Brought to you by Grana Padano

Italy’s best-known exports might be pizza and pasta, but each region of the boot-shaped country has its own spectacular signature dishes. Here are 11 to add to your bucket list.

1. Gnocchi alla Romana

Made in Rome, semolina-based gnocchi are baked with butter. They’re ready when they are gorgeously golden brown on the outside.

2. Maritozzi

These yeasty buns studded with raisins and filled with cream are a popular breakfast in Rome. The name translates to ‘almost husband’, after the tradition of grooms giving them to their fiancées.

A post shared by Francine (@francineld) on May 19, 2017 at 10:49am PDT

 

3. Ravioli all’Arancia

Oranges aren’t the first things that spring to mind when planning a pasta dish, but this Florentine recipe, which calls for ravioli to be filled with ricotta and orange zest, is genius. Eat the parcels simply tossed with olive oil.

A post shared by Michela Moroni (@mikmor7111) on Dec 3, 2016 at 4:58am PST

4. Zucchini-flower soufflé

Zucchini flowers are seldom seen on South African supermarket shelves, but in Italy they add colour to a whole range of inventive dishes. Try them stuffed and fried, or baked into a delicate soufflé laced with Grana Padano, like this one.

A post shared by Grana Padano DOP (@granapadanodop) on Mar 29, 2017 at 8:24am PDT

 

5. Pignoli

These pine-nut-studded cookies are made with almond paste rather than flour, resulting in an almost macaron-like biscuit.

A post shared by RubySnap (@rubysnap) on May 3, 2016 at 7:29am PDT

 

6. Erbazzone

Traditionally made in the Po River valley, this pasta-based pie is filled with beets, spinach, egg, Grana Padano, onion and garlic, before being closed and pricked with a fork.

A post shared by Rossella Di Bidino (@rossdibi) on May 19, 2017 at 2:45am PDT

 

7. Lumache alla Romana

It’s not just the French who make snails; the Italians serve this inspired version with anchovies, chilli and mint to celebrate the feast of John the Baptist.

A post shared by Deborah (@deborah_isopo) on Feb 21, 2016 at 6:00am PST

 

8. Torta Caprese

The island of Capri not only attracts glamorous individuals with yachts, its residents also know how to make great cake. This chocolate-and-almond cake can be made entirely without flour.

 

A post shared by Claudia Rinaldi (@gourmetproject) on Feb 25, 2017 at 4:00pm PST

9. Pancakes with Grana Padano cream

Many South Africans may enjoy their pancakes with cinnamon, sugar and lemon juice, but it’s by no means the only way to savour them. Try smothering them in a rich Grana Padano sauce, like this pretty stack.

A post shared by Grana Padano DOP (@granapadanodop) on Sep 19, 2016 at 6:39am PDT

 

10. Scrippelle ‘mbusse

This warming dish of pancakes served in broth originates in Abruzzo, where winters can be bitterly cold. It’s important to dust the egg-based pancakes liberally with cheese – Grana Padano works well – to maximise the comforting properties of the dish.

A post shared by Grana Padano DOP (@granapadanodop) on Dec 26, 2016 at 9:35am PST

 

11. Zeppoles

Italy’s answer to doughnuts is usually topped with powdered sugar and filled with custard, cream, jam, or butter and honey.

A post shared by Pizza Shop (@thepizzashop) on Jun 21, 2017 at 8:47am PDT

 

Brought to you by Grana Padano

Grana Padano is a hard, richly flavoured cheese from Northern Italy. It is named for its beautifully grainy texture (la grana), and its origin: Padano or from the Po River Valley. It’s believed to be one of the world’s first hard cheeses, created nearly 900 years ago. Grana Padano is ripened for at least nine months, and fire-branded with the Grana Padano trademark.