Ligurian cuisine

Ligurian cuisine is the culinary tradition originating from the Liguria region in North-Western Italy. Known for its simplicity and use of fresh, local ingredients, Ligurian cuisine is characterized by its emphasis on seafood, vegetables, and herbs, particularly basil which is used in the region's signature pesto sauce.

History

Ligurian cuisine has its roots in the ancient history of the Liguria region, which was inhabited by the Ligures, an ancient Indo-European people. The cuisine has been influenced by the region's geography, with the sea providing an abundance of seafood, and the rugged, mountainous terrain favoring the cultivation of herbs and vegetables over large-scale farming.

Ingredients

Key ingredients in Ligurian cuisine include seafood, particularly anchovies, which are often used in a variety of dishes from pasta to salads. Vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and artichokes are also commonly used, as well as potatoes and beans. Herbs, particularly basil, are a staple of Ligurian cuisine, used in dishes such as the famous pesto sauce. Olive oil, produced from the region's abundant olive trees, is used extensively in cooking and for dressing dishes.

Dishes

One of the most famous dishes from Ligurian cuisine is Pesto alla Genovese, a sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. This sauce is typically served with pasta, particularly trofie, a type of short, twisted pasta that is a specialty of the region.

Another popular dish is focaccia, a type of flatbread that is often topped with olive oil and salt, and sometimes other ingredients such as onions or olives. Focaccia is traditionally baked in a wood-fired oven, giving it a distinctive flavor.

Wine

Liguria is also known for its wines, particularly those produced in the Cinque Terre area. These wines are typically white and made from the Vermentino grape, although red and rosé wines are also produced.

See also

• Italian cuisine
• Mediterranean cuisine