What is it about Italian cuisine that makes it so irresistible? Mouthwatering Mediterranean flavors make for delicious meals. From the simplicity of the recipes to the quality of the ingredients, Italian dishes are loved internationally and made by chefs who are passionate about food – it’s the perfect way for home chefs to refine their kitchen skills.
Let’s take your tastebuds on a tour of Italy, using some of our favorite recipes.
Hearty Italian Soups
There is nothing like cozying up to a flavorful bowl of soup that is full of natural ingredients and hearty grains or pasta! When it starts to cool down, a steamy bowl of Tuscany Rice & Bean Soup is a surefire way to warm you right up. Loaded with veggies, beans, potatoes, Italian meats, and RiceSelect® Texmati® Brown, this soup could be compared to a meaty minestrone. Speaking of minestrone, if you are looking for a meatless meal, simply swap in vegetable broth, hold the sausage, and double down on veggies and grains!
Get Risotto Just Right
Learning How to Make the Perfect Risotto is easier than you may think, just as long as you have the right ingredients on hand. Take a Classic Italian Risotto to the next level with RiceSelect® Arborio Rice: high in starch, this medium-grain rice will give your dish that signature silky texture and al dente bite. After all, you want that Creamy Risotto to be nice and velvety!
There are plenty of ways to customize your meal. This Sun-Dried Tomato & Italian Sausage Risotto is a delicious blend of savory Italian meat, tangy tomatoes, acidic white wine, creamy arborio rice. Craving seafood? Check out some of these pescatarian plates:
Get the most flavorful fruits and vegetables by opting for produce in their prime. Here are some seasonal salads that never fail to satisfy:
Spring: Spring Greens Risotto
Summer: Beet & Goat Cheese Risotto or Sweet Corn, Parmesan & Mascarpone Risotto with Basil Oil and RiceSelect Arborio Rice by @lindseyeatsla
Autumn: Rosemary Pumpkin Risotto by @thecookingrx
Winter: Mushroom Risotto by @thebalancedwhisk
Crispy Arancini
One of many Sicilian delicacies, arancini is a way that Italians have reinvented leftovers. Make extra servings of your favorite seafood risotto just so you have an excuse to make some crispy Crab Cake Arancini.Try a twist on traditional arancini by making crunchy Herbaceous Arancini Cakes.
Traditional Italian Chicken and Rice Dishes
Speaking of Sicilian dishes, this Chicken Messina is packed with irresistible Italian ingredients: balsamic vinegar, salty capers, tangy feta, and RiceSelect® Orzo. For a zesty, herb-packed meal, mix up fresh homemade basil pesto with tender chicken in this Pesto Chicken Risotto. For another tasty pesto plate, sprinkle some leftover rotisserie chicken on top of @TheBakerMama’s Pesto Rice Salad Recipe.
Prepare the Perfect Pizza
No list of Italian classics is complete without pizza! While the original recipe from Napoli contains flour, we’d like to think our Gluten Free Jasmati® Rice Crust Supreme Pizza is just as noteworthy! If you’re looking to add more whole grains into your Italian favorites, try this vegetarian-friendly Mushroom Pancetta Quinoa Pizza. These thin crusts bake in 8-10 minutes so they are perfect for a pizza party. Prep these crusts ahead of time and have guests bring different toppings for a delicious DIY dinner!
The pizza possibilities don’t end there. Make a double batch of these Quinoa Pizza Bites for grab-and-go treats!
Delicious Lasagna
Food is not only a good way to learn about and appreciate other cultures, it’s also a great way to get creative in the kitchen with classic recipes. This Southwest Lasagna is sure to be a fast fusion favorite!
Innovative Italian-American Dishes
In the spirit of getting innovative with Italian ingredients and cooking methods, these Italian-American recipes have become popular plates around the world. Despite having theItalian (and Spanish, for that matter) name meaning Spring, Orzo Primavera originated in Canada in the 1970´s. Contrary to its name, Italian Wedding Soup didn’t get its name because it’s served at Italian weddings. Rather, the flavors are perfectly married. Make some hearty wedding soup extra festive with RiceSelect® Tri-Color Orzo.
As a home chef, you have enough to worry about – from measuring to timing. Whether you want to replicate a traditional dish or get creative with a culinary classic, trust that RiceSelect® will make your meals that much better. Stay connected with @RiceSelect so you won’t miss the latest tips, tricks, and recipes for both international meals and comfort foods!