Classic Pork Dishes To Try At An Italian Restaurant
When you think of Italian food, you probably first think of pasta, and perhaps also some classic chicken dishes like chicken Parmesan and chicken piccata. However, the Italians do also cook with pork. They may not be the most popular items on the menu, but these classic pork dishes are well worth trying if you happen to come across them at an Italian restaurant.
Porchetta
Porchetta is basically an Italian-style pork roast. But instead of being made from the loin, like a typical American pork roast, porchetta is made from the pork belly. This is the same cut of meat that's used to make bacon, so as you can imagine, it is very rich and flavorful. To make the porchetta, the chef will wrap the pork belly around a stuffing, which usually consists of some herbs and garlic. The roast is then tied together and roasted over low heat, which renders down some of the fat and tenderizes the meat. The porchetta is then served in magnificent slices, which look like spiral rolls. Some restaurants pair it with a side of pasta or risotto, which counterbalance the porchetta's richness very nicely.
Cassoeula
Cassouela is a hearty pork stew that would be lovely to enjoy on a cool, winter day. Sometimes restaurants will feature it as a special since it's pretty time-consuming to make as a daily menu item. The stew consists of pork — usually cuts from the ribs and shoulder, as these can be simmered for a long time and made tender. Celery, carrots, onion, and cabbage are added, and the stew is seasoned with a blend of spices, which vary from restaurant to restaurant. Traditionally, cassoeula is served over a bed of polenta, which is a cooked cornmeal dish. You can soak up the juices with your Italian bread.
Rustida
Rustida is another pork stew you'll often see as a special at Italian restaurants. This one is made with tomatoes and stock, which gives it a more acidic character. Typically, pork heart and lungs are included in the stew, but some Italian restaurants omit these ingredients and use more usual pork cuts. Seasoned with thyme, bay leaves, and sage, this stew has a classic flavor and is lovely served alongside rice or pasta.
The next time you see one of these pork dishes on an Italian restaurant menu, be sure to give it a try. Each dish is uniquely enjoyable.
To learn more about Italian food, contact a company like zprime.
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