Our In-The-Know Culinary Travel Guide to the Best Things to Eat in Italy’s Bustling Capital – Plus Recipes for Making Many of the City’s Iconic Dishes at Home
Italy’s capital city, Rome, is a food lover’s paradise. With a rich history and diverse cultural influences, the cuisine of this bustling city is a reflection of its vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. From hearty pasta dishes to mouth-watering gelato, Rome has something to offer for every palate. And with our in-the-know culinary travel guide, you can experience the best of Rome’s food scene and even recreate some of its iconic dishes at home.
So grab your apron and let’s take a culinary journey through the streets of Rome.
Pizza – The Ultimate Comfort Food
No visit to Rome is complete without indulging in a delicious slice (or two) of pizza. This iconic Italian dish originated in Naples but has become a staple in Rome’s food culture. And while there are many variations of pizza in Rome, the classic Margherita is a must-try. Made with just a few simple ingredients – tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil – this pizza celebrates the flavors of Italy in every bite.
For those who want to recreate this dish at home, here’s a simple recipe for homemade Margherita pizza:
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pizza dough
– 1 cup tomato sauce
– 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
– Fresh basil leaves
– Olive oil
– Salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and transfer it to a baking sheet.
3. Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the dough.
4. Top with sliced mozzarella and fresh basil leaves.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Slice and enjoy your homemade Margherita pizza!
Pasta – A Roman Staple
It’s no secret that Italy is famous for its pasta dishes, and Rome is no exception. From the classic Cacio e Pepe (pasta with pecorino cheese and black pepper) to the hearty Carbonara (pasta with egg, guanciale, and pecorino cheese), there’s no shortage of delicious pasta options in this city.
But one dish that stands out among the rest is the iconic spaghetti alla carbonara. This simple yet flavorful dish is made with just a few ingredients – spaghetti, eggs, guanciale, and pecorino cheese. The key to a perfect carbonara is to mix the hot pasta with the egg and cheese mixture quickly to create a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs.
Here’s a recipe for spaghetti alla carbonara that you can easily make at home:
Ingredients:
– 1 pound spaghetti
– 4 eggs
– 4 ounces guanciale or pancetta, diced
– 1 cup grated pecorino cheese
– Black pepper
– Salt
Instructions:
1. Cook the spaghetti in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the eggs, grated pecorino cheese, and a generous amount of black pepper.
3. In a separate pan, cook the diced guanciale or pancetta until crispy.
4. Drain the pasta and reserve 1 cup of the cooking water.
5. Add the hot pasta to the pan with the cooked guanciale or pancetta.
6. Turn off the heat and quickly pour in the egg and cheese mixture, tossing the pasta to coat it evenly.
7. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved cooking water to thin it out.
8. Serve hot with an extra sprinkle of grated pecorino cheese and black pepper.
Gelato – A Sweet Treat
No meal is complete without a sweet treat, and in Rome, gelato is the go-to dessert. This frozen treat is similar to ice cream but has a creamier and denser texture, making it the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day.
While there are countless gelaterias in Rome, one of the most famous ones is Giolitti, which has been serving up delicious gelato since 1900. With a wide range of flavors, from classic chocolate and vanilla to more
