Eating Vegetarian Is Easy At An Italian Restaurant
Posted on: 30 April 2019
If you're a vegetarian or are simply trying to reduce the amount of meat you consume, it can be difficult finding something other than a salad when you go out to eat. However, an Italian restaurant has plenty of vegetarian options. Here are seven to look for.
Gnocchi
These tender potato dumplings are little pillows of flavorful fluffiness. They are often served with a nutty brown butter and sage sauce but pair well with marinara, pesto, garlic, and olive oil, and Alfredo sauce as well.
Ravioli
In addition to traditional cheese-stuffed ravioli, these pasta pockets may also be stuffed with spinach or butternut squash. Sometimes, the pasta itself is flavored with spinach or squash as well. While ravioli is typically boiled and served with a sauce ladled over the top, it can also be deep-fried and served with a marinara dipping sauce.
Fettuccine Alfredo
Ribbons of fettuccine cooked al dente are the perfect vehicle for this thick and creamy cheese sauce. It's like macaroni and cheese for grownups! Have the chef add fresh asparagus or broccoli for some extra color, texture, and vitamins.
Pasta Primavera
There's nothing better for vegetarians than a plate of perfectly cooked pasta tossed with garlic, carrots, red onions, zucchini, yellow squash, broccoli, asparagus, and whatever other fresh, seasonal veggies the chef decides to add. Topped with a bit of freshly grated Parmesan, this meal screams spring.
Risotto
This creamy rice dish usually doesn't get any cream added at all. Instead, arborio rice is cooked very slowly, breaking down the starches in the rice to create the creamy texture. You will often find risotto made with an assortment of dried wild mushrooms, which give the dish protein as well as a rich, earthy, almost meat-like flavor and texture. It's a perfect dish for meat lovers who are trying to eat less meat for health or environmental reasons. Garlic Parmesan risotto is another popular preparation.
Minestrone
This hearty soup pairs perfectly with a nice salad and a chunk of crusty Italian bread. Minestrone is loaded with fresh vegetables such as spinach, tomatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and garlic, as well as kidney beans and pasta. If you are a strict vegetarian, you'll want to check with your server before ordering as to what base is used as it will sometimes be prepared with chicken broth rather than vegetable broth.
Eggplant Parmesan
This classic dish features sliced eggplant dipped in egg wash and bread crumbs, which is then fried until tender inside and a crunchy golden-brown outside. It is topped with marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan and baked until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is bubbling.
For more information on vegetarian Italian dishes, contact a local restaurant like Z Prime Steakhouse that serves Italian food.
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