Tucked away in the southernmost part of Italy lies the picturesque Amalfi Coast, a place where stunning landscapes meet rich history and culture. The local cuisine is deeply rooted in the region’s heritage, with a blend of Mediterranean flavors that will leave you wanting more. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Amalfi’s culinary delights, exploring traditional dishes, must-visit restaurants, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Ancient Pasta: Ndunderi
Our journey begins with ndunderi, a type of gnocchi considered one of the oldest pasta varieties in the world. This traditional dish has been enjoyed for centuries, and its preparation is still done by hand, passed down through generations. Made with flour, fresh ricotta, eggs, pecorino cheese, and tomato sauce, ndunderi is a perfect representation of Amalfi’s culinary heritage.
A Taste of Anchovies
No trip to Amalfi would be complete without trying the famous anchovies from Cetara. These small fish are harvested in spring and cleaned, washed, and salted to create a delicious seasoning for first courses. Enjoy them as they are, breaded and fried, or marinated in oil – the choice is yours!
Marinated Soup: A Winter Favorite
As the winter months approach, Amalfi’s locals turn to a hearty soup known as “marinated soup” or “fat pignato.” This comforting dish dates back to the 14th century Spanish domination and features vegetables, meat broth, onion, and pezzenta – a local sausage made from pork rinds and offal. Don’t forget to sprinkle mature cheese and parmesan on top for added flavor.
Scialatielli Mussels and Clams: A Fresh Delight
In 1978, chef Enrico Cosenza introduced scialatielli, fresh pasta strips that quickly gained popularity throughout Campania. Paired with mussels, clams, cherry tomatoes, and oil, this dish is a staple of Amalfi’s seafood cuisine.
Aubergines with Chocolate: A Sweet Treat
In August, the town of Maiori celebrates its patronal festival with a sweet specialty known as mulugnane c’a ciucculata – fried aubergine flan dipped in chocolate. This unique dessert is not to be missed!
Squid Praiano Style: A Fisherman’s Delight
Praiano, a coastal village between Amalfi and Positano, is famous for its squid dish cooked with crazy water, cherry tomatoes, garlic, parsley, white wine, and potatoes.
Lemon Spaghetti: A Summer Classic
A simple yet delicious pasta dish, spaghetti seasoned with lemon juice, garlic, oil, and the “Costiera d’Amalfi PGI” type of pasta, is a staple of Amalfi’s summer cuisine.
Limoncello: The Digestive Liqueur
This popular digestif is made from lemon peels, alcohol, sugar, and water. To enjoy limoncello, it must remain in the bottle for at least 1 month to develop its distinctive flavor and yellow color.
Where to Eat in Amalfi: Top Recommendations
Amalfi’s culinary scene offers a diverse range of options, from traditional trattorias to modern seafood restaurants. Here are some top recommendations:
- To the Gold Fish: Enjoy fried fish specialties and pepegna all’acqua pazza at this restaurant overlooking the Gulf of Amalfi.
- Gem Trattoria: Savor specialty fish soup, prawn and lemon risotto, and scialatielli mussels and clams in a beautiful outdoor setting.
- Paper Workers’ Restaurant: Experience home-style family cuisine with scialatielli specialties, paccheri with monkfish, and Furorese-style anchovies.
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Street Food and Pastries
For a quick bite or a sweet treat, try these local favorites:
- Leone Coffee Shop Pastry Shop: Enjoy specialty caprese cake and Amalfi pastarelle in this charming pastry shop.
- Cuoppo d’Amalfi: Savor fried fish and vegetable specialties at this welcoming street food stall.
Conclusion
The Amalfi Coast is a culinary haven, offering a unique blend of flavors and traditions that will leave you wanting more. From ancient pasta to modern seafood restaurants, there’s something for every palate in this picturesque Italian region. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for new experiences, the Amalfi Coast is sure to delight.
FAQs
- What is ndunderi?
Ndunderi is an ancient type of gnocchi made with flour, fresh ricotta, eggs, pecorino cheese, and tomato sauce. - How are anchovies harvested in Cetara?
Anchovies are harvested in spring, cleaned, washed, and salted to create a delicious seasoning for first courses. - What is marinated soup?
Marinated soup is a hearty winter dish made with vegetables, meat broth, onion, pezzenta, and mature cheese and parmesan. - What is scialatielli pasta?
Scialatielli is fresh pasta strips that quickly gained popularity throughout Campania. - Is aubergine flan with chocolate a traditional dessert in Amalfi?
Yes, mulugnane c’a ciucculata – fried aubergine flan dipped in chocolate – is a sweet specialty enjoyed during the August festival in Maiori. - How is squid cooked in Praiano style?
Squid is cooked with crazy water, cherry tomatoes, garlic, parsley, white wine, and potatoes in a pan. - What is limoncello?
Limoncello is a digestive liqueur made from lemon peels, alcohol, sugar, and water.
Additional Information
For more information on visiting Amalfi Coast, check out our previous articles on:
- The Best Hiking Trails in Amalfi Coast: Explore the stunning natural beauty of Amalfi’s coastline with these top hiking trails.
- Exploring the Ancient Ruins of Amalfi: Discover the rich history and culture of Amalfi by visiting its ancient ruins.
- A Guide to Visiting Positano and Praiano: Learn how to make the most of your trip to Positano and Praiano with our comprehensive guide.
Stay tuned for more culinary adventures from around the world!
