Winter is the time we feel the festive vibe in the air. The chilling air outside cannot harm the warmth this season brings to our house. We are busy preparing for the festival, including gifts and a feast with family and friends. Food is at the center of this festive season. And we cannot help thinking about more variety at our table for the feast.
Italian cuisine is worth our effort and time all around the year. We can never get tired of the variety and flavor Italian dishes bring to our table. The sophistication of this cuisine depends on the authenticity of the ingredients, which you can easily get at the Origini Market. This is your place when you are thinking about surprising your guests with the delight of Italian dishes.
The internet tells us everything about cooking the best Italian dish this season. However, if you are curious like us to know about what the Italians like to eat in the winter, then you are at the right place.
We have done our part of the study and have come up with 10 things Italians eat in the winter.
1. Alpine Salumi and Formaggi
The first thing that crosses our minds when we think about Italian winter is the beautiful mountainous slopes of the Alpine region. So, the first Italian winter food we will mention is Alpine Salumi and Formaggi.
The ultimate antipasto platter is full of Italian cured meats and cheese, sweet mountain honey, raclette, and of course, the show-stealer – our favorite Alpine cheese. Ingredients such as these are perfect for a cozy Italian winter!
2. Cassoeula
A food with history? Cassoeula it is.
When St. Anthony Abbot, the founder of Christian monasticism, had declared January 17 as the last date to slaughter, local cooks had to come up with an idea to utilize most of the pork. That is how the world came to eat Cassoeula. Stew works like magic during winter. Cassoeula is a vegetable stew made with cabbage and various types of pork. Cabbage is softer after the first frost of the season. This makes this food from Lombardia a must-have food on a cozy winter evening.
3. Pasta in Brodo
Northern Italian winters can be pretty brutal at times. The same goes for the winter in Central Italy. However, when the winter is harsh, comfort food - like anything in broth – is what the heart needs.
The traditional broth pasta makes our Italian winter time worthy of bearing the freeze. Whether it is the pork and cheese stuffed tortellini in broth or the veal stuffed put in a Parmigiano broth dish – we are craving anything that fills us with warmth. Boil the meat to prepare the broth, then use it again in the dish. Sustainable comfort food is our thing.
4. Polenta
What the heart needs after a long day outdoor in winter is steamy. In case the slopes and wind have frozen your bones, check the menu for some steamy boost of Polenta.
Polenta is made of ground cornmeal. It is one of the staple foods of Northern Italy. First, you have to boil the Polenta. Next, you can either bake it, grill it, or have it like porridge. Try adding some extras like braised beef ragu, stew, or cheese. This Northern staple is a must if you plan to visit any ski lodge around the Italian Alps.
5. Ribollita
Simple, yet elegant – If we were to describe the Toscana region situated in the country's central part, we would have used these two adjectives only.
The Toscana style is all about connecting nature with elegance. The rustic feature is the icon of the region. We have chosen the winter food, which reminds us to utilize every food. 'Poor cooking' is a famous style of food preparation that forbids any wastage of food. If you got some day-old bread and lots of other vegetables – use them to make a thick vegetable soup known as ribollita.
6. Risotto
Grain and broth – risotto is the dish. Any list is incomplete without mentioning risotto.
Grain has a special place in Italian cuisine. One has to be amazed by the authentic and amazing uses of grain in Italian food. When we are talking about winter food, in particular, adding broth is a must. We are in love with how toothsome risotto is at any time of the year. However, the al dente creamy texture of the dish makes it even better to have as a winter meal at any time. Meats are better, but risotto with winter vegies are deserved the chef's kiss from us.
7. Canederli
Italian first courses have a special place in our hearts. So, canederli must have a place on this list.
We are talking about the Italian version of dumplings. But just as most of the Italian dishes offer, you are about to get ham and cheese along with it. Bread is soaked in fresh milk, then egg, cheese, and cured ham follow in the mixture. Roll the mixture into small-sized balls. Place them in melted cheese or thick broth while serving. Voila! Your winter is delightful with delicious canederli.
8. Black Winter Truffles
Let us have a walk around the hills of Umbria. As you walk and watch the mighty oak trees and hazelnut trees – you can suddenly discover the black winter truffles around the roots of these trees.
You have found one of the rarest items that Italian people eat during the winter. The black winter truffles grow only a few months in one year. As an item rare and cherished like this, Italian people like them for their robust and earthy flavor. You can often spot these black winter truffles being used in Italian cuisine along with egg tagliatelle.
9. Radicchio
Winter is blessed with vegetables. It is time to heal the body with the blessing of some salad. But not just any boring salad. We are talking about the one that has got radicchio.
Veneto in Italy is famous for the Italian chicories, full of colors, sizes, and flavors. We are particularly talking about the pink leaves that make our salad appetizing. The beautiful fuchsia tendril of Tardivo escalates the beauty of a colorful plate of salad. Slightly bitter in taste, the radicchio in Italy is something we can never afford to miss.
10. Cioccolata Calda or Italian Hot Chocolate
Hot Chocolate is a wintertime staple here in the North. Our most delightful moment during the winter nights is having a cup of Hot Chocolate and reading our favorite book. It seems like the Italians do this even better!
When you are listening about Cioccolata Calda, be assured that it is not like the random milk with cocoa we are used to having. Italian hot chocolates are dense with more cocoa used with the milk. The thickness turns it into something better. But in case you are craving more sweetness, try adding some whipped cream at the top.
Final Thoughts
Going through the list of items, we are certain about one thing – that Italians are fond of having seasonal food. Winter is the time which comes with the basket of vegetables and fruits.
Most of the items mentioned here are perfect for winter meals. The season-based eating habit is another thing that excites us about Italian dishes. There is nothing better than having the authentic taste of Italian food right at the source. However, there is nothing to worry about for those of us who cannot visit the Italian Alps this winter. This winter, the Origini Market has everything you need to eat like the Italians.