Ask any Italian what's in their pantry, and you probably won't be surprised to find that it's well-stocked. When cooking like an Italian, though, a little goes a long way. Some of the best dishes come together in a matter of minutes – and with just as few ingredients.
From high-quality tuna packed in olive oil, to bronze-extruded pasta di Gragnano IGP, cans of vibrant San Marzano tomatoes and beyond, here are five recipes that every Italian has in their back pocket when it's time to raid the pantry (yes, including aperitivo and dessert) — and now you can too!
1. SPAGHETTI AGLIO OLIO E PEPERONCINO
Originating in Campania, this iconic pasta is a classic example of cucina povera, making the most of simple ingredients. The hero here is the extra virgin olive oil, so you'll want to be sure to choose one that is made with hand-picked, cold-pressed olives).
Pantry staples: Spaghetti di Gragnano IGP, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Spaghetti di Gragnano IGP, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Anchovies (optional)
2. TORTE DI OLIO D'OLIVA
Whether for breakfast or dessert, even a delightful dolce can come together with simple ingredients in every cupboard or counter. Light and tender, these small olive oil cakes are deeply flavorful. Ingredients are front and center in this recipe, so be sure to choose the best extra virgin olive oil. Check out our guide to selecting olive oil if you're not sure where to start!
Pantry staples: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, White Wine, Flour, Sugar, Baking Soda
3. LO SPAGHETTO AL POMODORO
The one dish guaranteed to brighten any day? It has to be the most famous Italian recipe, lo spaghetto al pomodoro. Made with just a few simple ingredients that you can always keep on-hand in your pantry, this iconic dish tastes delicious, and is easy to make. At Eataly, we take even the most simple plates seriously, and our chefs in Italy spent months testing, tasting, and experimenting with different ingredients from our marketplace in order to create the perfect recipe.
Pantry staples: Afeltra Spaghetti di Gragnano IGP, Così Com'è Whole Red Datterino Tomatoes, ROI Monocultivar Taggiasca Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Afeltra Spaghetti di Gragnano IGP, Così Com'è Whole Red Datterino Tomatoes, ROI Monocultivar Taggiasca Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sicilian Sale Integrale Sea Salt
4. PASTA AL TONNO
Transport your kitchen to colorful Calabria with this delicious recipe for pasta with tuna. Flakes of rich, savory tuna and the briny flavor of capers make for a seaside-infused pasta that you can bring together in a flash, no matter the time of year (and even if you're not al mare at the moment).
Pantry staples: Spaghetti or Bucatini di Gragnano IGP, Tuna in Olive Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Spaghetti or Bucatini di Gragnano IGP, Tuna in Olive Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Capers
5. APEROL SPRITZ
No excuses needed when it comes to aperitivo at home, amici. With spring around the corner, there's no better time to give your bar cart a refresh with a bright bottle of Aperol. Aperol is a traditional Italian aperitif made by infusing alcohol with oranges, herbs, and roots. Its pleasant, bittersweet taste makes it a perfect pre-dinner drink to "open the appetite," as the Italians say.
Pantry staples: Prosecco, Aperol, club soda
Looking to stock your pantry? Shop all the ingredients at your local Eataly, get local grocery delivery, or shop our best ingredients online.
