The snowy days and cold winter nights stuck at home this season bring about a sense of nostalgia. We are all dreaming of the days we can travel again to beautiful towns in Italy and enjoy the local food and company. Until then, bring a little piece of Italy into your own home with these traditional winter recipes that will make you feel like you are dining at a cafe in a town in Italy.
Minestrone
What better way to warm your insides than with the traditional Italian soup, Minestrone. The word’s meaning describes exactly what this dish is; a thick vegetable soup. The best thing about this recipe is that there are no exact ingredients used every time. You can pretty much use any vegetables you have available at home! Some of the common vegetables used are carrots, celery, spinach, lentils, garlic, and mushrooms. You can even add rice or pasta to make it a more hearty meal.
Lasagna
One of the most common traditional Italian dishes made during the colder months is lasagna. The tender flat noodles layered with seasoned meat, cheeses, and home-made sauce makes for a meal perfect for a cozy night. With countless variations to this classic recipe, you are able to tweak it to incorporate your favorite meats, cheeses, and seasonings. Leave the dish in the oven for a little extra time at the end to give the cheese topping a crispy finish.
Cappuccino
If you have ever been to Italy, you have probably noticed that cappuccinos are a huge staple for the locals. Cappuccinos are consumed for breakfast, mid-day, and even after dinner on occasions. Lucky for us, these warm, caffeinated drinks are delicious and straightforward to make at home! Use an espresso machine, mix the same amounts of espresso, steamed milk, and top it with milk foam. Kick start your day with this traditional Italian beverage!
Ginger Custard Bombaloni
Italy is known for pastry shops on every corner containing freshly made sweet treats. The ginger custard bombaloni pastries are a must-try during the winter season. These dough balls are fried, coated in caramel, filled with custard, and coated with praline. These warm treats will have your family begging for more!
Just because we may not be able to travel to Italy to experience the amazing food does not mean we can’t make it ourselves! Try these recipes or come into Strega in North End to get a little taste of Italy.
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