Beyond Spaghetti: Lesser-Known Italian Dishes Worth Discovering at Carlucci’s Waterfront
Italian cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its rich flavors and hearty dishes, often epitomized by favorites like spaghetti and meatballs or pizza. While these classics hold a cherished place in our hearts and on our plates, there’s a whole world of lesser-known Italian dishes that are just waiting to be discovered. Here at Carlucci’s Waterfront, we invite you to go beyond the familiar and explore some hidden gems of Italian culinary tradition that are sure to delight your palate.
Arancini di Riso: A Flavorful Surprise
Originating from Sicily, arancini are deliciously crispy rice balls stuffed with various fillings, typically including cheese, meat, or vegetables, and then fried to golden perfection. These savory treats offer a delightful contrast between a crispy exterior and a warm, cheesy filling, making them the perfect appetizer. At Carlucci’s, our arancini are made fresh daily and served with a flavorful marinara sauce for dipping, ensuring that they are as authentic as they are delicious.
Cicoria e Fagioli: A Hearty Green Dish
Cicoria e fagioli combines chicory greens and cannellini beans, creating a nutritious and hearty dish often enjoyed as a side or a light meal. This dish highlights the beauty of simplicity, allowing the flavors of the greens to shine through. Drizzled with some good quality olive oil and finished with a sprinkle of garlic, it’s a comforting option that showcases the importance of seasonal ingredients. This dish is a must-try for those who appreciate the earthy flavors inherent in Italian cooking.
Osso Buco: A Slow-Cooked Delight
While traditionally known in Italian households, osso buco is less commonly seen on restaurant menus outside of Italy. This marvelous dish features braised veal shanks, slow-cooked until tender, served with a rich sauce often made from white wine and broth. At Carlucci’s Waterfront, our osso buco is prepared according to classic methods, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth meat enhanced with a fresh gremolata topping. It’s a dish that exudes warmth and comfort, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner.
Pici Cacio e Pepe: Simplicity at Its Best
Hailing from Tuscany, pici cacio e pepe is a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish made with hand-rolled pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. The beauty of this dish lies in its minimalism, allowing the flavors of the cheese and pepper to take center stage. At Carlucci’s, we pride ourselves on our handmade pasta, ensuring an authentic al dente texture that elevates this classic dish to new heights.
Baccalà alla Vicentina: Bacala in a Unique Way
Hailing from Tuscany, pici cacio e pepe is a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish maBaccalà alla Vicentina is a wonderfully flavorful dish that features salt cod slow-cooked in a blend of milk, onions, and spices traditionally from the Veneto region. This dish showcases the versatility and depth of flavor that can emerge from simple ingredients. Served with polenta or crusty bread, baccalà is a dish that celebrates the history of Italian coastal cuisine. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the coastal flavors of Italy to your dining table.ade with hand-rolled pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. The beauty of this dish lies in its minimalism, allowing the flavors of the cheese and pepper to take center stage. At Carlucci’s, we pride ourselves on our handmade pasta, ensuring an authentic al dente texture that elevates this classic dish to new heights.
Sformato: A Savory Flan
Sformato is a savory Italian flan made from a mixture of eggs, cheese, and vegetables. Often baked until golden and served warm, it’s a delightful dish that can incorporate seasonal ingredients, making it a versatile choice for any meal. At Carlucci’s Waterfront, our sformato is rich and creamy, perfectly capturing the essence of comfort food while remaining elegant enough for fine dining.
At Carlucci’s Waterfront, we believe that exploring the lesser-known dishes of Italian cuisine opens up an exciting world of flavors and traditions that are often overlooked. Each dish tells a story, bringing the rich culinary heritage of Italy to life through unique flavors and carefully crafted techniques. So, the next time you join us, step beyond spaghetti and discover these hidden gems. Indulge your senses and enjoy a true taste of Italy that you might not have encountered before—you never know, you might just find a new favorite! Buon Appetito!
