This is: Italian cuisine

Italy is a country known for its gastronomic delights, but what many people don’t realise is how diverse the country, climate and its cuisine are; with 20 regions, each one is known for its own distinct specialties. And what better way to explore a country from afar than through its delicious regional dishes?

We’ve compiled a handy guide to bring some of the authentic flavours of Italy into your home – and to make it even better, we’ve got some of the recipes for you on the following pages.

Lombardy

Capitalcity: Milan

Famousfoods: Risotto, osso bucco

Lombardy is the northern most region of Italy, situated just below Swithzerland. While Italy is known for its delicious pasta dishes, this alpine region is famous for its rice and polenta-forward flavours. Think big bold flavours and hearty meat-forward dishes. And for cheese lovers, Lombardy is heaven with the famous gran padano, blue-veined gorgonzola, taleggio, provolone, and creamy robiola all originating in the region.

Emilia-Romagna

Capitalcity: Bologna

Famousfoods: Parmigiano reggiano, tortellini, bolognese sauce, balsamic vinegar of Modena

Belying its wealthy heritage, the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna cuisine is rich in meat and robust eggy pastas. Cured meats are also commonplace, with the ever-popular prosciutto di parma being created in the region, along with parmigiano reggiano.

Tuscany

Capitalcity: Florence

Famousfoods: Pecorino cheese, steak alla fiorentina, chianti wine

As the ancestral home of the wealthy and powerful Medici family, Tuscany produces some of the finest foods in Italy, from olive oils to sheep’s milk cheeses, and meat dishes. Amazingly delicious breads rule this region, with it incorporated into many dishes like ribollita (vegetable soup) and panzanella, a salad composed of crumbled bread, tomatoes, onions, and

Risotto

Lazio

Capitalcity: Rome

Famousfoods: Bruschetta, spaghetti alla carbonara, artichokes alla Roman

Located on the west coast of central Italy, Lazio is best known for fresh and dried pastas, artichokes and zucchini, and melt-in-your-mouth porchetta (whole roast pig). Some of the delicacies include artichokes cooked in garlic and herb oil, bucatini all amatriciana (hollow spaghetti with tomato, onions, and bacon) or spaghetti carbonara (a creamy pasta dish with egg, cheese, and black peppercorns).

Campania

Capitalcity: Naples

Famousfoods: Pizza, buffalo mozzarella, calzone, limoncello liqueur