When you can’t go to Italy, we’ll bring Italy to you. Journey through an easy menu filled with tradition, flavor and colorful alternatives to your typical summer meal.
Appetizer , Main Dish , Dessert
Antipasto – Prosciutto e Melone
Simple and refreshing: the sweet and salty flavors are a perfect amalgamation. There couldn’t be an easier recipe: Slice a cantaloupe, remove the peel, place the prosciutto crudo over the top and enjoy as if you were sitting in a 5-star restaurant!
Primo Piatto – Insalata di Riso
Ideal for lunch or dinner, this recipe can be vegan and vegetarian friendly. A revitalizing break from the hot Italian weather, commonly used by locals on their day trips to local beaches.
Ingredients: rice (preferably risotto rise e.g. Riso Gallo), pickled vegetables, hot dog/tuna (optional)
Preparation time: 30 minutes, 30 minutes cooling time
Instructions:
- Boil the rice, make sure to take it off the stovetop slightly earlier than usual
- Drain the rice and place it in a plastic bowl. Make sure you toss it regularly to help it cool down. Add some olive oil whilst doing so, as to ensure that the rice doesn’t become sticky
- Dice/chop the pickled vegetables and put into a large bowl
- Once the rice has cooled down, add it to the condiment bowl in small doses whilst mixing
- Mix well and store in the fridge for about half an hour (or more if you have time)
You can add other condiments (e.g. tuna, hot dog, seafood) if you’d like. The more condiments you have, the better it’ll taste!
Mamma Maria’s secret: Mix up your recipe by replacing rice with barley or farro.
Il Dolce – Vin Santo con Cantuccini
A traditional Tuscan dessert wine, Vin Santo, was extremely popu
lar in the Middle Ages. Traces of it can also be found in Roman and Greek ancient history. Dip the famous Florentine cantuccini (almond-based biscuits, or biscotti) into the Vin Santo, and you’ll have the perfect dessert!
The Unforgettable
It’s not the end of an Italian meal if there isn’t any coffee! Usually an espresso from a local bar, complete by a beautiful view of an Italian Piazza and followed by a brief passeggiata.
About the Author:
Sara is interning with ISI Florence through ISI Abroad as part of her gap year experience. As an aspiring English major and experienced traveler, she will be your guide this summer to help you plan for a semester in Florence, Italian style.