Italy Week, featuring classic Italian cuisine, will take place from August 12th to 18th at Eurospin stores, offering customers a chance to recreate authentic Italian flavors at home. The promotion includes a variety of traditional dishes and specialty products that highlight the essence of Italian cooking. Among the highlights are pasta varieties such as tagliatelle with eggs, bronze extruded pasta, lasagna Bolognese, and tortellini filled with ricotta and spinach. These items provide a foundation for simple yet flavorful meals that can be prepared quickly at home. The week-long promotion also features unique ingredients that add depth and character to familiar dishes. Pesto made from sun-dried tomatoes, pistachios, peppers, and almonds offers a new twist on traditional pesto, transforming ordinary pasta into something reminiscent of an Italian dining experience. Additionally, balsamic vinegar from Modena is highlighted as an essential ingredient for salads, cheese, or even drizzled over fresh tomatoes. Grissini with sesame seeds are recommended as a crunchy accompaniment for appetizers, paired with prosciutto and cheeses or enjoyed with a glass of wine. The promotion emphasizes the Italian philosophy of enjoying food without excessive complication, focusing instead on quality ingredients and time spent at the table. Delicacies such as Prosciutto di Parma, Mortadella Bologna, and Salame Felino are featured prominently, each representing distinct regional specialties. These items can be combined with various cheeses, such as Pecorino, Montasio, and Gorgonzola, to create a diverse and flavorful spread. Adding some grissini, olives, fresh fruit or vegetables, and a chilled beverage transforms the table into something akin to an Italian market setting. For a sweet ending, the promotion includes Cantuccini Toscani, traditional Tuscan biscuits that complete the Italian meal experience. These cookies are typically served with a cup of coffee, embodying the concept of "dolce vita," or the sweet life. Authentic Italian cuisine often brings to mind the dish known as ragù alla Bolognese, which many believe they know how to prepare. However, the official recipe from the Chamber of Commerce in Bologna reveals nuances that distinguish the true version from common interpretations. According to the updated 2023 recipe, the key elements include a specific ratio of meat to tomato sauce, the use of fresh pancetta, and the importance of slow cooking. The official recipe calls for approximately 550 grams of ground beef and pancetta, along with onions, carrots, celery, wine, 200 grams of puréed tomatoes, a tablespoon of tomato concentrate, and optionally whole milk. This combination ensures a rich and complex flavor profile rather than a tomato-based sauce. The pancetta is crucial as it provides a fatty base for the sauce, allowing the flavors to develop fully. The preparation process involves carefully sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery until they become soft and slightly sweet. Ground beef and pancetta are then added and cooked thoroughly before introducing the wine. The alcohol must evaporate before adding the puréed tomatoes and tomato concentrate. Slow simmering for at least two hours allows the flavors to meld together, creating a thick, glossy sauce. An unexpected addition to the recipe is whole milk, which helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and results in a smoother texture. This optional ingredient adds another layer of complexity to the dish, making it more palatable and refined. The absence of certain herbs commonly associated with Italian cuisine further distinguishes this recipe from others, emphasizing the purity of its ingredients and the importance of technique over seasoning. The promotion aims to bring the essence of Italian dining experiences into homes, encouraging people to enjoy the simplicity and richness of Italian cuisine without the need for travel or restaurant reservations. With a wide selection of ingredients and detailed recipes, customers have the opportunity to recreate authentic Italian meals that reflect both tradition and quality.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
Croatia
