The Most Delicious Meat-Based Meals from Italy’s South

Italy's southern regions are renowned for their vibrant and flavorful cuisine, particularly when it comes to meat-based dishes. From succulent lamb to savory pork, the south serves up a plethora of delectable recipes steeped in tradition and rich in taste. Here’s a look at some of the most mouthwatering meat-based meals that you can enjoy from this beautiful part of the world.

1. Osso Buco

Originating from Lombardy, but popular throughout southern Italy, Osso Buco is a classic Italian dish featuring braised veal shanks. The meat is cooked slowly with vegetables, white wine, and broth, resulting in fork-tender meat and a savory marrow in the bone. Typically served with risotto or polenta, this dish embodies the essence of comfort food.

2. Capicollo

Capicollo, or coppa, is a traditional dry-cured meat made from the shoulder or neck of the pig. This delicacy is seasoned with a blend of spices, including black pepper and red pepper flakes, then aged to perfection. It’s often enjoyed sliced thinly and served with rustic bread, olives, and cheese, making it a staple in southern Italian antipasto platters.

3. Pork Braciole

Pork braciole is a flavorful Italian dish made from thin slices of pork stuffed with a mixture of herbs, cheese, breadcrumbs, and sometimes prosciutto. The stuffed pork is then rolled up, secured with toothpicks, and braised in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is perfect for family gatherings and pairs wonderfully with pasta.

4. Caciocavallo and Sausage

Caciocavallo is a semi-hard cheese originally from Southern Italy, and it's often paired with sausage for a hearty meal. Grilled or sautéed, this combination delivers smoky, savory flavors that easily shine through when paired with a side of sautéed greens or roasted vegetables. This dish is particularly popular at summer barbecues.

5. Agnello al Forno

Agnello al Forno, or roasted lamb, is a festive dish often served during special occasions and holidays. The lamb is marinated with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil, before being slow-roasted until tender. This dish is deeply aromatic, and typically garnished with seasonal vegetables, yielding a rich and satisfying meal.

6. Salsiccia e Friarielli

This dish combines Italian sausage with friarielli, a bitter green known in English as rapini or broccoli rabe. The sausage, often grilled or sautéed, contrasts beautifully with the slight bitterness of the greens. It's a street food favorite in Naples, typically served in a sandwich or on its own as a hearty plate of goodness.

7. Spezzatino

Spezzatino, or Italian beef stew, is a cozy dish prepared with diced beef, vegetables, and a hearty sauce made from red wine and tomatoes. Slow-cooked to achieve maximum tenderness and flavor, this dish is often served with polenta or rustic bread. Each region in southern Italy has its own twist on spezzatino, making it a versatile choice for comfort food lovers.

8. Involtini

Involtini are rolled meat dishes typically made with thin slices of meat like beef or pork. Each piece is often filled with cheese, vegetables, or breadcrumbs, rolled up, and then cooked, either braised or baked. These delightful rolls are served in a flavorful sauce, and their versatility allows for numerous fillings and accompaniments.

Southern Italy's focus on fresh, local ingredients brings every bite of these meat-based meals to life. Whether you’re indulging in a casual street food experience or enjoying a multi-course meal, the rich culinary heritage of the south is sure to leave a lasting impression on your palate.