Calabrian Cuisine: Ingredients and Dishes from the Italian Region

There are significant differences between the cuisines of different Italian regions. As you travel from the north to the south, you will see the dishes change according to the availability of local ingredients and the area’s culinary traditions. One Italian region with beautiful ingredients and delicious dishes is Calabria. Here is a look at the ingredients and dishes of Calabrian cuisine.

Where Is Calabria?

Calabria is a region located in the southernmost part of Italy, in the “toe” of the Italian peninsula. Calabria is known for its beautiful coastline, scenic mountains, and delicious cuisine. It is also known for its historical and cultural landmarks, including ancient ruins and medieval castles. Additionally, Calabria is famous for producing some of Italy’s most sought-after products, such as bergamot, a type of citrus fruit used in perfumes and teas.

What Are the Common Ingredients of Calabrian Cuisine?

Calabrian cuisine is famous for its simplicity and use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Some common ingredients in Calabrian cuisine include local vegetables such as eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes, as well as seafood, pork, and spicy peppers. Other staple ingredients include olive oil, garlic, onions, and chilli peppers, which add a bold and spicy flavour to many dishes. Calabrian cuisine also features a variety of cheeses, cured meats, and bread. A combination of these ingredients is often served as antipasti (appetizers) or alongside main dishes. Furthermore, the region is famous for its wine production.

Popular Dishes from Calabrian Cuisine

Calabrian cuisine is full of delicious dishes that showcase the region’s fresh ingredients and bold flavours. Some popular dishes include:

• Fileja: A type of pasta made from flour, water, and salt, served with a tomato-based sauce and spicy sausage.
• ‘Nduja: A spicy, spreadable sausage made from pork and chilli peppers. The Italians serve it on bread or as a sauce ingredient for pasta.
• Caciocavallo Silano: A type of cheese made from cow’s milk, aged for several months. Sometimes, people serve it as a table cheese.
• Spaghetti alla Calabrese: Spaghetti served with a tomato-based sauce made with garlic, anchovies, and spicy chilli peppers.
• Capocollo: A type of cured meat made from pork shoulder, seasoned with garlic and fennel, and aged for several months.
• Sardella: A spicy spread made from sun-dried tomatoes, chilli peppers, and olive oil. People often serve it on bread or use it as a sauce for pasta.

These are just a few examples of the many mouthwatering dishes that you can find in Calabrian cuisine. Have you visited Calabria and tried the food? Let us know about your dining experiences and favourite Calabrian dishes.