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La Spezia, a beautiful coastal city in Italy’s Liguria region, is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and, of course, its delicious food. When it comes to culinary delights, La Spezia offers a wide range of traditional dishes that are sure to please even the most discerning palate.
One of the most beloved and iconic dishes in La Spezia is the famous “Pasta al Pesto.” This simple yet incredibly flavorful dish consists of handmade trofie pasta, tossed with a generous amount of fresh Genovese basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. The combination of these ingredients creates a beautifully balanced and fragrant sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. It is a dish that showcases the region’s close connection to the sea and the abundance of fresh ingredients available in the area.
What makes La Spezia’s Pasta al Pesto unique is the use of Ligurian basil, also known as “basilico Genovese,” which is considered the finest basil in the world. The locals take great pride in cultivating this aromatic herb, which gives the dish its distinctive and vibrant flavor. The basil is traditionally crushed in a marble mortar and pestle, a method that preserves its delicate aromas and releases its essential oils. This traditional technique imparts an unparalleled depth of flavor to the dish, making it a true taste of tradition.
Besides Pasta al Pesto, another popular traditional dish in La Spezia is “Focaccia di Recco.” This mouthwatering delicacy consists of two ultra-thin layers of dough filled with an ample amount of creamy local cheese called “stracchino.” The dough is delicately rolled out and stretched until it becomes translucent, allowing the cheese to melt and ooze out during baking. The result is a golden, crispy and gooey delight that is simply irresistible. Focaccia di Recco is often enjoyed as an appetizer or a light meal, accompanied by a glass of refreshing local Vermentino wine.
Seafood lovers will be delighted by the variety of fresh and flavorful fish dishes available in La Spezia. The close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea allows the city to showcase an extensive array of seafood delicacies. One dish that stands out is “Baccalà alla Spezzina,” a delicious specialty made with dried salted cod. The cod is soaked for several days to remove the excess salt, then slow-cooked in a savory tomato sauce along with onions, capers, and olives. The result is a tender and flavorful fish dish that reflects the region’s maritime traditions.
To round off a truly authentic culinary experience in La Spezia, one must indulge in a traditional Ligurian dessert called “Carrara Cake.” Named after the nearby city of Carrara, known for its famous marble quarries, this dense and moist cake is made with ground almonds, chocolate, chopped candied fruit, and a hint of rum. The cake is typically enjoyed with a cup of strong Italian espresso, bringing a satisfying end to a culinary journey through La Spezia’s rich and delicious traditions.
La Spezia offers visitors a unique and unforgettable taste of tradition through its exceptional culinary heritage. From the aromatic Pasta al Pesto and melt-in-your-mouth Focaccia di Recco to the savory Baccalà alla Spezzina and decadent Carrara Cake, every dish reflects the region’s passion for high-quality ingredients and time-honored cooking techniques. So, whether you are visiting La Spezia for its stunning landscapes or its rich history, be sure to indulge in the city’s traditional dishes and savor the taste of its rich culinary heritage.
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