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The Tiny Italian

Italy / Places to eat / Travel

What to eat when in Rome – TTI adventure

Last year, I embarked on a life long dream. I took myself on the ultimate foodie trip and ate my way through Italy’s many regions. As well as having a fabulous time, I aspired to learn as much as possible about the fundamental differences when it came to Italian home cooking from city to city. It involved spending a lot of time eating, solely, local dishes so that I could get a better understanding of the ingredients and flavours associated with each regions cookery. It also meant gaining a few more pounds along the way, but I was so happy doing it.

As part of the Tiny Italian Roman series, I have lovingly put together a list of dishes and foods that I devoured on my trip. Each meal is representing the characteristics that define Roman cookery. Like most of Italy, ‘Cucina povera’ – dominates its food scene, with a significant Jewish influence that goes back nearly 400 years. Meat, pasta and vegetables are popular, with carnivorous dishes taking centre stage, which I found to be one of the prime differences with southern Italian cookery. Also, for all you pasta lovers out there, did you know that Rome is the birthplace of the infamous carbonara, amongst many other popular pasta dishes.

So, without further ado, here are my top Roman dishes recommendations if a trip to the capital city is on the cards soon.

Meat

Coda Alla Vaccinara

Coda Alla Vaccinara, better known as an Oxtail stew, is a very traditional Roman dish and can usually be found on many restaurants menus across the city.

The oxtails are gently braised for hours in a tomato sauce with an abundance of celery. It’s cooked until the meat is exceptionally tender. The rich meaty sauce is usually served with pasta as a ‘primo’ – first course, while for ‘secondo’ – main course, the chunks of meat are served after with vegetable sides.

It’s such a hearty dish and perfect for a cold winter night. I still remember how much I enjoyed that first bite. The oxtail melted in my mouth, while coated in a rich tomato sauce. I wanted to eat it forever. I didn’t leave a thing on my plate and wiped it clean with a slice of bread. Just heavenly.

  • Coda alla vaccinara
  • Coda alla vaccinara

Suppli

Suppli are fried rice croquettes stuffed with hot mozzarella, and rice cooked in a rich tomato beef ragu. Suppli are Romes answer to the Sicilian arancini (where the rice is cooked in butter and white wine instead). Lucky for you, these can be found all over the city and are a great example of Roman street food. Perfect for snacking on if you get a slight tummy rumble on your travels.

Why not try one or three at La casa del suppli, in Re di Roma.

Saltimbocca Alla Romana

Saltimbocca Alla Romana another popular meat dish – is traditionally made with thinly sliced veal wrapped in cured ham (prosciutto) and sage. It is then pan-fried in a delicate white wine butter sauce and usually served with a side of green veggies.

Make sure you don’t leave the city without trying this classic dish. I ate mine at Ai Spaghettari, in the Trastevere neighbourhood.

Lamb

Abbacchio, which is a very young lamb, is a popular meat in Roman cooking. The meat is sweeter and has a less gamey flavour. It can usually be found ‘alla cacciatora’ where it’s braised in oil and vinegar, flavoured with garlic, sage, anchovies and rosemary.

I enjoyed this beautiful dish at Lo Scopettaro in the Testaccio neighbourhood

The Four Roman Pastas

When it comes to popular Italian pasta dishes, Rome is the home to many and is where I’ve had some of my favourite pasta eating experiences. What I find fascinating is that there are two essential ingredients which are indispensable in their cookery.

First, is guanciale, cured pork meat, made from the pig cheek, and usually rendered down in many of the recipes. Secondly, the Romans prefer to use pecorino romano instead of parmesan in many of their methods – a hard, salty sheep’s milk cheese, usually grated to maximise flavour.

Some of the dishes here, either use one or the other or sometimes even both. However, each recipe is unique, and it would be a sin not to attempt each dish at least once.
In no particular order, here are Rome’s popular pasta dishes.

