!! 1 Central Tuscany 1 1 00:07-00:20 00:10 Rest time: 10 minutes Dessert Sweets Notes: Arabs introduced cooking with almonds to the Italians. Since then they have been used in everything from desserts to pasta. @ Wines: Moscadello di Montalcino Marsala !! 2 Central Tuscany 3 3 00:50 00:35 0 Main dish Meat Notes: Vin Santo is a very sweet, highly concentrated wine. It is made, for the most part, in Tuscany and Trentino. @ Wines: Dry red wine: Sangioveto del Borgo Barolo !! 3 Central Tuscany 2 2 00:35 00:05 0 Light meal Pasta Notes: This pasta is said to resemble cleaning cloths ("stracchi") and it is from this term that it gets its name. Nepitella, or mentuccia, is a type of wile mint. @ Wines: Dry white table wine: Vino da tavola Chianti White Friuli !! 4 Central Marches 3 2 00:10 00:45 Rest time: 4 minutes Main dish Meat Notes: Fresh young pigeons, or squabs, have been popular in Italian cooking since antiquity. @ Wines: White Friuli !! 5 Central Marches 3 3 00:40 01:00 Rest time: 2-14 hours Light meal Pasta Notes: Passatelli means "soup strands" and is of peasant origins although it has evolved into a dish that is both elegant but simple. The term "asciutti" means "drained" which gives this dish the name "dry soup." @ Wines: Barbaresco Barbera d'Alba !! 6 Central Marches 3 3 00:40 01:10 0 Main dish Pasta / Meat Notes: Pappardelle is always served with rabbit stew - a dish that has been made since the 16th century. @ Wines: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Chianti !! 7 Central Marches 2 2 01:35 00:30 0 Snack Vegetables Notes: The olives of Ascolana are famous for their flavor and their size. If unavailable, use the largest, most flavorful green olives you can find. @ Wines: Lagrain rose White Chianti Soave !! 8 Central Marches 3 2 01:20 00:25 0 Main dish Fish / Pasta Notes: Scampi are found in abundance in the Adriatic and are used in a variety of ways. @ Wines: Bianchello del metauro Sassicaia White Friuli !! 9 Central Marches 3 2 00:30 00:30 0 Main dish Fish Notes: Traditionally, this stew used to be the captain's tribute to his crew after a good catch. @ Wines: Verdicchio dri Castelli di Jesi Soave White Friuli !! 10 Central Abruzzo 2 3 01:20 01:00 0 Main dish Pasta / Meat Notes: This dish was developed by shepherd's who needed to make a pasta without any tools. The result is a hearty, delicious, and easy to make pasta. @ Wines: Montelpulciano d'Abruzzo Barbaresco Barbera d'Alba !! 11 Central Abruzzo 2 3 00:20 00:20 0 Main dish Pasta / Meat Notes: This dish is synonymous with Abruzzo and is one of the region's traditional dishes. @ Wines: Wine is not suggested with this dish as the flavors would not combine well. However, if one is particularly desired, try a white or red Friuli. !! 12 Central Abruzzo 1 1 00:50 00:40 0 Dessert Sweets Notes: Ricotta is actually a milk by-product and not a cheese at all! Nonetheless, it is one of Italy's most widely-used filling ingredients - from pasta to sweets. @ Wines: Moscato Asti Spumante !! 13 Central Tuscany 2 3 01:30 00:15 Rest time: 1 hour Light dish Pasta / Vegetables Notes: Tortelli, like many stuffed pastas, are especially eaten for festivities. They are usually simply dressed and filled with the most fresh ingredients. @ Wines: Dolcetto Gattinara !! 14 Central Tuscany 2 3 00:30 00:40 0 Side dish Vegetables / Meat Notes: Zucchini flowers have a delicious and unique taste. They can be filled in a variety of ways but the flowers must be as fresh as possible and, of course, pesticide free. @ Wines: Barbera d'Asti Barolo !! 15 Central Tuscany 2 2 00:40 00:20 Rest time: 30 minutes Side dish / Light meal Vegetables Notes: "Fritto" means "fried" and can refer to anything fried in a shallow amount of oil. The type of batter used varies from region to region. @ Wines: Chianti Barbaresco Bardolino !! 