10+ Northern Italian Recipes to Savor and Enjoy

Northern Italian cuisine is known for its rich flavors and diverse ingredients. This region offers a variety of dishes that reflect its agricultural abundance and cultural influences. Exploring Northern Italian recipes can introduce you to comforting meals that are perfect for any occasion.

From creamy risottos to hearty ragùs, the options are endless. You will find traditional recipes that bring warmth and satisfaction to your dining table, making it easy to enjoy a taste of Italy right at home.

1) Risotto alla Milanese

Risotto alla Milanese is a famous dish from northern Italy. It is creamy, rich, and flavored with saffron, which gives it a beautiful golden color. You can enjoy it as a main dish or as a side.

To make it, you need specific ingredients that create its unique taste. The constant stirring during cooking helps achieve the perfect creamy texture.

Ingredients

• 400 g (14 oz) Arborio rice
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 40-50 g (1.5-2 oz) butter
• 1 liter (4 cups) chicken or vegetable stock
• A pinch of saffron threads
• 40 g (1.5 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the stock and add the saffron in a pot.
2. In a separate pan, melt the butter and sauté the onions for about 4 minutes.
3. Add the rice to the onions and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually add the hot stock, stirring constantly.
5. Cook for about 14-15 minutes until the rice is al dente.
6. Stir in the cheese and season with salt before serving.

2) Pollo alla Cacciatora

Pollo alla Cacciatora, or Chicken Cacciatore, is a classic Northern Italian dish. It features chicken cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce with vegetables like onions and mushrooms. This dish is hearty and perfect for any family meal.

To make it, you’ll need some basic ingredients, but the results are delicious. You can enjoy it over pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It’s great for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken thighs
• 1 cup flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Coat chicken in flour.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Brown the chicken on all sides.
4. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
5. Pour in wine and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Stir in tomato sauce and mushrooms; season with salt and pepper.
7. Cook on low heat for 30 minutes until chicken is done.

3) Tortellini en Brodo

Tortellini en Brodo is a comforting and traditional Northern Italian dish. It consists of small, ring-shaped pasta filled with meat, typically served in a rich broth. This dish showcases the deep flavors of Italy.

To make Tortellini en Brodo, you start with fresh or frozen tortellini. The broth, often made from chicken, adds warmth and depth to the meal. You can choose to make this dish for special occasions or a cozy dinner.

You’ll love how satisfying it is on a cold day. Each spoonful brings a burst of flavor and a taste of Italian tradition.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh or frozen tortellini (cheese or meat-filled)
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the broth over medium heat until boiling.
2. Add the tortellini to the boiling broth.
3. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini float.
4. Serve hot, topped with pepper and Parmesan cheese if desired.

4) Brasato al Barolo

Brasato al Barolo is a classic dish from Northern Italy. It features beef that is slow-cooked in Barolo wine, which adds a rich flavor. This recipe is perfect for cozy dinners and special occasions.

You typically use a tough cut of beef for this dish, like chuck or brisket. The slow cooking process makes the meat tender and delicious. Serve it with some creamy polenta or crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds beef chuck or brisket
• 1 large onion, peeled and chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 3 cups Barolo wine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened.
3. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then add to the pot.
4. Pour in the Barolo wine and add bay leaves.
5. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on low for about 3 hours (150°C or 300°F), until the beef is tender.

5) Sbrisolona

Sbrisolona is a delightful cake from Northern Italy, specifically Mantova. It has a unique crumbly texture and a nutty flavor. Traditionally, it is made with cornmeal and almonds, making it a satisfying treat.

To make this cake, you will need just a few simple ingredients. It is often enjoyed with coffee or tea. The best part? You can easily share it with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (120g) cornmeal
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (100g) ground almonds
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, ground almonds, sugar, and salt.
3. Add the softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until crumbly.
4. Press the mixture into a baking dish.
5. Bake for about 30-35 minutes until golden.
6. Let it cool before slicing and serving.

6) Tacchino Tonnato

Tacchino Tonnato is a delightful dish from Northern Italy. It features sliced turkey served with a rich tuna sauce. This dish is perfect for special occasions or a unique dinner at home.

