If you’ve ever taken an interest in the history of Italian cuisine, you’ve probably discovered that each region of the country boasts its own unique culinary identity. From the stuffed pasta and risotto of the north to the meat sauces of central Italy to the focus on tomatoes and other fresh veggies in the south, you simply can’t be disappointed by the sheer variety of dishes. While each region has something special to offer, the warmer weather has us dreaming of the warm southern sunshine, so we thought we’d take a virtual tour of Southern Italian cuisine.

The Ingredients of Southern Italian Cuisine

What differentiates Southern Italian cuisine more than anything is its abundant use of flavourful veggies, ripened in the warm Mediterranean sunshine. Perhaps most notably, the cuisine of the south boasts a heavy focus on sweet, perfectly ripened Italian tomatoes. Olives, capers, eggplant, and cauliflower are also typical of this region. When it comes to meat, lamb, rabbit, beef and pork are also of this region. Being on the Mediterranean, it’s no surprise that seafood features heavily in the cuisine of Southern Italy. Finally, cheese like Pecorino, Mozzarella di Bufala, and Parmigiano Reggiano are all a part of Southern Italian cuisine.

Iconic Dishes of Southern Italian Cuisine

With tomatoes, olives and capers featuring heavily in the cuisine of this region, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Puttanesca sauce comes from this region. And it goes without saying that this bold, punchy sauce is one of our favourites! You might also be able to guess that our other favourite—sweet, earthy Siciliana—also comes from the South.

Though pasta sauce is number one in our hearts, we really couldn’t claim to love authentic Italian cuisine without a profound love of pizza, which was born in southern Italy. In fact, the southern Campania region is home to the world’s first pizzeria, which is still in business today!

Get Inspired

Marked by many iconic dishes and ingredients, Southern Italian cuisine is flavourful and loaded with healthy veggies. Find your favourite new recipe featuring one of our Southern Italian Nonna Pia’s sauces: Puttanesca and Siciliana.