16 South Apulia 3 3 00:15-00:45 00:20-00:50 0 Main dish Fish / Vegetables Notes: Cuttlefish are very popular in the south of Italy and they can be cooked in a variety of ways. @ Wines: Galestro White Friuli Soave !! 17 South Apulia 2 2 00:15 00:15 0 Main dish Fish / Pasta Notes: This pasta, also known as "tagliolini," is thinner and more delicate than the better-known tagliatelle. @ Wines: Orvieto Galestro !! 18 North Emilia Romagna 3 2 00:15 00:15 0 Main dish Meat Notes: Aceto balsamico must be at least 10 years old by law to be labeled "tradizionale" and must meet strict production standards. It is essential that each bottle be tasted before using it so that one can gauge how much to use: the flavor changes as it ages and older vintages (aged up to 80 years) have a much more rounded, richer flavor than younger types. @ Wines: Rosso di Montalcino Sangiovese Chianti Brunello de Montalcino Barolo !! 19 North Emilia Romagna 2 3 02:00 03:00 Rest time: 13 hours Main dish Meat / Pasta Notes: Tortellini are always associated with Bologna and are traditionally served in a broth. @ Wines: Dry red wine: Lambrusco Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Sassicaia !! 20 North Emilia Romagna 3 1 00:05 0 0 Dessert Sweets Notes: The unique taste of traditionally made aceto balsamico even compliments ice cream! When aged for long periods of time, it can even be served as an aperitif. @ Wines: Wine is not suggested with this dessert as the flavors would not combine well. However, if one is particularly desired, try a sweet dessert wine such as the Vin Santo or Tocai. !! 21 North Liguria 3 2 00:30 01:00 0 Main dish Fish Notes: Many fish soups are made in the south. The type of fish may vary but the use of fresh herbs and red pepper is a must. This dish is special for its generous use of saffron. @ Wines: White Chianti Lambrusco Soave !! 22 North Liguria 3 3 00:20 00:35 Rest time: 15 minutes Main dish Fish Notes: Other fresh herbs, such as basil, dill, or mint, can be used in this dish. @ Wines: Moscato d'Asti Prosecco Soave !! 23 Islands Sicily 3 3 00:45-01:00 00:20-00:50 0 Main dish Fish Notes: Swordfish is very popular in Sicily. This dish is both beautiful and delicious. The onions that are traditionally used to make this dish are only available in the south of Italy but cherry tomatoes and red onions may be substituted. @ Wines: Frascati Galestro !! 24 South Apulia 2 1 00:20 00:10 0 Main dish Fish Notes: Scampi prepared in the country is usually very simple. The key to their delicious flavor is that only the freshest ingredients are used @ Wines: Soave Galestro Moscato d'Asti !! 25 North Liguria 2 2 00:25 00:06 Rest time: 20 minutes Snack Doughs Notes: Recco is famous for it's cheese focaccia. Restaurants that make it in the traditional Ligurian way have plaques designating the authenticity of this dish. @ Wines: Chianti Barbaresco Barbera !! 26 North Emilia-Romagna 2 1 00:30 0 0 Dessert Sweets Notes: Tiramis means "lift me up" in Italian and is so named for the generous amount of coffee and alcohol used in its preparation. @ Wines: Moscato d'Asti Vin Santo !! 27 North Emilia-Romagna 3 2 00:40 02:00-03:00 Rest time: 10 minutes Main dish Meat Notes: Different herbs may be used in the stuffing as well as additional vegetables such as carrots. @ Wines: Lambrusco Barbaresco Sassicaia !! 28 North Emilia-Romagna 2 3 01:30 00:12 Rest time: 1 hour Light meal Pasta Notes: Many fresh herbs can be used as fillings. For example, mint, lemon balm, and basil. @ Wines: Lambrusco Gutterino Sassicaia Carmignana !! 29 Central Lazio 1 2 00:40 00:40 0 Light meal Vegetables / Doughs Notes: Ancient Romans had a high regard for asparagus and its cultivation and care was even noted by Cato. It is still a favorite of contemporary Romans. @ Wines: Red or white Friuli Sassicaia !! 