Marche’s Cuisine: The Traditional Dishes of the Italian Region

If you visit different Italian regions, the food offerings differ significantly from one location to the next. The dishes you will see on restaurant menus or in family homes reflect the region’s culture and the availability of ingredients. So, what can you expect if you travel to Marche? Here is a look at Marche’s cuisine, the region’s traditional ingredients, and examples of some of Marche’s most famous dishes.

Where is Marche?

Marche is a region in central Italy on the eastern side of the Apennine Mountains. Emilia-Romagna borders it to the north, Tuscany to the west, Umbria to the southwest, and Abruzzo to the south.

For What Is Marche Known?

Marche is known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque hilltop towns, and delicious cuisine. It is also famous for producing high-quality wine, particularly the Verdicchio variety. Other notable regional products include olive oil, truffles, and handmade pasta. Marche is also home to many historic landmarks and cultural attractions, such as the Renaissance-era Palazzo Ducale in Urbino and the ancient Roman city of Fermo.

Typical Ingredients of Marche’s Cuisine

Simplicity and the use of fresh, local ingredients characterize Marche’s cuisine. Some typical ingredients used in Marche’s cuisine include seafood, wild game, pork, truffles, mushrooms, artichokes, fava beans, and asparagus. Olive oil and wine are also important staples in the region’s cuisine.

Examples of Dishes from Marche’s Cuisine

Marche has a rich culinary tradition, and many delicious dishes are popular in the region. Some of the most famous dishes from Marche include:

1. Brodetto: One of the best examples of Marche’s cuisine is brodetto. It is a fish stew with various seafood, such as mussels, clams, squid, and shrimp. A typical seasoning contains garlic, parsley, and tomato and people eat it with crusty bread.
2. Vincisgrassi: This is a lasagne-like dish with meat sauce, pasta, bechamel, and Parmesan cheese. It is a rich and hearty dish people typically serve on special occasions.
3. Olive Ascolane: These are olives with a stuffing of ground meat, cheese, and spices. They are coated in breadcrumbs, and then fried. They are a popular appetizer in Marche.
4. Crescia sfogliata: This is a savory flatbread made with lard, pecorino cheese, and black pepper. It is a popular snack in Marche, and the locals serve it with cured meats and cheese.
5. Ciauscolo: This is a soft, spreadable salami made with pork, garlic, and red wine. People serve it as an appetizer or snack with bread and cheese.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes of Marche’s cuisine.