Unlike most Italian cuisine, foods in Sardinia are not covered in red sauces and in parmesan cheese. Instead, Sardinia cuisine is largely influenced from its intrinsic Spanish, Greek, and French connections. Sardinia's unusual history has shaped only the culture, traditions of the island and its people but also its cuisine.

Foods of Sardinia

Shellfish plays one of the largest parts in the cuisine found here. However, there are also very few meals that don't use some cut of lamb. Many chefs consider lamb to be their favorite meat to work with when creating culinary masterpieces. You will find few meals that do not incorporate wild fennel and sheep's milk as well. When you look through any Sardinian cookbook, it is easy to see the different cultures that play a role in the choices of the ingredient as well as the methods of cooking.

Greek traditions for seafood are found in the roasted lobster course and in the mussel stews, all which help keep the Sardinian fisherman very busy. Malloreddus, a small-sized Sardinian pasta, is used in many dishes and stews. Malloreddus is a kind of grooved pasta that is made with a type of semolina flour and is similar to gnocchi in texture and taste.

Stews are a very popular regional cuisine throughout the island. Most of the poultry and meat dishes have very rich sauces which could easily be served as a soup too. Normally, there is a hearty and rich crusted bread served with each meal. Pasta is not as prevalent as you might think. At least not the kind of pasta you might think of considering this island is part of Italy. The pasta used here resembles that of Middle Eastern dishes. Spaghetti and linguine, pastas that are normally associated with Italy, are not used very often. Instead you will find hearty grains as well as fusilli are used to compliment the main dish.

Wines of Sardinia

Sardinia is also known for its light and fruity wines. Cannonau is a wonderful red with ripe, earthy flavors. Most of the wines offered in Sardinia are high in antioxidants as well. While you will find that most of these Sardinian wines are not easily available at your local liquor or wine store, it is well worth the effort to try a glass now and then even if it means you may have to specially order a bottle in order to find it. The wines made in Sardinia are very affordable, even more so than in Italy.

The wines produced on the island are varied and exciting. They are different from anything you will find in the rest of the world, perhaps in large part due to the cannonau and monica, the variety of grapes that are used to make the red wines in this area. The white wines of Sardinia are also popular but it is the red wines that you will find traditionally served with most dishes.

No matter what your taste, you are certainly sure to find some dishes that appeal to you. The influences of the Middle East to France in terms of seasonings and offerings will certainly leave you wanting more. Varied and versatile, Sardinia cuisine certainly holds its own and is one of the reasons people keep coming back to this fabulous island.