Exploring Italy’s Culinary Heritage: 3 Iconic Dishes You Must Try

Most people think of pizza and pasta when it comes to Italian cuisine. While these two dishes are certainly delicious, there is so much more to Italian food than just these staples.

Italy is a country with a rich culinary history, and each region has its own unique specialties. If you are an adventurous foodie looking to explore traditional Italian cuisine, there's no shortage of iconic dishes to try. Here are three must-try Italian dishes you won't want to miss.

Risotto alla Milanese

Risotto alla Milanese is a creamy, saffron-infused rice dish that hails from the Lombardy region of Italy. It's typically made with Arborio rice, chicken broth, butter, onions, white wine, and Parmesan cheese. Arborio rice has a high starch content, which gives the risotto its trademark creamy texture.

The chicken broth and wine are added in stages, allowing the flavors to build gradually and giving each grain of rice ample time to absorb the liquid. The Parmesan cheese is usually stirred in towards the end of cooking to give the risotto a distinct nutty flavor.

Most recipes finish the dish with a generous helping of saffron, which gives it a distinct yellow color and a fragrant aroma. You can pair Risotto alla Milanese with a dry white wine to bring out its complex flavors.

If you're looking for a classic Italian pairing, try serving it with a crisp glass of Prosecco. Prosecco is a sparkling white wine native to the Veneto region, with a light, fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy risotto.

Osso Bucco

Osso Bucco is a slow-cooked, braised veal shank that also originates from the Lombardy region. This dish is typically served with a flavorful tomato and herb sauce and accompanied by a side of vegetables or mashed potatoes.

The veal shank is first browned in olive oil and then simmered in a flavorful broth for several hours. This allows the meat to become fork-tender and absorb all the flavor from the sauce.

The traditional Italian way of preparing Osso Bucco is by pouring red wine over the shank before braising it. This gives the dish a deep, rich flavor balanced out by the bright, acidic notes of the tomatoes.

A classic garnish for this dish is gremolata—a sauce made of lemon zest, parsley, and garlic. These fresh, herby flavors make Osso Bucco much more than just a stew, but an elegant, flavor-packed meal that will transport you straight to Italy.

Osso Bucco goes well with a bold red wine to bring out the tomato sauce and veal flavors. Try a rustic Chianti or Barbera to really make this dish pop!

Saltimbocca alla Romana

Saltimbocca alla Romana is a classic Roman dish that consists of tender veal medallions wrapped in prosciutto and sage leaves before being pan-fried in butter and white wine. The dish's name translates to "jumps in the mouth," and it's easy to see why—one bite of these succulent, salty morsels, and you'll be hooked.

The key to this dish is the combination of prosciutto and sage. The sweet, salty flavor of the prosciutto pairs perfectly with the earthy sage. The medallions are first browned in butter before they are simmered in white wine for a few minutes. This gives the dish its signature creamy texture and delicate flavor.

This dish is traditionally served with a side of fresh steamed vegetables or sautéed spinach. Saltimbocca alla Romana pairs well with a full-bodied pinot grigio to bring out the subtle flavors of the prosciutto and sage.

It is no secret that Italian cuisine is world-renowned for its variety, taste, and culture. Hopefully, this blog post has given you a glimpse into the diversity of traditional Italian cuisine. If you want to explore the authentic flavors of these dishes, head over to Picano's Italian Grille for a taste of true Italian cooking.