Italy is a land of rich culinary traditions, where each region boasts unique ingredients that contribute to its world-renowned cuisine. Fortunately, you don’t need to travel to Italy to experience these authentic flavors. Amazon offers a wide array of Italian ingredients, allowing you to bring the taste of Italy into your own kitchen. Here’s a guide to some of the essential Italian ingredients you can find on Amazon, that are used everyday in Italy as well. All brands and products are tested and approved by me, an Italian personal chef based in French Riviera.
1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Olio Extra Vergine d’Oliva)
Italian extra virgin olive oil is a cornerstone of Italian cuisine, known for its rich, fruity flavor and versatility. Whether you’re drizzling it over a fresh Caprese salad or using it as a base for a flavorful pasta sauce, the quality of the olive oil can make all the difference. Look for brands like Frantoi Cutrera if you like a more rich and strong oil from Sicily or Olio Garda DOP if you like a more sweet, fine flavor. And yes, to have a good olive oil from Italy, there’s a price to pay.
2. Tomato sauce
Tomato sauce is considered the gold standard for making authentic Italian pasta and pizza sauces. My favorite brand that is easy to find also in the US is Mutti. Grown near Parma in Italy, these tomatoes are sweeter and less acidic than other varieties, making them perfect for a classic marinara or pizza sauce.
3. Pasta di Gragnano
No Italian meal is complete without pasta, and Pasta di Gragnano is often hailed as the best. This pasta, made in the town of Gragnano near Naples, is known for its rough texture, which helps sauces cling better. Look for shapes like spaghetti, rigatoni, or paccheri from brands hat are certified “Pasta di Gragnano IGP” (which means they are produced in that area only). Amazon offers a variety of options, so you can experiment with different shapes and sizes. If you are looking for a gluten-free option, I suggest using Pasta Rummo, one of the most used also in Italy for texture and taste.
4. Parmigiano-Reggiano
Parmigiano-Reggiano, often referred to as the “King of Cheeses,” is a must-have in any Italian kitchen. This hard, granular cheese from the Emilia-Romagna region is aged for a minimum of 12 months (best it’s 24 months), developing a complex, nutty flavor. You can find wedges or pre-grated Parmigiano-Reggiano from brands like Gran Soresina. Or if you really want to level up your game, search for Parmigiano “Vacche Rosse” which comes from a specific race of cows. Use it to top pasta dishes, enhance soups, or even enjoy it on its own with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Remember: the first rule to make sure it’s real Parmigiano Reggiano, it’s to check if the crust is engraved with Parmigiano Reggiano typing.
The second most important cheese we grate on pasta dishes is Pecorino cheese, mostly used in Carbonara sauce and other typical sauces from Rome. It’s made with goat cheese and tastes more tangy and strong than Parmigiano. The real one usually comes with a black crust.
5. Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
Balsamic vinegar from Modena is another essential ingredient, prized for its sweet, tangy flavor. Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, or Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale, is aged for at least 12 years, offering a rich, syrupy consistency that pairs beautifully with everything from salads to strawberries. Brands like Giuseppe Giusti and La Secchia provide high-quality, authentic balsamic vinegars on Amazon, perfect for adding depth to your dishes.
6. Carnaroli and Arborio Rice
For lovers of risotto, Carnaroli and Arborio rice are essential. Carnaroli, often considered the “king” of Italian rice, is slightly firmer and creamier than Arborio, making it ideal for risotto. Both types can be found on Amazon, with brands like Riso Scotti: this one is the basic one and this one is the aged one. Aquerello is a brand offering a high-quality option (you can try the smaller size can to start). Use these grains to create a luxurious risotto with mushrooms, seafood, or saffron.
7. Capers from Pantelleria
Capers are a small but powerful ingredient that can add a burst of flavor to many Italian dishes (tomato sauce, pizza or even salads). The best capers come from the island of Pantelleria, where they are sun-dried and preserved in salt, offering a more intense flavor than the vinegar-brined varieties. Brands like La Nicchia provide these capers on Amazon, perfect for adding to pasta alla puttanesca, salads, or as a topping for pizzas. Remember to wash them thoroughly before using them (you might also soak them in cold water for few minutes after washing them).
8. Limoncello and others end-of-the-meal liqueurs
While not exactly a cooking ingredient, Limoncello is a quintessential Italian liqueur that’s perfect for ending a meal. Made from the zest of Sorrento lemons, this sweet, citrusy drink is a staple in southern Italy. Brands like Dolce Cilento offer bottles of authentic Limoncello on Amazon. But to be honest, Limoncello is mostly dedicated to tourists visiting Italy. Italians rarely drink this and mostly when it’s home made. Instead, Italians drink “amari” which means bitters, that are supposed to improve your digestion. Some of the most present in Italian houses are Amaro Averna and Amaro Camatti.
10. Italian Herbs and Spices
Finally, no Italian pantry is complete without a selection of herbs and spices. Dried oregano, basil, and rosemary are commonly used in Italian cooking, along with spices like red pepper flakes (peperoncino) and fennel seeds. Spoiler: there is no such “Italian seasoning” in Italy! Sure Simply Organic offers a wide range of Italian herbs and spice blends, but they are not really Italian. You can try Filippone for spices grown in Sicily like peperoncino or oregano. These will add an authentic flavor to your pasta sauces, grilled meats, and vegetable dishes.
What to do with your Italian ingredients found on Amazon
With these authentic easily accessible Italian ingredients on Amazon US, you can recreate the flavors of Italy in your own kitchen. Whether you’re crafting a simple pasta dish, a complex risotto, or just looking to enhance your meals with high-quality olive oil and cheese, these ingredients will elevate your cooking and bring a true taste of Italy to your table. Buon appetito!
Some recipes from my blog to use your new Italian ingredients:
- A classic for every family Sunday lunch: Meat sauce for your fresh pasta
- A twist on classic pesto sauce, made with kale and hazelnuts
- The easieast cookies to go with coffee and amaro: almond paste cookies!