The turkey is usually poached, keeping it tender and juicy. The sauce, made from tuna, mayonnaise, and capers, adds a creamy flavor that complements the turkey.

You can serve Tacchino Tonnato cold as an elegant appetizer or a main dish. It’s often paired with fresh salads or crusty bread.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (1 kg) boneless turkey breast
• 1 white onion
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 7-ounce (200 grams) tin of tuna
• 1 egg
• A handful of parsley leaves
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Poach the turkey breast in simmering water with the onion until cooked through, about 25-30 minutes.
2. Allow the turkey to cool, then slice it thinly.
3. In a blender, combine tuna, egg, parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
4. Season the sauce with salt and pepper.
5. Serve the turkey slices topped with the tuna sauce. Enjoy!

7) Pumpkin and Mushroom Soup

Pumpkin and mushroom soup is a cozy dish perfect for chilly days. It combines the sweet flavor of pumpkin with the rich taste of mushrooms. This soup is not only delicious, but it’s also easy to prepare.

Start by chopping your pumpkin and mushrooms. Sauté onions and mushrooms in olive oil until soft. Then, add the pumpkin, vegetable broth, and seasonings.

Next, let it simmer until the pumpkin is tender. Then, blend the mixture until smooth for a creamy texture. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of herbs for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pumpkin, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Herbs for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté onions and mushrooms in olive oil over medium heat until soft.
2. Add diced pumpkin and cook for a few minutes.
3. Pour in vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper.
4. Simmer for about 20 minutes until pumpkin is tender.
5. Blend until smooth and serve hot, garnished with herbs.

8) Baccalà alla Vicentina

Baccalà alla Vicentina is a delicious dish from Northern Italy. It features salted cod cooked slowly in milk. This method enriches the fish with flavors, making it a favorite in many homes.

You begin by soaking the cod for a few days to soften it. After soaking, the fish is cooked with onions and anchovies for added taste. The mixture simmers gently, creating a creamy sauce.

Serve this dish hot with some crusty bread for a perfect meal. It’s a classic that showcases the simple yet rich flavors of Italian cuisine.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900 grams) salted cod
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 anchovy fillets, chopped
• Olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the salted cod in water for 48 hours, changing the water daily.
2. In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté the chopped onion.
3. Add anchovies and stir until they dissolve.
4. Place the soaked cod in the pot and cover with milk.
5. Simmer gently for about 4.5 hours on low heat.
6. Serve topped with fresh parsley, alongside crusty bread.

9) Pork Ossobuco

Pork ossobuco is a delicious Northern Italian dish made with tender pork shanks. The meat is slowly braised until it’s juicy and falling off the bone. This dish is often cooked with a mix of white wine and tomatoes, adding rich flavors.

You can enhance the taste with herbs and spices like thyme, bay leaves, and garlic. It typically takes around 2½ hours to cook, so planning ahead is important. Enjoy it with a side of creamy polenta or risotto for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 4 pork shanks (about 5 pounds total)
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup white wine
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• Fresh herbs (thyme, bay leaf)

Cooking Instructions

1. Season pork shanks with salt and pepper.
2. Dredge them in flour.
3. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
4. Sear the pork shanks until browned on all sides. Then, remove and set them aside.
5. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook them until they are soft.
6. Pour in white wine and deglaze the pot.
7. Stir in diced tomatoes and herbs.
8. Return the pork shanks to the pot.
9. Cover and simmer for about 2½ hours until they are tender.

10) Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto is a classic dish from Northern Italy that is creamy and full of flavor. You can easily make it at home using simple ingredients. Fresh mushrooms, arborio rice, and broth create a delightful meal you can enjoy any time.

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil to create a flavorful base. Then add the arborio rice, stirring until it’s lightly toasted.

Next, gradually add warm broth while stirring often. This helps the rice become creamy.

In the last few minutes, fold in sautéed mushrooms and grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese adds richness while you adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

Ingredients

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil, for cooking
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until soft.
3. Stir in arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Gradually add warm broth, one cup at a time, and stir often.
5. In a separate pan, sauté mushrooms until golden.
6. Then, add the sautéed mushrooms to the risotto.
7. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!