Alla Gricia

Pasta Alla Gricia is the base used for many of Rome’s famous pasta dishes. In this case, it merely uses both the pecorino romano and guanciale. Along with drops of pasta water, it makes an excellent creamy sauce for this popular Roman pasta dish.

Guanciale has a lovely layer of fat, which when rendered down, it emulsifies with the starchy pasta water, creating a creamy consistency. It’s then tossed with cooked pasta and served with lashes of grated pecorino.

I will be honest with you; I had never heard of this dish before I arrived in Rome. I was so happy that I learnt and discovered something new and have been recreating this ever since.

I enjoyed this wonderful dish at Lo Scopettaro in the Testaccio neighbourhood

Carbonara

Next, is the famous Carbonara, which has evolved into many British versions across the country since its arrival years ago. I’ve seen it cooked with cream, adding the likes of chicken and mushrooms. Romans, literally turn in their grave at this atrocity. If you want to know what a real carbonara should taste like, then get on a plane to Rome asap.

The Carbonara uses the same base as ‘Alla Gricia’; however, whisked eggs/yolks are added for extra creaminess and richness. The vital skill here is to avoid overcooking them and creating a scrambled egg effect. That’s a Carbonara faux pas.

When I came to Rome, I headed to Roscioli to eat one of the best carbonaras of my life. I watched an episode of Italy unpacked, where Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli ate it there himself. I had no choice but to follow suit and forever grateful for such a great gastronomical experience.

Pasta Carbonara

Amatriciana

Next, comes the Amatriciana which again uses the ‘Alla Gricia’ as it’s base. The main difference here is that the tomatoes are added alongside the pasta water to the rendered guanciale to create a thick, silky sauce. Finally, grated pecorino is sprinkled on top, bringing the sauce together.

I ate a beautiful plate of Rigatoni Alla Amatriciana at Trattoria da Augusto in Trastevere.

Amatriciana pasta

Cacio e Pepe

Last, but not least is Cacio E Pepe, which translates to cheese and pepper. A vegetarian pasta dish where the pecorino takes centre stage and no guanciale insight. Its simplicity only comes in the ingredients it uses as it’s easy to cook this dish incorrectly. The idea is to get a glossy cheesy sauce that coats your pasta lovingly served with generous lashings of black pepper.

Cacio e Pepe

Vegetables

When it comes to vegetables, there a couple of popular dishes you must try on your visit.

Vignarola

Vignarola – a Roman vegetable stew uses the best in Italian spring produce; fresh artichokes, broad beans and peas cooked in white wine and lemon juice.

Vignarola - Roman dish with broad beans, peas and artichokes

Bitter Vegetables

Cicorie, a bitter green vegetable, usually boiled and then finished in a pan with olive oil, garlic and chilli. If cicorie, isn’t available, then puntarelle (dandelion leaves) are a fabulous alternative, cooked in olive oil, vinegar, garlic and anchovies.

Usually served with the most popular meat dishes, but I was thrilled to eat a plate of them on their own, moping up the juices with a slice of homemade bread.

Here is a massive plate of cicorie at Maccheroni served alongside a delicious plate of homemade meatballs.

Artichokes are also extremely important in Roman cooking. However, I visited in October, which meant they were not in season. If you do visit around springtime, look out for them on menus.

I love Roman food

Rome, its food and cooking will forever be in my heart.

I hope you find this article useful, to understand that there is more to Italian cooking then pasta, pizza and tomatoes. Eating Roman dishes was an eye-opener for me in understanding how food can differ so much across regions. I have spent most of my life visiting and eating in Puglia, which is where my family is based. So to have the first-hand experience, where I could sample for myself and understand the main differences in Italian regional cooking was a memorable experience. So, if you do decide to visit Rome, why not enhance your trip by trying some of these delicious, unforgettable dishes.

This post is part of the  #DolceVitaBloggers Linkup with hosts Kelly at italianatheart.com, Jasmine at questadolcevita.com  and Kristie at mammaprada.com. 

