3 Tasty Traditional Italian Recipes

Italian food is loved by many for its flavors and simplicity. From pizza and pasta to gelato and tiramisu, an Italian meal can be customized to suit any taste, budget or dietary preference. Whether you've tried hundreds of Italian recipes or you just enjoy a select few, the following traditional Italian recipes are well worth adding to your repertoire. While some traditional recipes can be time-consuming, the recipes presented here are classic favorites that have been modernized and require less time than usual.

Appetizer: Classic Bruschetta

Ingredients

8 diced Roma tomatoes1/3 cup chopped fresh basil2 cloves of minced fresh garlic1 tbsp balsamic vinegar1 tsp olive oil1/4 tsp salt1/4 tsp pepper1 sliced and toasted baguette for serving

Steps

Combine all ingredients (except baguette) and toss until coated. Spoon mixture onto slices of baguette to serve. If you wish, you can also add 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese to the mixture before tossing. Fresh mozzarella can also be used.

Main Course: Pasta Cacio e pepe (Cheese and Pepper Pasta)

Ingredients

200g pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine3 tbsp avocado oil (or other high-heat oil) or butter1 tsp freshly ground black pepper1/3 cups freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese (or a mixture of both)

Steps

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. 2. While the pasta cooks, heat oil or butter in a pan over medium heat. If using butter, wait until it has melted and then add the pepper to the pan. Cook for around one minute. 3. Remove 1/2 cup of boiling pasta water from the pasta pot with a ladle and add it to the pan with the butter/oil and pepper. Whisk until everything is combined. 4. Take the pan off the heat for three minutes. While the pan is resting from the heat, slowly add the cheese to the pan and whisk to combine. 5. Once the pasta is ready, drain the water from the pasta pot. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and set aside. 6. After the pasta has cooled for two to three minutes, add half of it to the pan with the oil/butter, pepper and cheese. Toss it until coated, and then add the remaining pasta. Toss again until completely coated. If the sauce seems dry, add in some of the reserved pasta water. Add extra salt if needed. 7. Garnish the pasta with additional cheese and pepper. Serve.

Dessert: Tiramisu

Ingredients

1 cup heavy cream1 cup mascarpone cheese at room temperature1/3 cup sugar1 tsp vanilla extract2 cups espresso or strong coffee at room temperature1 package ladyfinger cookies1 tbsp Amaretto or brandy (optional)Cocoa powder for dusting

Steps

1. In a mixer, beat together the cream, sugar and vanilla until the mixture forms soft peaks. Add the mascarpone and optional amaretto. Continue beating until the mixture forms stiff peaks. 2. Dip ladyfinger cookies in the espresso (or coffee) and optional Amaretto. Do not let them soak in the liquid, just quickly dip them. Arrange cookies in an 8x8 dish. This will form the first layer of the tiramisu; approximately seven cookies will be sufficient. 3. Spread half of the cream mixture on top of the ladyfingers in the dish. Then, place more ladyfingers on top of the cream mixture, forming the second layer of the dessert. Continue alternating between a layer of cream and a layer of cookies until everything is used up (about two or three layers in all). The top layer should be a layer of cream. 4. If desired, dust the top of the tiramisu with cocoa powder using a strainer. 5. Place in the refrigerator for two to four hours until chilled.

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