Italy is home to a lot of my favorite foods; pasta, pizza and tiramisu! However, as I traveled through the country this week, I learned that there is a lot more to Italian food than these well-known staples. Each region has its own variations of foods and different ways of preparing them. From the south to the north, I explored how Italians use local, in-season ingredients to create simple but delicious food. The best part about Italian cuisine: sharing it with family and friends!
The highlight of my trip to Italy was the food! I tried everything that I possibly could, from pizza and pasta to pastries and coffee. Here are some of my favorites!
Arancini are balls of cheesy rice that are filled with all sorts of meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Beef and pork fill the center of traditional arancini, but I found a lot of variety in stores! Once filled, the chef will cover the balls in breadcrumbs and deep-fry them. The result is a giant crunchy ball filled with warm, gooey rice and a flavorful center. Originally a street food, arancini is now served in restaurants and has become a classic Sicilian food.
Pizza is a stereotypical Italian food staple, but it is true that you can find good pizza everywhere, here. I tried pizza in a lot of different places, and each of these meals was delicious. Pizza here is a bit different than in the U.S.A.