TAGS:regional cookingroman cookingroman dishesroman foodrome
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The Tiny Italian

Ciao, I’m Paola I’m Paola (The Tiny Italian). I'm an Italian food expert cook and teacher. I teach people to not only cook but teach them how to LOVE TO COOK. I help change peoples mindset by showing them that cooking is not only for 'FOODIES' and sharing the fun, stress-free side with recipes, tips and cooking experiences.

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Ciao, I’m Paola
Ciao, I’m Paola

Ciao, I’m Paola

I’m Paola (The Tiny Italian). I'm an Italian food expert, cook and teacher. Cooking doesn't come easy to everyone. However, I help you LEARN to LOVE to cook and eat better with EASY SEXY HEALTHY Italian RECIPES. Plus TIPS and HACKS to build your kitchen CONFIDENCE. Come cook with me at one of my fun stress free cooking classes or courses. It’s all about helping others BELIEVE IN THEIR OWN SAUCE!

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This is your invitation to come join the best online self care cooking community on the planet. SAUCY SOCIETY It’s a space for you to intentionally take part in fun delicious mindful self care cooking. It’s a space to help rediscover your cooking mojo and transform your cooking relationship. When you are busy it’s hard to find time for yourself. However when you change your mindset about something you do everyday I.e. cooking, you can turn what feels like a chore into the self care you need to reward yourself after a hectic day. For more info head to my website (link under my bio) or drop me a DM on here or email me paola@thetinyitalian.com #cookinglife #cookingday #selfcareeveryday #selfcareaccount #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter #onlinecookingclass #cookingcommunity
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Sharing your food around the table with your loved ones is one of cooking greatest gifts.
So by eliminating cooking with love you’re also eliminating those connections.
The last few years has taught many of us what really is important and no matter how busy life gets it’s important to not take for granted those around us and spend time where we can… cos life is sometimes a little bit too short to spend time worrying about the sh*t that really doesn’t matter in life.
Love should always come first.
Paola ❤️
#eatatthetable #eatingathome #cookingathomeisfun #homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #sharingfood #makingconnections
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Sharing your food around the table with your loved ones is one of cooking greatest gifts. So by eliminating cooking with love you’re also eliminating those connections. The last few years has taught many of us what really is important and no matter how busy life gets it’s important to not take for granted those around us and spend time where we can… cos life is sometimes a little bit too short to spend time worrying about the sh*t that really doesn’t matter in life. Love should always come first. Paola ❤️ #eatatthetable #eatingathome #cookingathomeisfun #homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #sharingfood #makingconnections
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This is your invitation to come join the best online self care cooking community on the planet.
SAUCY SOCIETY
It’s a space for you to intentionally take part in fun delicious mindful self care cooking. It’s a space to help rediscover your cooking mojo and transform your cooking relationship. When you are busy it’s hard to find time for yourself. However when you change your mindset about something you do everyday I.e. cooking, you can turn what feels like a chore into the self care you need to reward yourself after a hectic day. 
For more info head to my website (link under my bio) or drop me a DM on here or email me paola@thetinyitalian.com
#cookinglife #cookingday #selfcareeveryday #selfcareaccount #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter #onlinecookingclass #cookingcommunity
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This is your invitation to come join the best online self care cooking community on the planet. SAUCY SOCIETY It’s a space for you to intentionally take part in fun delicious mindful self care cooking. It’s a space to help rediscover your cooking mojo and transform your cooking relationship. When you are busy it’s hard to find time for yourself. However when you change your mindset about something you do everyday I.e. cooking, you can turn what feels like a chore into the self care you need to reward yourself after a hectic day. For more info head to my website (link under my bio) or drop me a DM on here or email me paola@thetinyitalian.com #cookinglife #cookingday #selfcareeveryday #selfcareaccount #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter #onlinecookingclass #cookingcommunity
