Ten Extra Tasty Italian Vegetarian Recipes
We recently published a guide to vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Italy. While meat and seafood tend to be a mainstay of Italian dishes, there are plenty of tasty options for those who prefer to avoid them. Let's not forget that simple dishes and recipes like homemade tomato sauce are also some of the most delicious. Plus, trying vegetarian dishes is another way to explore regional cuisine. Each region of Italy has rich culinary traditions, and they often include vegetarian options, as some of the recipes below will show you.
*These are vegetarian recipes that include dairy and eggs.
Mozzarella in Carrozza
Mozzarella in carrozza is a typical recipe from Campania, made with toasted bread stuffed with melted mozzarella cheese. Quite yummy!
Artichokes "Alla Romana"
A classic from Rome, as the name suggests, Roman-style artichokes can be eaten as an appetizer or a side dish, and are popular in the spring when carciofi are in season.
Ricotta and Rosemary Schiacciata
Schiacciata made with fresh ricotta is a treat from Tuscany - a treat of the addictive kind: once you start eating it, it's hard to stop!
Sicilian Pesto
This pasta sauce from western Sicily, with an unmistakable Mediterranean taste, is made with tomatoes, basil, almonds, garlic, olive oil and chili pepper.
Pumpkin Ravioli or Tortelli
Pumpkin-stuffed ravioli or tortelli are a classic from Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy, especially popular in the provinces of Ferrara and Mantova.
Risotto alle verdure
Who doesn't love a good risotto, and this one chock-full of colorful vegetables makes for a delicious and healthy 'primo'.
Cavatelli with Broccoli and Raisins
A classic of the fall-winter season, pasta with broccoli is quick, simple and healthy thanks to the nutritional properties of broccoli. Cavatelli is a type of fresh pasta from Puglia and Molise, where pasta with broccoli hails from.
Frittata ‘la Salviata’ – Sage Frittata
Known and widely employed since Roman times, sage adds a wonderful flavor to many Italian dishes, such as this simple frittata, a delicious second course.
Insalata di Arance, Orange Salad
One of Sicily’s most noted appetizers or side dishes is the 'insalata di arance', commonly made with the popular local orange varieties Tarocco, Moro, or Sanguinello.
Pizza Margherita: History and Recipe
Here's the recipe for authentic pizza margherita from Naples - all-vegetarian and all-delicious.