30 North Piedmont 1 1 00:05 00:12 0 Snack Vegetables/Fish Notes: Bagna cauda literally means "hot bath" and it has been enjoyed since the 16th century. Prepare the bagna cauda just before serving; do not prepare it in advance. @ Wines: Soave Sparkling Proseco Chianti !! 31 Central Marches 2 2 00:15 12:00 Rest time: 15-20 minutes Main dish Meat Notes: Quails are very popular in the game and hunting regions of Italy. Although considered "gourmet" food, quails are suitable for informal dining as well. @ Wines: Gattinara Chianti Barbarseco !! 32 South Apulia 1 1 00:20-01:00 00:30 0 Side dish Vegetables Notes: It was Christopher Columbus who first brought bell peppers to Spain. From there they were introduced to Italy. The best dishes with cooked bell peppers come from the south of Italy. In other parts of Italy, they are generally eaten raw. @ Wines: Red or white Chianti !! 33 South Apulia 1 1 00:10-00:20 0 0 Snack / Appetizer Doughs / Vegetables Notes: Bruschetta is very popular in Italy. It even has its own festival, the "Sagra," that is celebrated on the last Sunday in March. It is especially popular during the olive harvest when it is enjoyed grilled over an open fire. @ Wines: Dolcetto !! 34 Central Abruzzo 1 2 00:30 00:45 Rest time: 1 hour and 40 minutes Light meal Doughs Notes: The best home-made pizza is that which is made on a pizza stone or an unglazed stone tile. However, both the tile and the oven will have to be preheated for an hour before baking for best results. @ Wines: Chianti Barbera Franciacorta Rosso !! 35 Islands Sicily 1 1 00:25 00:30 Rest time: 35 minutes Appetizer Vegetables Notes: Caponata can be prepared in many ways: fish, asparagus, or artichokes are all variations found in Sicily. @ Wines: Soave White Chianti Galestro !! 36 North Veneto 3 1 00:10 0 Rest time: 1 hour Appetizer Meat Notes: The painter for whom this dish was named was exhibiting his work in Venice in 1961. Because of the reds in his work, this dish was created in his honor. @ Wines: Alto Adige Barbaresco Bardolino !! 37 Central Marches 1 1 00:20 0 0 Side dish Vegetables Notes: This simple salad is quite refreshing and easy to make. It is best to use young sweet carrots. @ Wines: Dry red or white, depending on the main course being served. !! 38 Central Lazio 1 1 00:15 00:15 0 Light meal Pasta / Meat Notes: No one knows the origins of this popular sauce: some claim the black pepper resembles charcoal, while others suggest charcoal-makers developed this hearty and simple sauce for a fast and flavorful meal. In any case, it is one of Rome's signature dishes. @ Wines: Lambrusco Montepulciano d'Abruzzo !! 39 North Friuli 1 2 00:10 00:40 Rest time: 30 minutes Dessert Sweets Notes: Any type of candied fruit can be used in this light Austrian-inspired cheesecake. @ Wines: Red Chianti Moscato d'Abruzzo !! 40 Central Marches 2 1 00:25 12:00 Rest time: 1 hour and 30 minutes Light meal Vegetables / Soup Notes: Chickpeas are eaten throughout Italy, but they are particularly popular in the south of Italy. @ Wines: Sassicaia Vino Nobilo di Montepulciano !! 41 Central Tuscany 2 1 00:15 01:00-02:00 Rest time: 20 minutes Main dish Meat Notes: This dish is called "devil's chicken" because, when it is cooked over an open fire in the traditional Tuscan way, the flames lick up as from a devil's lair. @ Wines: Sassicaia Red Chianti White Friuli !! 42 Center Tuscany 3 1 00:05 00:15-00:20 0 Main dish Meat Notes: Tuscany is well-known for its beef; it is considered by many to be the best in the world. The animals are fed on a special diet to produce a most flavorful meat. Tuscany is also renowned for perfecting the art of the grill. @ Wines: Barolo Barbaresco Montepulciano d'Abruzzo !! 43 North Liguria 1 2 00:20 01:00 Rest time: 1 hour and 15 minutes Snack Doughs Notes: Focaccia may be shaped in a variety of ways, and can be flavored with different herbs pressed into the dough. Top it with sliced onions or pine nuts for delicious variations. @ Wines: Barbera Bardolino Lambrusco !! 