About Italian Cuisine
Italian cuisine is world-renowned for its flavorful dishes and ingredients. From pizza and pasta to gelato and tiramisu, Italian food has it all. Italians are passionate about their food and take great pride in their recipes. The Italian diet is largely composed of fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean proteins. Italian recipes often include olive oil, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and herbs for flavor. Italian cuisine is simple yet flavorful and can be enjoyed by all.
Spaghetti Bolognese
Spaghetti Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. The rich tomato sauce combined with the savory beef and herbs makes this dish a crowd favorite. It is a hearty meal that is sure to please. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve with a side of garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 pound spaghetti
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is no longer pink, about 8 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the parsley and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to package directions.
- Drain the spaghetti and add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine and serve with Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition:
This recipe makes 4 servings. Each serving contains approximately 575 calories, 26 grams of fat, 38 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, and 33 grams of protein.
Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. Breaded chicken is topped with tomato sauce and cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. Serve with a side of pasta or vegetables for a complete meal. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to flatten the chicken until it is about 1/4 inch thick.
- Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and dredge in the breadcrumbs.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and top with the marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Nutrition:
This recipe makes 4 servings. Each serving contains approximately 474 calories, 22 grams of fat, 22 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, and 47 grams of protein.
Pizza Margherita
Pizza Margherita is a classic Italian pizza that is simple yet flavorful. A thin crust is topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil for a delicious meal. This pizza is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch round.
- Place the dough on a baking sheet and spread the marinara sauce over the top, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
- Sprinkle the basil over the cheese.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the top and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Slice and serve.
Nutrition:
This recipe makes 4 servings. Each serving contains approximately 324 calories, 11 grams of fat, 42 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, and 14 grams of protein.
Gelato
Gelato is a classic Italian dessert that is creamy and flavorful. This traditional Italian ice cream is made with milk, cream, sugar, and flavoring. Gelato is usually served in a cup or cone and is perfect for a hot summer day. This recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, almond extract, and salt until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transfer the gelato to a storage container and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.
- Scoop the gelato into individual cups or cones and serve.
Nutrition:
This recipe makes 8 servings. Each serving contains approximately 183 calories, 9 grams of fat, 23 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of fiber, and 4 grams of protein.