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Sharing your food around the table with your loved ones is one of cooking greatest gifts.
So by eliminating cooking with love you’re also eliminating those connections.
The last few years has taught many of us what really is important and no matter how busy life gets it’s important to not take for granted those around us and spend time where we can… cos life is sometimes a little bit too short to spend time worrying about the sh*t that really doesn’t matter in life.
Love should always come first.
Paola ❤️
#eatatthetable #eatingathome #cookingathomeisfun #homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #sharingfood #makingconnections
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Sharing your food around the table with your loved ones is one of cooking greatest gifts. So by eliminating cooking with love you’re also eliminating those connections. The last few years has taught many of us what really is important and no matter how busy life gets it’s important to not take for granted those around us and spend time where we can… cos life is sometimes a little bit too short to spend time worrying about the sh*t that really doesn’t matter in life. Love should always come first. Paola ❤️ #eatatthetable #eatingathome #cookingathomeisfun #homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #sharingfood #makingconnections
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SAVE THIS RECIPE WHEN YOU ARE IN NEED OF SEXY SELF CARE COOKING. 
This dish not only slaps in tonnes of flavour it’s the perfect delicious comforting reward after a busy day. 
It’s an easy and simple recipe to follow which is what we need after a busy day.  You need to try it if you enjoy these ingredients:
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Mascarpone (you can use any cream cheese)
Using @martini and @parmigianoreggianouk to make sure that this dish taste absolutely banging. And it really does. 
Plus my flat mates @microplaneintl made sure that I  only added the lemon zest and not the pith which can be bitter and affect the flavour of the dish. Everyone needs to get one. 
Anywhere enjoy guys. 
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SAVE THIS RECIPE WHEN YOU ARE IN NEED OF SEXY SELF CARE COOKING. This dish not only slaps in tonnes of flavour it’s the perfect delicious comforting reward after a busy day. It’s an easy and simple recipe to follow which is what we need after a busy day. You need to try it if you enjoy these ingredients: Peas Spinach Leeks Pancetta Gnocchi Lemon Mascarpone (you can use any cream cheese) Using @martini and @parmigianoreggianouk to make sure that this dish taste absolutely banging. And it really does. Plus my flat mates @microplaneintl made sure that I only added the lemon zest and not the pith which can be bitter and affect the flavour of the dish. Everyone needs to get one. Anywhere enjoy guys. Follow for more self care cooking recipe ideas. #easyrecipesathome #gnocchirecipe #sweetpeas #spinachrecipes #martini #parmesanoreggiano #selfcaretip #wellnessgoals #cookwithlove #nostresscooking #easycookingathome #italiancooking #cookingcommunity #italianfoodblogger #cookingschool #onlinecookingclass #recipevideos
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Cooking can calm your mind.
However for some cooking can be so stressful and l may actively avoid it as it feels too much to do after a long busy day.
However over the years I have practised fun mindful cooking. Yes I did say Fun. 😂💃🏻
It takes time but it’s all about changing your mindset and attitude when it comes to cooking. Plus there are some practises that can help to calm your mind down and reduce the stress cooking can cause you. 
Instead of feeling like a chore it can help you  relax after a long busy day. It can help you focus on something else and forget about everything you have had to deal with that day. Plus you get to reward yourself with a delicious meal cooked with love. It’s the best feeling after a crazy busy day.
Working on something fun and helpful for you, but if you currently find cooking difficult or stressful would you mind sharing in the comment lor Dm me what is the main thing that makes it difficult for you. And I’ll take that into consideration when putting my new project together.
We will get this nation with love and your input will help make that change. 
#selfcaretip #cookinglove #mindfulcooking #selfcarecooking #wellnesslifestyle #busymomlife #businessownerlife #eatbetterfeelbetter #cookwithlove #cookingteacher #selfcareeveryday #selfcarehacks #selflovematters #mindfulnessmatters
