Choose the right oils: Extra virgin olive oil makes the perfect base for Italian salad dressings, sauces and marinades. Remember to stick to lighter colored olive oils for roasting and pan frying.- Use aromatics wisely: Garlic, capers, onions and olives can be used to easily release extra flavor into oils.
- Add a splash of balsamic: Adding a small amount of balsamic vinegar to your cooking instantly creates a more refined dish.
- Spice up your dish: Fresh parsley, basil, rosemary and sage will add Italian flair to any dish. Use these herbs to bring out the natural flavors of each ingredient in your recipe.
- Fruits & Veggies: Italian food incorporates plenty of fresh, seasonal produce. We recommend asparagus, grapes, lemons and oranges in the early spring, and eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and cherries during the summer months.
- Enjoy pasta and risotto as the main dish: It’s common among Italians to enjoy pasta as the main dish. Toss with some of the above spices and sauces and enjoy on its own!
- Add meat to your Italian dishes: Meat is more frequently used in Italian dishes than chicken. We recommend our Chef Prepared Marinara Meatballs or fresh Italian-style sausage, made in-store.
- Properly pair your pasta and sauces: As a good rule of thumb, always pair light sauces and oil with long, thin noodles like angel hair; thicker sauces with wider, long noodles like fettucine; and chunky sauces with meats and vegetables with short pasta like rotini or penne.
Indulge in delicious Italian cuisine with Balducci’s recipe forSpiralized Butternut Squash with Italian Ragu and Balducci’s Ricotta with Fresh Herb and Lemon Zest Raviolis with Shrimp.
Balducci’s: Spiralized Butternut Squash Ragu from Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market on Vimeo.
