Visit cicchetti are the symbol of street food in Venice, a snack so simple, yet so rich in history and tradition.
The Venetian cicchetti, a veritable institution in the lagoon, are a must-try.
Today, I'd like to take you on a tour of my favorite recipes.
Cicchetti: article summary
What are Venetian cicchetti?
These are aperitifs consumed by Venetians both for a quick lunch and afternoon aperitif, and for dinner. The term derives from cocus, which means "small quantity" in Latin. This isn't the classic shoddy or pre-packaged aperitif you can find in any bar, but real, prepared bites according to the best Venetian recipes.
In the ancient Republic of Venice, trade flourished with cities and regions all over the world. It was customary for merchants to celebrating a good business deal with a drop of wine. To avoid drinking alcohol on an empty stomach, some preferred to accompany their glass with a small slice of bread. That's how this Venice speciality.
How much do cicchetti cost in Venice?
Although Venice is a very touristy city, bacari are a tradition for the Venetians themselves. The price of the bites has remained low and varies from €1 to €2.50 depending on the recipe. It's an excellent way to eating out in Venice on a budget. What's more, these mouthfuls can be adapted to suit all tastes. In Bacari, you can find dozens of recipes.
Cicchetti with cod cream
Cod in cream sauce is the typical and most famous dish of Venetian cuisine. It's a long and not exactly simple process. However, its speciality offers you a variety of sensations combining the crunch of the bread underneath and the sweetness of the cod in cream saucewith a very delicate flavour and aroma that almost melts in the mouth.
Cicchetti with sardines in saur
Sardines en saur are a Venetian specialty that originated from bad cooking. Sardines are a very healthy and inexpensive fish. They are fried and then served with an onion-based preparation. A well-balanced taste between the marine sapidity of the sardines, the sweetness of the onions and the acidity of the vinegar that dries out the frying.
Cicchetti with cold meats
Cured meats are a great Italian classic, and many taverns specialize in creating this specialty with the best cured meats on the peninsula. If you love salami or ham, or if you'd like to try some taste Treviso's porchettatry this specialty!
Cicchetti with firm quail eggs and anchovies
Eggs and anchovies are an unusual combination. However, it's not uncommon to find them inside a bacari served on a good slice of bread. A combination I recommend try it for the excellent overall balance of flavors.
Schie and polenta
Schie are small shrimp found only in the lagoon and only at certain times of the year. They are delicious fried and served with a hearty polenta. As well as being delicious, it's a dish you won't taste anywhere else.
Fried fish
Venice is definitely a seaside town. Can you miss a mini-fry of fish among the Venetian cicchetti? Of course not! I recommend you try this dish. Plus, fish in Venice is always very fresh!
Vegetarian Cicchetti
You'll always find a vegetarian (or vegan) alternative inside a bacari. Even simple vegetables can become delicious starters served on bread and accompanied by with a glass of wine or a spritz.
Cicchetti with gorgonzola and walnuts
Gorgonzola and walnuts is a typical combination of Italian cuisine that never goes wrong. This mouthful is excellent accompanied by bread to give it consistency and a good glass of white wine to dry out the fat of the gorgonzola.
Now you know my favorite Cicchetti recipes. When you're in Venice, I recommend you visit one of the taverns that serve this kind of specialty. You'll be able to discover the flavours of Venice and round off your trip in culinary terms.
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