Cacciatore

Cacciatore (pronounced [kattʃaˈtoːre]) is a popular Italian dish. The term "cacciatore" translates to "hunter" in English, and in cuisine, it refers to a meal prepared "hunter-style" with onions, herbs, usually tomatoes, often bell peppers, and sometimes wine.

History

The dish is believed to have originated in the Renaissance period when it was a hearty stew enjoyed by hunters. The hunters would catch game, such as rabbit or chicken, and cook it with vegetables and herbs they had on hand.

Preparation

Cacciatore is often made with braised chicken (Pollo alla cacciatore) or rabbit (Coniglio alla cacciatore). The salient ingredients are onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Variations include bell peppers and wine. The dish is traditionally served with a rustic bread or pasta on the side.

Variations

There are many variations of the cacciatore dish that depend on the region of Italy it's from. In the south, it includes red wine, while in the north white wine is used. Some versions may use mushrooms and assorted vegetables.

In Popular Culture

Cacciatore has been featured in many Italian-American contexts, such as in the television series The Sopranos and the film Goodfellas.

See Also

• Italian cuisine
• List of Italian dishes
• Coq au vin - a similar French dish
• Chicken Marengo - a similar French dish