10 Classic Italian Dishes You Can Make at Home (Even If You're Not a Chef)

 10 Classic Italian Dishes You Can Make at Home (Even If You're Not a Chef)

To be honest, nobody is more comfort than Italian food. It is deep, delicious and once you bust out you are surprised that it is not so difficult to prepare. And fancy kitchen, or a hat of a chef is not essential. There is no magic just an affection to food and few slices and spices. I recall when I made pasta for the first time. I was feeling jittery but the outcome was so good that this has become a routine Sunday affair in our house. And believe me, you can do so, also. And in case you are one of those people who miss the taste of real Italian food and are not quite willing to trust fancy and pricey restaurants or even purchased sauces, then this is the one.

These are 10 favorite and simple Italian dishes you can make at home no matter how unskilled a cook you may be.

1. Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (Pasta Di Aglio E Olio)

It is easy, fast and only 4 ingredients are required.

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Chilli flakes

How to prepare:

Boil spaghetti. Over medium heat in a pan saut the sliced garlic in olive oil until it is golden. Add chilli flakes, blend it with cooked pasta and toss everything. Time spend: 15 minutes!

2. Margherita Pizza

Pizza as it began: plain and delicious.

Ingredients:

• Dough of Pizza (home-made or pre packed)
• Tomato sauce
• Fresh mozzarella
• Basil leaves

Method of preparation:

Put sauce on the floor, sprinkle some of the cheese and bake until the crust turns golden. Sprinkle basil and a little olive oil.

Personal Note: My 10 yrs daughter prepares this with me on Sunday. It's our little bonding ritual!

3. Pasta Carbonara

Why you will adore it: Creamy yet sans any cream and very satiating.

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti
• Eggs
• Parmesan cheese
• Black pepper
• Cooked bacon or Sauteed mushrooms

Make how:

Cook pasta. Whisk eggs, cheese and pepper. When the pasta is still hot stir in egg-cheese mixture to make it smooth creamy sauce. And add bacon (used).

Tip: Don't scramble the eggs! Mix off the flame and work quick.

4. Milanese Risotto (Saffron Risotto)

Why you will adore it: It is luscious, warm and sophisticated.

Ingredients:

• Arborio rice
• Onion
• Veg or chicken broth
• Saffron
• Parmesan and butter

Make it:

Fry onions and then add rice and stir and gradually add warm stock. Add saffron and top it off with butter and cheese.

Important: Stirring will be involved, a lot, but the outcome will also be worth every minute.

5. Lasagna

Why you’ll like it: Multiple layers of pasta, sauce and cheese— what’s not lovable?

Ingredients:

• Lasagna sheets
• Tomato sauce
• Salsa blanca (Béchamel)
• Mozzarella and parmesan
• (Optional) Veggie's/ minced meat

Lets See How to Make:

Add layered cooked sheets with the sauces and cheese. Bake until boiling.

Hack: On The sauce fast with pre-made sauces. Still mommy approved!

6. Bruschetta

Why you should love it: It looks and tastes like pizza toast, except that it is fancier.

Ingredients:

• Baguette or slices of bread
• Tomatoes
• Garlic
• Basil
• Olive oil

How to cook:

Toast crust, add garlic and chopped tomatoes, basil, olive oils and salt.

Ideal as: Starters, snacks or as light dinner.

7. Pasta Puttanesca

Why you will like it: It is loaded with strong tangy flavours.

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti or penne
• Tomatoes
• Garlic
• Olives
• Capers
• (Optional) Anchovies

Make:

Fry garlic, tomatoes, olives and capers in a sauce. Chuck with pasta. That’s it!

Did you know: The dish is so full of strong punchy flavor that a bit goes a long.

8. Minestrone Soup

Why you'll love it: Nutritious, filling and veggie-packed.

Ingredients:

• Cut vegetables (green, carrot, beans, zucchini, etc.)
• Pasta rice
• Tomato paste
• Beans
• Herbs

How To-

Cooking the veggies in pot and add water and tomato paste. Combine in pasta and beans & simmer until cooked.

Personal Tip : This is actually my fall back dinner on days when it's raining. Add a pinch of grated cheese & magic.

9. Caprese Salad

Why you will love it: It is so simple, and it looks sophisticated.

Ingredients:

• Sliced tomatoes
• Fresh mozzarella
• Basil
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

The preparation:

Lay the tomatoes and cheese slices, then add salt and pepper, basil, and top it with olive oil.

It does not require any cooking and tastes like summer in each bite.

10. Tiramisu

Why you will like it: Old-time Italian dessert, no baking plus it is creamy and coffee flavored.

Ingredients:

• sponge cake or ladyfinger biscuits
• Coffee
• Mascarpone cheese, (or cream cheese)
• Sugar
• Cocoa powder

Method of preparation:

Soak biscuits in coffee, top on cheese and sugar mixture. Refrigerate and repeat again. Siff with cocoa ready to serve.

Tip: Prepare it a day before and refrigerate, its good after resting overnight.

Home cooking of Italian dishes is not that difficult. Actually, freshness, balance, and simplicity are what the Italian cuisine is. There is nothing better in the world than a few staples such as olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, and cheese- you can make magic in the kitchen.

I wish you taste one (or all) of these dishes one day. It is rather addictive, with a good sense of the word, once you get involved.

What will be the first dish you are trying? Or you have already a favorite Italian recipe?

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