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Cooking can calm your mind. However for some cooking can be so stressful and l may actively avoid it as it feels too much to do after a long busy day. However over the years I have practised fun mindful cooking. Yes I did say Fun. 😂💃🏻 It takes time but it’s all about changing your mindset and attitude when it comes to cooking. Plus there are some practises that can help to calm your mind down and reduce the stress cooking can cause you. Instead of feeling like a chore it can help you relax after a long busy day. It can help you focus on something else and forget about everything you have had to deal with that day. Plus you get to reward yourself with a delicious meal cooked with love. It’s the best feeling after a crazy busy day. Working on something fun and helpful for you, but if you currently find cooking difficult or stressful would you mind sharing in the comment lor Dm me what is the main thing that makes it difficult for you. And I’ll take that into consideration when putting my new project together. We will get this nation with love and your input will help make that change. #selfcaretip #cookinglove #mindfulcooking #selfcarecooking #wellnesslifestyle #busymomlife #businessownerlife #eatbetterfeelbetter #cookwithlove #cookingteacher #selfcareeveryday #selfcarehacks #selflovematters #mindfulnessmatters
7 days ago
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LETS GET THE NATION COOKING WITH LOVE. 
My mission is to help this nation of busy people to slow down where possible. Help transform their cooking relationship so that they can embrace the joys of mindful  home cooking as an easy accessible fun source of self care.
From personal experience when you’re busy running your own business or your job is a priority for you it can be difficult to make time for yourself.  Whatever your body and mind needs.
Unfortunately that doesn’t get you anywhere good. You just get into a deeper hole of ‘I don’t have time’ or ‘that won’t make a difference really’ or ‘I can’t make time for myself’. Cooking food becomes harder. You start to resent it, stresses you out and bring bouts of overwhelm. 
I know because I was that person. On many occasions. When I worked in a corporate environment and when trying to build my own business. It’s easy to forget what’s more important and that’s your happiness, health and joy. 
There are so many waysto bring wellness into your life, but cooking is what really changed my life and I’m here to help you too if you want to easily translate your love of food at home. Lose your unhealthy emotions with cooking and instead create a positive fun relationship.
This post is filled with recipes to hopefully inspire you to want to cook a meal that makes you feel good this coming week. I know it can’t be easy every day but making a small step in the right direction makes all the difference to how you feel. 
Sign up to my free newsletter for more mindful self care cooking tips and inspo. Link in bio. 
Paola
#homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter #selfcarelove #mindfulcooking #wellnesstips
thetinyitalian
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LETS GET THE NATION COOKING WITH LOVE. My mission is to help this nation of busy people to slow down where possible. Help transform their cooking relationship so that they can embrace the joys of mindful home cooking as an easy accessible fun source of self care. From personal experience when you’re busy running your own business or your job is a priority for you it can be difficult to make time for yourself. Whatever your body and mind needs. Unfortunately that doesn’t get you anywhere good. You just get into a deeper hole of ‘I don’t have time’ or ‘that won’t make a difference really’ or ‘I can’t make time for myself’. Cooking food becomes harder. You start to resent it, stresses you out and bring bouts of overwhelm. I know because I was that person. On many occasions. When I worked in a corporate environment and when trying to build my own business. It’s easy to forget what’s more important and that’s your happiness, health and joy. There are so many waysto bring wellness into your life, but cooking is what really changed my life and I’m here to help you too if you want to easily translate your love of food at home. Lose your unhealthy emotions with cooking and instead create a positive fun relationship. This post is filled with recipes to hopefully inspire you to want to cook a meal that makes you feel good this coming week. I know it can’t be easy every day but making a small step in the right direction makes all the difference to how you feel. Sign up to my free newsletter for more mindful self care cooking tips and inspo. Link in bio. Paola #homecookingisthebest #cookwithlove #eatbetterfeelbetter #selfcarelove #mindfulcooking #wellnesstips
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