What do you eat on Ferragosto in Italy?

What do you eat on Ferragosto in Italy?

Ferragosto, August 15, is one of the most beloved holidays for Italians, a time to gather with friends and family and enjoy typical dishes of the local culinary tradition.

But what do people eat on Ferragosto in different regions of Italy? Let's find out together on this gastronomic journey.

A timeless classic: the barbecue

Among all the typical dishes for each region, a common element of Ferragosto lunches in many Italian regions is the barbecue. From Tuscany to Puglia, passing through Lombardy and Sardinia, the barbecue is a true summer ritual. Each region, however, has its own specialties to bring to the grill: from Florentine steaks to Umbrian sausages, passing through swordfish in Sicily and porceddu in Sardinia. Barbecue is a simple and genuine way to enjoy local products, and it is an opportunity to gather outdoors with friends and family.

• Tuscany : the Florentine steak , the undisputed king of Tuscan grills, is a noble cut to be enjoyed rare. Alongside it, you can't misssausages , ribs and grilled vegetables, such as peppers and courgettes.
• Puglia : Bombette pugliesi, minced meat rolls stuffed with cheese and cured meats, are a must for the Puglian barbecue. They go perfectly with orecchiette seasoned with fresh tomato and basil.
• Lombardy : In Lombardy, the grill is often characterized by large cuts of meat, such as ribs or sausages. Polenta, cooked and grilled, or tomino or grilled cheeses , are the perfect accompaniment.
• Sicily : In Sicily, grilled food is a mix of meat and fish. Swordfish, sliced ​​and marinated, is a classic. There is no shortage of sardines, cuttlefish and local vegetables, such as aubergines and peppers.
• Sardinia : Porceddu, a suckling pig cooked on the grill, is the undisputed star of the Sardinian barbecue. It is accompanied by potatoes, carasau bread and myrtle.

Other regional specialties for Ferragosto

Ferragosto in Lombardy

In Lombardy, the Ferragosto lunch is often characterized by hearty and flavorful dishes. Saffron risotto is a classic, as is braised beef in Barolo. For the second course, you can enjoy Milanese cutlets or ossobuco. To complete the meal, a fresh dessert such as panna cotta or ice cream.

Ferragosto in Puglia

In Puglia, Ferragosto is synonymous with outdoor celebrations and simple but tasty dishes. Among the typical dishes we find orecchiette with turnip tops, octopus alla pignata, cuttlefish with potatoes and various types of fried fish. A good glass of primitivo or negroamaro is a must.

Ferragosto in Liguria

In Liguria, lunch on Ferragosto is often based on fresh fish. Among the most common dishes are fish soup, marinated anchovies, pasta with pesto and farinata. For those who prefer meat, a great alternative is rabbit Ligurian style.

Ferragosto in Tuscany

In Tuscany, the Ferragosto lunch is a real banquet. Among the typical dishes we find pappa al pomodoro, ribollita, wild boar stew and fiorentino. To complete the meal, a good glass of Chianti Classico.

Ferragosto in Umbria

In Umbria, the dishes of Ferragosto are linked to the peasant tradition. Among the most famous are gnocchi with meat sauce, tripe alla romana, porchetta and torta al testo.

Ferragosto in Sicily

In Sicily, Ferragosto is an opportunity to enjoy the intense flavors of the island's cuisine. Among the typical dishes we find pasta alla norma, sardines a beccafico, kid with potatoes and cannoli.

Ferragosto in Venice

In Venice, the Ferragosto lunch often takes place on the canal banks, enjoying fresh fish dishes such as scampi risotto, stewed octopus and sardines in saor.

Ferragosto in Rome

In Rome, the Ferragosto lunch is characterized by simple but tasty dishes. Among the most common are pasta alla gricia, saltimbocca alla romana, abbacchio a scottadito and coda alla vaccinara .

Ferragosto in Sardinia

In Sardinia, Ferragosto is the occasion to taste the typical dishes of the island's culinary tradition. Among the most famous are malloreddus alla campidanese, porceddu, culurgiones and Sardinian sweets such as seadas.

Ferragosto in Abruzzo

In Abruzzo, the Ferragosto lunch is often outdoors, with mixed grills of meat and vegetables. Among the typical dishes we find arrosticini, zuppa alla ciociara and maccheroni alla chitarra.

August 15th in Campania

In Campania, Ferragosto is synonymous with pasta, pizza and fried fish. Among the most famous dishes are spaghetti with clams, pizza margherita, street food with mixed fried foods and Neapolitan pastiera.

Ferragosto in Calabria

In Calabria, the Ferragosto lunch is full of intense flavours. Among the typical dishes we find 'nduja (here are some recipe ideas ), soppressata, Tropea red onion and cruschi peppers.

Ferragosto in the Marche

In the Marche, the Ferragosto lunch is characterized by simple and genuine dishes. Among the most famous are olive all'ascolana, vincisgrassi, brodetto and crescia sfogliata.

Ferragosto between traditions and timeless classics

In short, the August barbecue is a simple and genuine way to enjoy local products, and represents an opportunity to gather outdoors with friends and family. Each region, with its traditions and flavours, enriches this summer classic, making every barbecue a unique and unforgettable experience. But not only grilled food, in turn, each Italian region has its own special and characteristic August 15th meal. What do you enjoy on Ferragosto?