A Guide to the Real Food and Wine of Rome

Vegetarian Delicatessen

Puntarelle

Carciofi alla romana

A great, typical Roman dish to look out for is Puntarelle, a variety of Catalonian chicory that is found exclusively in Rome. A seasonal green, it is usually available from November until February and is painstakingly prepared by cutting off the tender tips of the plant, which are then soaked and tossed. Although the traditional dressing is not vegetarian (it contains anchovies, along with garlic and vinegar), you can find vegetarian varieties.

Another must-taste delicacy is Carciofi (artichokes). These come in two styles that reign in Rome. One is Carciofi alla romana (Roman artichokes), stripped, violet artichokes that are stuffed with a mix of oil, lemon, garlic, parsley and mint, then braised until tender. The other, Jewish-style artichoke dish, Carciofi alla giudia, uses globe artichokes and is deep-fried, salty and equally delicious. The latter is common in the historic Jewish ghetto of Rome.

Part 7: Desserts