When you think of quintessential Italian food, tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil likely come to mind more than searing spice. Yet dig deeper into regional fare and countless flavorful, fiery dishes await discovery. Discover 5 authentic spicy Italian specialties that dial up heat in perfect harmony with other bright textures and flavors.
'Nduja
This spreadable Calabrian salume blends spicy, fermented pork with the region’s prized fierce chilies for a vibrant red pepper paste that packs serious heat. Smear it over everything from crostini to pizza.
Arancini
Sicilian rice balls frequently hide a secret spicy filling, typically a bold meat ragu jumping with chilies. This heat starkly contrasts creamy risotto and a crispy fried exterior for temperature and texture play.
Cotoletta alla Milanese
To balance this lavish, breaded veal cutlet from Milan, many trattorias serve an accompanying side of spicy pomodoro sauce. The fresh tomato sauce gets spiked with peperoncini peppers to cut through the fried richness.
Spicy Pasta all’arrabbiata
This cheeky dish translates to “angry pasta” for the way its tomato and garlic sauce infused with plenty of red chili flakes brings joyful heat that “angrily” awakens the palate.
Olive Oil Cruets
Trattorias everywhere from Milan to Palermo set out crystal chili oil cruets for customizing preferred spice levels tableside. Add drops according to your daring over vegetable sides, soups and beyond.
Shop Spicy Italian Ingredients
For creating your own spicy Italian feasts at home, browse Cucina Mercato’s online shop carrying the best chili peppers, infused oils, peppers and sauce mixes. We source specialty ingredients directly from Italian artisans ready to ignite your kitchen’s next creation. Shop now.