with a chilled glass of Prosecco and lots of sunshine!
Italian Recipes: An ideal summer salad, panzanella has spices, herbs and veggies tossed together.3. Bruschetta
An antipasto dish, bruschetta has grilled bread topped with veggies, rubbed garlic and a tomato mix. A country bread sliced and topped with different toppings - the evergreen tomato-basil and an inventive mushroom-garlic. The classic Italian starter!
Italian Recipes: Bruschetta is a classic Italian dish with generous garlic flvaour and a cheesy, spicy, tomato topping!4. Focaccia Bread
Fresh dough is topped with caramelised onions, olives, tomato slices, basil leaves, grated parmesan cheese and baked deliciously!
Italian Recipes: A delicious, fulfilling bread, baked to perfection!5. Pasta Carbonara
This simple Roman pasta dish derives its name from 'carbone', meaning coal. It was a pasta popular with the coal miners. The original recipe calls for guanciale, which is pig's cheek, but since it's not easily available, the chef has used bacon instead.
Italian Recipes: Pasta Carbonara is the ultimate cheesy dish that you would love to indulge in!6. Margherita Pizza
Fancy a piping hot pizza, fresh out of the oven? Create one at home! Margherita Pizza is to many the true Italian flag. One of the most loved Italian dishes, it just takes a few simple ingredients, and you get insanely delicious results! You just can't go wrong with that tomato, basil and fresh mozzarella combo.
Italian Recipes: Classic Margherita Pizza with oodles of cheese, need we say more?7. Mushroom Risotto
A plateful of buttery risotto with the goodness of mushrooms. A healthy bowl of mushroom risotto has more benefits than you can think. A great source of protein, a powerful antioxidant and even has cancer-fighting properties. This risotto recipe with mushrooms is a delicious recipe, besides being easy and quick! Great to feed a hungry horde!
8. Pasta Con Pomodoro E Basilico
This is the most basic and simplest cooked pasta sauce, hence it is the benchmark of a good Italian home cook. This one boasts of being among the original Italian recipes of pasta. easy and quick, this pasta recipe can be made in under half an hour. Serve as a breakfast, pack for kids' tiffin or savour as an evening snack. You can even cook this for a casual and lazy dinner and pair it up with red wine.
Italian Recipes: The basic of all pasta recipes, you can cook this for dinner too.9. Tiramisu - The 'pick-me-up' cake
The delightful tiramisu recipe with sponge fingers soaked in coffee, layered around and smeared with a creamy mascarpone mixture. The word 'tiramisu' in Italian means 'pick-me-up'. Owing to its caffeine kick, it sure does!
Italian Recipes: A soft, melt-in-the-mouth dessert that you can pair with tea or right after dinner.
10. Lasagna
The ultimate Italian dish has to be this recipe of Lasagna. A secret to the best lasagna recipe lies in the perfectly made, homemade bolognese sauce, and this bacon and lamb lasagna boasts of a delicious one! Loaded with parmesan cheese and layered with a mix of vegetables, bacon strips and minced lamb, this lasagna recipe is nothing short of perfect. If you are craving some lasagne right now and don't want to wait for the entire cooking process at home, simply scroll through your favourite food delivery app and order online.
11. Pistachio Panna Cotta
End your meals the Italian way! Panna cotta is a dessert made with gelatin, cream and milk. Chilled and served with chopped pistachios garnishing. Panna Cotta, in Italian, means 'cooked cream.' This is a very easy and quick dessert to prepare for a party at home. With just a handful of ingredients, you can have this Italian delicacy and relish away!
Italian Recipes: Pannacotta is a delicious treat to relish after a hearty meal.12. Panettone
An Italian sweet bread, panettone is a perfect Christmas or New Year's dessert with the goodness of egg, flour, sugar, raisins, candied orange, lemon and cherries.
13. Fettuccine Pomodoro
A light, quick and easy pasta recipe, Fettuccine Pomodoro is a delicious dish for breakfast, brunch or kids' tiffin!
14. Classic Pasta Amatriciana
An easy Italian tomato sauce, flavoured with crispy pancetta, sauteed onion and garlic, All'amatriciana is one of the most classic Italian pasta sauces.
15. Stuffed Ravioli
The classic Italian Ravioli comes with an Indian twist. Tricolour ravioli stuffed with pumpkin, shallots and oodles of Parmesan cheese, along with the goodness of walnuts. If you find the recipe too tricky and are craving some ravioli, simply order online at home and enjoy.
Also Read: 18 Best Vegetarian Dinner Recipes| 18 Easy Dinner Recipes
16. Pizza Panne
Enjoy the crisp crunch of these paper-thin snacks. Infused with garlic and subtle spices, you can team them up with whatever you desire or just go on a solo affair!
17. Mango and Coconut Pannacotta
Indulge in this sweet delight, made of fresh cream, gelatin, sugar and the king of fruits- mango! Top it with mint leaves to add a dose of freshness.
Enjoy your Italian cooking time and make the most of these recipes to surprise your friends and family.
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