44 Central Lazio 1 1 00:25 00:45 Rest time: 2-12 hours Light meal Pasta Notes: Gnocchi di polenta are not as well-known as potato gnocchi, but they are quite delicious. @ Wines: Rosso de Montepulciano Rosso Conero !! 45 North Trentino Alto Adige 1 2 00:50 00:10 Rest time: 2 hours Light meal Pasta / Vegetables Notes: These gnocchi, made with spinach and ricotta cheese, can also be made with rice from the region. @ Wines: Rosso de Montepulciano Rosso Conero !! 46 Central Lazio 1 2 00:15 00:15 0 Side dish Vegetables Notes: Italians love artichokes and there are many ways to prepare them. Young artichokes are eaten raw; artichoke bottoms are marinated and/or stuffed; or, they can be baked, or fried as in this recipe. @ Wines: Rosso di Montalcino Red Friuli !! 47 South Basilicata 3 2 00:20 00:20 Rest time: 1 hour Main dish Meat Notes: Any small fresh berries can be used in this dish, for example, blackberries, elderberries or raspberries. @ Wines: Brunello di Montalcino Barolo !! 48 North Emilia-Romagna 2 2 00:45 00:20 Rest time: 5 minutes Main dish Pasta / Vegetables Notes: Artichokes were first cultivated in Sicily, and by 400 A.D. they were already cultivated in northern Italy. @ Wines: Alto Adige Frascati Soave !! 49 North Friuli 2 1 00:45 01:00 0 Main dish Meat Notes: Although not typically associated with Italian cooking, meatloaf is actually quite popular with home cooks throughout the country. @ Wines: Chianti Red Friuli !! 50 North Liguria 1 1 00:25 03:15 0 Light meal Vegetables / Soup Notes: The minestrone of Genova is distinguished by the generous use of herbs in its preparation. As the olive oil or Liguria is especially light, a French virgin olive oil can be substituted when making Ligurian dishes. @ Wines: Barbaresco Gattinara Red Friuli !! 51 South Apulia 1 2 00:20 02:20 Rest time: 30 minutes Snack Doughs Notes: This popular bread, which originated in Puglia, is popular throughout Italy. Black olives are actually overripe olives. @ Wines: Red or white Friuli Chianti !! 52 North Piedmont 1 1 00:20 01:20 0 Side dish Vegetables / Soup Notes: Some of the most delicious onions in Italy come from Piedmont, so onion dishes are quite popular there. @ Wines: Chianti Gattinara Sassicaia !! 53 South Calabria 1 1 00:20 0 0 Side dish Vegetables Notes: For a less strong oniony taste, soak the onion rings in ice water for a few minutes. @ Wines: Wines are not recommended, as they will contrast with the flavors of the salad. !! 54 North Lombardy 2 2 00:40 02:00 0 Main dish Meat Notes: There is some debate whether to include tomatoes in ossobuco or not. Traditionally, in Milan, tomatoes are not included, as they tend to offset the taste of the gremolata. Even though it is not uncommon to find ossobuco made with tomatoes, it is always, served with risotto alla milanese. @ Wines: Barolo Barbera d'Asti Carmignano !! 55 North Lombardy 2 2 00:25 03:40 Rest time: 30 minutes Dessert Sweets Notes: The origins of this cake, traditionally served at Christmas, go back to the Middle Ages. The top of the cake was always traditionally marked with the sign of the cross. If you like, do this with a sharp knife, before brushing the top with melted butter, and then bake. This cake will be good for two weeks, and tastes even better after it has "aged." @ Wines: Moscato d'Asti Marsala Vin Santo !! 56 North Piedmont 2 2 00:20 00:15 Rest time: 3 and a half hours Dessert Sweets Notes: Panna cotta can also be flavored with eau-de-vie or coffee. Fresh fruit makes an excellent accompaniment to this refreshing dessert. @ Wines: Vin Santo Moscato d'Asti Marsala !! 57 South Basilicata 1 1 00:10 01:00 0 Side dish Vegetables Notes: "Ricotta" means "recooked" in Italian, referring to the fact that it is made from the whey which remains after making cheese. Technically, it is not a cheese at all! @ Wines: Red or white Chianti !! 