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Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Italian food goes far beyond pizza and pasta. It is a wide ranging and varied cuisine with tons of lesser-known recipes worth adding to your rotation, including regional specialties and treasured family dishes. Some recipes are traditional, while others are spins on old classics. From fish stews and meaty mains to easy desserts, these lesser-known Italian recipes are bound to delight.
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Bagna Càuda (Italian Garlic-Anchovy Appetizer)
France C
"This recipe for bagna cauda was passed down by many generations of my family," says Allrecipes Community Member crd5055. "It's mainly used in small servings and is great as an appetizer spread on bread, or as a dip with vegetables."
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20 Best Italian Recipes for Beginner Cooks
02
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Uova in Purgatorio (Eggs in Purgatory)
Chef Mo
"This traditional Italian recipe for eggs in purgatory gently poaches eggs in a delicious homemade tomato sauce flavored with garlic and capers," says Allrecipes Community Member linacavezza. "This hearty dish makes a very tasty breakfast, brunch, or dinner. Serve with toast."
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03
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Modenese Pork Chops
ReRo
We've all had pork chops, but this recipe, native to the city of Modena, is a classic Italian take on a simple dinner. "Everyone who has this loves it! It's surprisingly simple and quick," says Allrecipes Community Member Stephanie Knewasser. "Garlic, rosemary, and white wine flavor the pork. The aroma is wonderful. Try steaming fresh broccoli, then frying it in the pan juices for a perfect side dish."
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04
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Authentic Taralli
"Taralli are crunchy little knots of snacking goodness. A specialty from the Puglia region, they are an unleavened crispy cross between a bagel, pretzel, and breadstick," says Allrecipes Community Member Buckwheat Queen. "These no-yeast, ring-shaped bread substitutes are perfect for your cheese boards, soups, or salads."
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05
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Italian Chicken Cacciatore
Magda
"Chicken cacciatore is a classic Mediterranean chicken dish from Italy," says Ita Mac Airt, a longtime member of the Allrecipes editorial team. "This is my favorite recipe made with chicken thighs, tomatoes, herbs, and olives."
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06
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Roman-Style Gnocchi
Matt Wencl
“Gnocchi alla Romana are delicious baked dumplings made with semolina flour, milk, butter, and Parmesan,” says Chef John. “I feel like I’ve eaten a fair amount of Italian food, and I’ve been to Rome, but it wasn’t until late in life that I discovered these virtually unknown semolina gnocchi. This would make a world-class side dish but can also be paired with your favorite pasta sauce and served as an appetizer or entrée.”
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07
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Ribollita (Reboiled Italian Cabbage Soup)
"Ribollita means twice-cooked, or 'reboiled,' in Italian,“ says Allrecipes Community Member JOSIE. ”A white bean stock is livened up with greens, tomatoes, and potatoes with added slices of toasted bread. The soup should be refrigerated overnight. All you'll have to do the next day is reboil it."
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08
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Bracciole (Flank Steak Rolls)
"Bracciole is an authentic Italian recipe: flank steak rolls with garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese," says Allrecipes Community Member JEND818. "Serve with egg noodles or as an addition to spaghetti or ravioli."
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09
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Patate Prezzemolate (Italian Potato Salad)
Buckwheat Queen
"This is a classic Italian potato salad that can be found on tables from the north to the south," says Allrecipes Community Member Buckwheat Queen. "Meaning "parsley potatoes", you'll find Patate Prezzemolate everywhere in Italy: formal luncheons, family get-togethers, weeknight dinners, and even in school cafeterias. Buon appetito!"
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10
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Cioppino
DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
"Amazing! I could just leave it at that…but I won't. The depth in the broth was wonderful before the seafood, but after adding the seafood it was beyond my scope of words," says one Allrecipes Community Member. "Definitely comforting… will make again and again and pass this recipe on."
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11
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Scacce Ragusane (Sicilian Stuffed Flatbread)
"This is my first attempt ever at this incredibly unique and delicious Sicilian stuffed flatbread (scacce Ragusane). What we have here is a very familiar pizza-like flavor profile, but the delivery system is unlike anything you've ever experienced," says Chef John. "The outside edges are crispy and crunchy while that saucy and cheesy center is much like a pasta in texture. So, while this is vaguely similar to a lot of things, it's really unlike anything else."
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12
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Swordfish a la Siciliana
cookin'mama
"What a FANTASTIC recipe," says reviewer Sandi S. "If your in the mood for something different but authentic you can't go wrong with this recipe. The flavors just explode in your mouth. ABSOLUTELY DELISCIOUS!"
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13
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Spaghetti all'Assassina (Assassin's Spaghetti)
ALLRECIPES / ANA CADENA
"Caramelized tomato sauce makes this a wonderfully savory dish," says Chef John. "The reduction of the tomato broth brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes which balances well with the spiciness of the chili flakes."
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18 Quick and Easy Italian Dinners Ready in 45 Minutes or Less
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Traditional Osso Buco
Allrecipes Magazine
“Osso buco is a hearty Italian dish made by braising veal shanks in a rich stock with white wine and tomatoes; garnish with a zesty gremolata made with fresh parsley, lemon zest, and garlic for a memorable meal,” says Allrecipes Community Member PICKLEDPOSSUM.
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15
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Carabaccia (Tuscan Onion Soup)
We’ve all heard of French Onion Soup, but have tried the Italian version? “I’ve wanted to make carabaccia ever since I found out it was the ancient ancestor of French onion soup,” says Chef John. “They say that when made with vegetable broth, it was the favorite soup of vegetarian Leonardo da Vinci. Now you can add these interesting facts to your dinner party conversation repertoire.”
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16
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Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Spiedini
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
"This recipe was a huge hit with our family," says reviewer Tammy. "So easy and so flavorful! The chicken was tender, juicy, and the gremolata drizzle at the end was excellent."
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17
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Cannoli Rangoons
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
If you’re looking for a twist on the classic cannoli, this recipe is for you. They are “crispy, creamy, and much easier than a classic cannoli,” says recipe developer and test kitchen assistant Catherine Jessee.
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18
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Zeppole
"Zeppole are sweet Italian donuts traditionally served warm in paper bags with lots of confectioners' sugar at Italian festivals," says Allrecipes Community Member Arvilla. "They're also a favorite at Christmas and St Joseph's Day. This homemade zeppole recipe uses ricotta cheese for extra flavor and fluffiness."
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22 Top-Rated Recipes That Start with Ricotta Cheese
19
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Torta di Mele (Italian Apple Cake)
"This Italian apple cake recipe is from my mom and reminds me of my childhood," says Allrecipes Community Member Giulia. "It tastes delicious, and I bake it for my family now."
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20
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Tartufo
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“Tartufo is a classic Italian dessert that you can make at home,” says recipe developer and test kitchen assistant Craig Ruff. “It requires some patience as there is freezing time involved. Rolling the tartufos in pistachio and cookie crumbs is extra delicious.”
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More Inspiration
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
- The 30 Best Pasta Recipes to Have in Your Arsenal
- 22 Best Italian Recipes
- Our Entire Collection of Italian Recipes
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