Even if you can’t visit Italy in the fall, you can still cook like it! There are certain Italian recipes you just have to make during this season (no, it’s not all pumpkin). It is harvest season in Italy, so this list of heartwarming Italian dishes to make this fall are based on Italy’s favorite autumnal crops and food festivals.
Castagnaccio
The chestnut might be the single most important ingredient in Italian food this time of year. Dozens of savory and sweet fall recipes call for Italian chestnuts. One example is the traditional Italian dessert Castagnaccio, a Tuscan chestnut cake made with raisins and pine nuts.
Pumpkin Risotto
Well, you knew pumpkin had to make an appearance somewhere! Risotto is a quintessential Italian food that is extremely versatile. You can make risotto with almost anything, from pomegranates to mushrooms to pumpkins. Not only is pumpkin risotto one of the best fall recipes, but it also takes on a wonderfully rich orange hue that will help get you into the spirit of the season!
Potatoes with Truffles
Who doesn’t love hot, starchy potatoes when the weather starts to cool off? Make your potatoes taste even better by combining them with truffles, one of the other Italian harvest gems. In fact, every fall there is an Alba White Truffle Fair in Italy where people can taste all things truffle and celebrate this beloved Italian food. Drizzle roasted potatoes in truffle oil and Parmesan cheese, or make this mouthwatering Potato Gnocchi with White Truffle Cheese Sauce recipe from ItalianFoodForever.com.
Pappardelle ai Funghi
Pappardelle with Mushroom Ragu is another one of Italy’s favorite fall recipes. Porcini mushrooms are especially favored this time of year. The large, flat, wide pappardelle pasta makes this dish all the more satisfying.
Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragu
Game meat is really popular in Italian recipes this time of year, especially wild boar. A classic pasta dish, pappardelle with wild boar ragu is a hearty and heartwarming meal. According to this recipe from The Pasta Project, wild boar is also more nutritious than pork and beef.
Fagioli all’uccelletto
White beans with sausage is another Tuscan delight during the cooler months. This heavy meal is filled not just with savory flavor, but protein! Keep yourself strong and energized with this Tuscan favorite. Supermarket Italy is completely stocked with both beans and sausage, so you don’t even have to go out of your way to find the ingredients!