58 North Veneto 2 1 00:20 12:00 Rest time: 3 hours and 15 minutes Light meal Vegetables / Pasta / Soup Notes: In some parts of Italy, olive oil is added to the soup just before serving. A bit of fresh chopped rosemary can also be added to season the soup. @ Wines: Tignanello Chianti !! 59 Islands Sicily 1 2 00:15 00:15 0 Light meal Pasta / Vegetables Notes: Just about all of the recipes in Italy which feature broccoli originate in the south. There, it is often referred to as "cavolfiore." Ditali tubular pasta are traditionally used with vegetable-based sauces. @ Wines: Orvieto White Chianti !! 60 Central Abruzzo 2 2 01:00 01:10 0 Main dish Pasta / Meat Notes: The chitarra is a special tool from Abruzzi. Wires are stretched over a wooden frame to create a fettucine-like pasta. @ Wines: Barbaresco Barbera d'Asti !! 61 North Trentino Alto Adige 2 1 00:15 00:12 0 Light meal Pasta / Vegetables Notes: Spinach is more often used as filling in pastas but here, dressed with a pasta, it helps to create a colorful and appetizing dish. @ Wines: Chianti Soave !! 62 Islands Sicily 2 2 00:30 00:25 0 Main dish Pasta / Fish Notes: Fresh sardines have been used in Italian cooking since ancient times. They can be grilled, baked, fried, or incorporated into pasta for delicious sauces. @ Wines: Soave White Chianti Galestro !! 63 South Campania 2 2 00:25 00:35 Rest time: 10 minutes Light meal Vegetables Notes: Gatto is a French-inspired dish first introduced to Italy in the eighteenth century. It takes its name from the French "gatteau." @ Wines: Chianti Tignanello !! 64 North Emilia-Romagna 3 2 00:40 00:15 Rest time: 1 hour Light meal Doughs / Meat Notes: Prosciutto, because of its strong, unique flavor, should be used sparingly. The slices should be cut as thinly as possible. @ Wines: Chianti Tignanello !! 65 North Lombardy 1 3 00:40 00:30 0 Light meal Pasta / Vegetables Notes: Pumpkin is especially popular in Lombardy, where they not only use it for gnocchi, but also for risottos and soups. @ Wines: White Chianti Galestro !! 66 North Emilia-Romagna 2 3 02:05 00:10 Rest time: 1 hour and 15 minutes Light meal Pasta / Vegetables Notes: Pumpkin is a favorite vegetable in Emilia-Romagna, and is used more with pastas than in desserts. @ Wines: White or red Chianti Soave !! 67 Central Tuscany 2 2 00:20 01:20 0 Main dish Meat Notes: Chicken may be substituted in this dish, if desired, as the two are often interchangeable in cooking. @ Wines: Barolo Brunello di Montalcino !! 68 Islands Sicily 2 2 00:20 00:30 Rest time: 1 hour Appetizer Rice Notes: Although rice is mostly eaten in the south, these rice balls are a specialty of Sicily. @ Wines: Soave Galestro White Chianti !! 69 North Veneto 2 2 00:15-00:40 00:00-01:00 Rest time: 40 minutes-1 hour and 40 minutes Light meal Vegetables / Rice Notes: "Risi e bisi," in the Venetian dialect, means "rice and peas." It is traditionally served on St. Mark's day, Mark being the patron saint of Venice. @ Wines: Chianti Tignanello Barolo !! 70 North Piedmont 2 1 00:25 12:00 Rest time: 3 hours and 30 minutes Main dish Meat Notes: This dish is traditionally a Sunday dish, and has many variations in cooking time and ingredients: it can be principally made with broad beans and pancetta, or an assortment of vegetables. Also, some people cook this stew for at least 6 hours. @ Wines: Barolo !! 71 North Veneto 1 2 00:20 00:30 0 Dessert Sweets Notes: Although cornmeal is a key ingredient in this cake, it is light and moist. @ Wines: Moscato d'Asti !! 72 Islands Sardinia 2 3 00:45 01:00 Rest time: 35 minutes Main dish Pasta / Vegetables Notes: This is one of the few native pasta dishes of the region, as bread is the preferred starch. They are distinctive for their half-moon shape and the use of saffron in the filling. @ Wines: Galestro Soave !! 