In addition to being a delicious and refreshing fruit, lemons are a staple ingredient in many Italian dishes. From savory chicken piccata to creamy lemon risotto, this versatile citrus adds a bright and tangy flavor to traditional Italian recipes. In this article, we will dive into the world of lemon Italian recipes and discover some mouthwatering dishes that are sure to become family favorites. So get your apron on and let's get cooking with lemons!
Main Ingredients: Whole Almonds, All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder
For a twist on traditional Italian biscotti, try this delicious recipe that incorporates almonds and lemon flavors. The crunch of the almonds pairs perfectly with the tang of the lemon, making for a delightful treat. Serve these with a cup of coffee or tea for a truly Italian experience.
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Lemon Italian Herbed Grilled Zucchini
Main Ingredients: Zucchini, Dried Basil, Dried Oregano, Dried Thyme
This simple yet flavorful side dish is a great addition to any summer barbecue. The zucchini is marinated in a mixture of lemon, herbs, and olive oil, then grilled to perfection. It's a healthy and tasty way to enjoy this versatile vegetable.
Stuffed artichokes are a classic Italian appetizer that never fails to impress. This recipe combines breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs to create a flavorful filling for the artichokes. It's a labor of love to prepare, but the end result is well worth the effort.
Everyone loves a good Bolognese sauce, but not everyone knows the secret to making it truly authentic. This recipe uses a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal to give the sauce its rich and hearty flavor. Serve over your favorite pasta for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Baccala, or salted cod, is a staple in many Italian households. This dish is typically served on Christmas Eve as part of the Feast of the Seven Fishes. The fish is rehydrated and cooked with tomatoes, olives, and capers for a flavorful and unique seafood dish.
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Classic Bruschetta
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Garlic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Roma
No Italian meal is complete without a serving of bruschetta. This simple yet delicious appetizer consists of grilled bread topped with a mixture of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. It's a great way to start any meal and will leave your guests wanting more.
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PASTA AGLIO OLIO
Main Ingredients: Crushed Red Pepper, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic
Pasta aglio olio, or pasta with garlic and oil, is a classic Italian dish that is quick and easy to prepare. This recipe uses spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. It's perfect for a busy weeknight when you need to get dinner on the table in a hurry.
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Chicken Piccata
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Kosher Salt
Chicken piccata is a classic Italian dish that is both elegant and delicious. Thinly sliced chicken is coated in flour and cooked in a butter and lemon sauce, then finished off with capers for a tangy twist. Serve with a side of pasta for a complete meal.
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Today’s Cake – Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Caster Sugar, Ricotta, Eggs, Plain
This Italian lemon ricotta cake is a light and refreshing dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The ricotta cheese gives the cake a moist and dense texture, while the lemon adds a bright and zesty flavor. It's the perfect way to end any meal.
Forget store-bought salad dressing, this homemade Italian dressing is so much better! Made with a blend of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs, this dressing is perfect on any type of salad. It's also great as a marinade for chicken or beef.
This homemade Italian dressing is a staple in many Italian households. Made with a blend of olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices, it's a versatile dressing that goes well with almost any type of salad. Make a big batch and keep it in the fridge for easy weeknight dinners.
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Shrimp Scampi
Main Ingredients: Linguine, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Red
Shrimp scampi is a classic Italian dish that is quick and easy to prepare. The shrimp is sautéed in a garlic and butter sauce and served over a bed of pasta. It's a delicious and elegant meal that is sure to impress.
These Italian lemon cookies are a staple at many Italian celebrations. They are light and buttery, with a hint of lemon flavor that makes them irresistible. Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant dessert.
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Pesto
Main Ingredients: Fresh Basil Leaves, Pine Nuts, Garlic, Extra Virgin
Pesto is a sauce that originated in Genoa, Italy and is made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. It's usually served over pasta, but can also be used as a spread for sandwiches or as a dip for vegetables. This homemade version is easy to make and far superior to store-bought pesto.
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Authentic Italian Veal Milanese (Cotolette alla...
Main Ingredients: Veal Cutlets, Eggs, Breadcrumbs, Clarified Butter, All
Cotolette alla Milanese is a classic Italian dish that is made with thinly sliced veal, breaded and fried to perfection. It's a simple yet delicious meal that is often served with a squeeze of lemon and a side of arugula salad. This recipe will transport you straight to Italy.
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Italian One Pot Cod Fish Soup
Main Ingredients: Light Olive Oil, Onion, Minced Garlic, Celery Sticks
This Italian one pot cod fish soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. Made with cod, tomatoes, potatoes, and herbs, it's a complete meal in one pot. Serve with crusty bread for a truly authentic experience.
Limoncello, an Italian lemon liqueur, adds a unique and delicious twist to this creamy ricotta cake. The tangy flavor of the limoncello pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy texture of the cake. It's a decadent dessert that is sure to impress.
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Italian Chopped Salad with Balsamic Dressing
Main Ingredients: Lettuce, Genoa Salami, Cooked Chicken Breast, Green
This Italian chopped salad is a colorful and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue. The combination of vegetables, salami, and cheese makes for a satisfying and filling salad. Top it off with a homemade balsamic dressing for the perfect finishing touch.
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Chicken Piccata with Artichokes
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, All Purpose Flour
This twist on classic chicken piccata adds artichokes to the mix for a unique and delicious flavor. The tangy sauce pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and artichokes, making for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Serve with a side of pasta for a complete Italian experience.
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Spagetti with Italian Sausage and Arugula
Main Ingredients: Links, Olive Oil, Spaghetti, Arugula, Minced Garlic
This spagetti with Italian sausage and arugula is a simple yet flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The spicy sausage adds a kick of flavor to the dish, while the arugula adds a fresh and peppery note. It's a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love.
Chicken Piccata
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
4 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup capers, drained
2 tbsp butter
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet until they are about 1/4 inch thick.
In a shallow dish, mix together flour, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken breasts in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers. Bring to a simmer and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened.
Stir in butter until melted.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Why we love it:
This classic Italian dish is bursting with flavor, thanks to the combination of tangy lemon and briny capers. It's also quick and easy to make, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Serve with a side of pasta or rice and a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Lemon Risotto
Ingredients:
4 cups chicken broth
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup Arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp lemon zest
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
In a saucepan, bring chicken broth to a simmer over low heat.
In a separate large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add rice to the saucepan and stir until coated with oil.
Add wine and cook until it has been absorbed by the rice.
Slowly add 1 cup of the warmed chicken broth to the rice, stirring constantly. Once the broth has been absorbed, add another cup of broth.
Continue adding broth, 1 cup at a time, and stirring until all broth has been absorbed and rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
Stir in lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, butter, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Why we love it:
This creamy and tangy lemon risotto makes a delicious side dish or a vegetarian main course. The Arborio rice creates a rich and velvety texture, while the lemon adds a refreshing burst of flavor. It's a great way to switch up your usual rice side dishes and impress your dinner guests.
With these two mouthwatering lemon Italian recipes, you'll be able to add a touch of brightness to your cooking and elevate your Italian dishes to the next level. So next time you're in the kitchen, don't forget to grab a lemon and get creative with these delicious recipes!
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