73 Central Lazio 1 1 00:20 00:30 0 Light meal Pasta / Meat Notes: This sauce originates in Amatrice, which borders Latium and Abruzzi. On this special feast, held on the third Sunday in August, thousands enjoy this simple, yet delicious meal. @ Wines: Chianti Barolo Barbaresco !! 74 South Campania 3 2 00:25 00:30 0 Main dish Pasta / Fish Notes: Clams are very popular in Naples and, along with mussels and other shellfish, are often served with pasta. @ Wines: Red or white Chianti !! 75 North Liguria 1 1 00:10 00:07 0 Light meal Pasta Notes: Although pesto is thought of as strictly Italian, it is a dish of Persian origin! This dish is largely associated with Liguria, as the basil that grows there is sweeter and more aromatic than in any other part of the country. @ Wines: Tignanello Barolo !! 76 South Campania 1 1 00:15 01:00 0 Light meal Pasta / Vegetables Notes: Although tomatoes only arrived in Italy at the end of the sixteenth century (via Mexico), they have become a staple in Italian cooking. It was in Naples that some of the first tomato-based recipes were developed. @ Wines: Chianti Barbaresco !! 77 South Basilicata 3 3 01:20 00:20 Rest time: 1 hour and 20 minutes Light meal Pasta / Meat Notes: This ravioli combines many tasty ingredients. As it is from the south, red pepper always figures in the dish. @ Wines: Barolo Barbaresco Chianti !! 78 North Emilia Romagna 2 2 00:30 00:45 0 Dessert Sweets Notes: Spongata, or spongarda, is of Arab origins and was originally made in a crescent shape. It has become the traditional Christmas sweet, and is usually generously sprinkled with confectioners' sugar just before serving. @ Wines: Vin Santo Moscato d'Asti !! 79 South Calabria 1 1 00:10 00:15 0 Light Meal Pasta / Fish Notes: This spaghetti dish is highly seasoned with characteristic ingredients like anchovies and olives to heighten the taste. @ Wines: Galestro Soave !! 80 North Emilia-Romagna 2 2 00:15 02:35 0 Main dish Pasta / Meat Notes: Rag bolognese is the basic rag sauce of Italy. It is a rich meat sauce, which comes in many versions; some cooks add a touch of lemon zest or pancetta. All agree, however, that the sauce must be cooked slowly for the flavors to blend and become rich. @ Wines: Chianti Barbaresco Barolo !! 81 North Lombardy 1 1 00:15 00:25 0 Light meal Rice / Vegetables Notes: Up to the 19th century, rice was generally eaten only in soups. The chef to Italy's first king invented risotto, and the popularity of rice has remained constant, particularly in the north. @ Wines: White Chianti Soave !! 82 Central Tuscany 1 2 00:20 01:25 0 Light meal Vegetables / Soup Notes: This dish is a Tuscan classic, of which there are many versions. Considered "cucina povera," it is nonetheless a regional favorite. @ Wines: Wine is not traditionally served with this dish, as the flavors do not blend well. However, if one is particularly desired, try a Soave or Galestro. !! 83 South Sicily 2 1 00:15 00:15 0 Side dish Vegetables Notes: The Arabs introduced raisins to southern Italy and, since then, they have remained a favorite ingredient in everything from vegetable to rice dishes. @ Wines: Tignanello Chianti !! 84 North Emilia-Romagna 3 3 01:00 00:30 Rest time: 1 hour Main dish Pasta / Meat Notes: Tortellini are synonymous with Bologna, and there are many fillings for them. Often special tortellini are made for festivals. @ Wines: White or red Chianti Barolo !! 85 Islands Sicily 2 1 00:15 00:30 0 Main dish Meat Notes: This is a rendition of "schnitzel," a popular Austrian dish. @ Wines: Barbaresco Barberi d'Asti !! 86 North Piedmont 2 2 00:25 01:10 0 Dessert Sweets Notes: Nuts are commonly used in of northwest Italian desserts. @ Wines: Moscato d'Asti !! 87 South Campania 1 2 00:40 00:15 Rest time: 1 hour Light meal Doughs / Vegetables Notes: Pizza, as we know it, was developed in Naples in the eighteenth century, and has subsequently become popular all over the world. @ Wines: White or red Chianti !! 88 North Piedmont 2 1 00:15 00:40 0 Side dish / Light Meal Rice / Meat Notes: "Risotto" means "little rice" in Italian. Until the eighteenth century, rice was a soup ingredient but, since then, risottos have become very popular in the north of Italy. @ Wines: Sassicaia Chianti !! 89 North Friuli 2 1 00:10 00:25 0 Light Meal / Side dish Rice / Vegetables Notes: Of all the types of risotto that one can make, mushroom risotto is probably the most popular. Italians have a passion for mushrooms, and the best time to gather them in August and September. @ Wines: Sassicaia White Chianti !! 90 South Sicily 2 1 00:10 0 Rest time: 12 hours Dessert Sweets Notes: In Sicily, persimmons are most commonly eaten split in half, out of the skin. Sometimes they are sprinkled with grappa or brown rum just before eating. Since heat has an ill effect on the delicate flavor of the persimmon, they are not baked into pastries, nor made into preserves. @ Wines: No wine is recommended for this ice-cream. !! 91 Central Tuscany 1 1 00:30 00:35-00:40 Rest time: 45 minutes Appetizer Vegetables / Fish Notes: Tuscans are famous for their bean dishes, and their use of white beans is almost exclusive to the region. @ Wines: Soave !! 92 Islands Sardinia 1 2 00:50 00:10 Rest time: 15 hours Appetizer / Side dish Vegetables / Fish Notes: Zucchini means "little gourd" in Italian. They are grown throughout Italy, and are quite popular. @ Wines: Red or white Chianti !! 93 South Campania 1 1 00:30 00:15 0 Light Meal / Side dish Rice / Vegetables Notes: This highly seasoned salad was influenced by the Arab kitchen. Ever since the Saracens brought the orange to southern Italy at around 1000 A.D., it has remained a favorite fruit. @ Wines: Galestro !! 94 Islands Sicily 1 2 01:00 01:40 0 Light Meal Rice / Vegetables Note: Vegetables have been prized by Italians for centuries, and were never seen merely as "side dishes." They are usually presented on their own, or served with rice or pasta. @ Wines: Tignanello !! 95 Central Umbria 2 2 01:00 00:30 0 Main dish Meat Notes: In the Italian countryside during spring, people gather a wild green, strigoli, and use it to flavor sauces. Use arugula or radicchio as a substitute. Note how the funghi trifolati can be used as a filling. @ Wines: Barbero Bardolino Barolo !! 96 North Friuli 1 1 00:15 00:05 0 Snack Doughs Notes: "Crosta" means "crust" in Italian. Crostini are small toasted or fried rounds of bread, topped with various ingredients, and often served before meals. @ Wines: Barolo Barbaresco Chianti !! 97 Central Tuscany 1 1 00:50 00:10 Rest time: 30 minutes Dessert Sweet / Doughs Notes: These delicious long strips of dough are usually flavored with Vin Santo and fried in hot oil. Sprinkled with confectioners' sugar, they are eaten when still hot. @ Wines: Moscato d'Asti Vin Santo !! 98 North Trentino 2 2 01:00 00:10 Rest time: 1 hour and 30 minutes Dessert Sweet / Doughs Notes: The combination of berries and ricotta cream is quite versatile. You may make tiny tartlets, and fill them with the cream and top with berries. The berries alone go well over vanilla gelato. The cream can be enhanced with chopped nuts - pistachios or almonds - or with finely chopped chocolate. The fresher the pastry and berry mixture, the better. @ Wines: Moscato d'Asti !! 99 North Piedmont 2 1 00:25 00:45 0 Side dish Rice / Vegetables Notes: Green risottos are quite popular in the north of Italy. Dandelion greens, escarole, and other wild greens are often used to make this popular dish. @ Wines: Chianti Sassicaia Barolo !! 100 North Trentino 1 2 00:20 01:00 0 Snack / Light Meal Doughs / Meat Notes: These pizzas are made with polenta, giving them a hearty, textured crust that compliments the hearty foods of Trentino. @ Wines: Tignanello Sassicaia !! 101