This one goes out to all the people who have been to an Italian restaurant (yes… Olive Garden does count) and have been utterly embarrassed by their inability to pronounce what’s on the menu. Risotto Milanese? Spiedini Alla Romana?
Luckily, not too many Italian dishes are difficult to pronounce. However, for the ones that are and happen to be some of the most popular, check out the correct pronunciations bellow.
#SpoonTip: If you want to “test” yourself on if you could pronounce these words right the first time, read the headliner out loud, then scroll down to see how it’s actually said.
1. Risotto
How it’s actually pronounced: ri-ˈsȯ-(ˌ)tō, ri-saught-oh
The word risotto is actually a variation on the word, rice. The dish is prepared by boiling rice in a broth (which can be veggie, fish or other meat-variety based) until it becomes creamy. Risotto is traditionally served as a first course and is usually seasoned with parmesan cheese and/or saffron. Common dishes include mushroom risotto, vegetable risotto verde, risotto alla milanese, and orzo risotto with cavolo nero.
2. Gnocchi
How it’s actually pronounced: N(Y)OK-ee, n-yo-key
These little dumplings are made of potato or semolina flour and served with sauce. The preparation is similar to pasta, as they are cooked by boiling. However, gnocchi does need to be pressed with a fork beforehand to create its signature shape. Some common dishes include gnocchi & tomato bake, spinach gnocchi with butter and sage, gnocchi with truffle, and ~the famous~ Trader Joe’s sweet potato gnocchi.
#SpoonTip: A single gnocchi dumpling is called “gnoccho”.
3. Focaccia
How it’s actually pronounced: fō-ˈkä-ch(ē-)ə, foh-ka-chia
Focaccia is actually made pretty similarly to pizza as the dough is flat oven-baked. In the end, the bread’s texture turns out reminiscent of baked pizza dough. You can find focaccia as sandwich bread or as an appetizer/snack before a meal. Some common variations include focaccia al rosmarino, focaccia con salvia, and focaccia with rosemary and cheese.
4. Prosciutto
How it’s actually pronounced: prō-ˈshü-(ˌ)tō, pro-shu-toh
Prosciutto is an uncooked, Italian ham. The preparation requires a pork leg to be salted and dry-cured for around two months. The result is a savory deli-style cut ham that can be used as pizza toppings, mixed in pasta sauce, and as an option on the charcuterie board. Some well-known prosciutto dishes include prosciutto crudo, saltimbocca, and prosciutto di Modena.
#SpoonTip: The plural word for prosciutto is “prosciutti”.
5. Ciabatta
How it’s actually pronounced: chə-ˈbä-tə, che-ba-tah
Literally translated to “slipper”, Ciabatta is distinguished for its long shape. Another signature feature of the Italian white bread is its crispy exterior yet soft, porous interior. All of these qualities combined attribute to why Ciabatta is most commonly used as sandwich bread. As it is fairly simple to make, there have been many variations on the recipe based on the region of origin and main ingredients, some of which include ciabatta integrale (wholemeal ciabatta) and ciabatta al latte (when milk is added to dough).
6. Parmigiana
How it’s actually pronounced: pär-mi-ˈjä-nə, par-meh-ja-na
Parmigiana actually represents a collection of foods that are breaded, fried, topped with cheese and tomato sauce, then baked. The OG parmigiana is actually eggplant parmigiana (aka parmesan). It wasn’t until the 1950’s when Americans took the dish a step further and introduced the veal and chicken varieties. Eggplant isn’t the only veggie that can get the parmigiana treatment: artichokes and zucchini can be used as well.
7. Bruschetta
How it’s actually pronounced: brü-ˈske-tə, broo-sket-a
Bruschetta can be customized to your liking, however most are essentially thick slices of gilled bread topped with olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs. Some other variations call for toppings such as mozzarella, balsamic vinegar, meats, and/or beans. They are usually served as an appetizer or snack.
#SpoonTip: The plural word for bruschetta is “bruschette”.
8. Spiedino
How it’s actually pronounced: spēəˈdē(ˌ)nō, spi-di-noh
The Italian word spiedino means “skewer” in English, so it’s no surprise that it is a dish based around food on a stick. The dish itself is meat rolled around a filling or minced and formed into balls that are batter-dipped and cooked on a skewer. Some common dishes include spiedini alla romana, spiedini siciliani, and even Carrabba’s own spiedino de mare.
#SpoonTip: The plural word for spiedino is “spiedini”.
9. Panettone
How it’s actually pronounced: pä-nə-ˈtō-nē, pah-neh-toh-ni
I am sure we can all agree that one of the first signs of Christmas is the stacks of panettone at your local grocery store. Love it or hate it, the Italian sweet bread is a Christmas/New Year’s staple. Most contain candied fruit and/or chocolate, and get their signature shape due to proofing and being yeast-leavened.
Bonus: Espresso
How it’s actually pronounced: e-ˈspre-(ˌ)sō, eh-spre-soh
If you’re like me, you either had (or are having now) the epiphany that there is, in fact, no “x” in the word espresso. Yet, so many people pronounce it this way.
Espresso can either mean the drink itself or the liquid that comes from the espresso-making process. To make it, steam or hot water is forced through finely ground darkly roasted coffee beans. The resulting liquid can be taken as a shot or in a variety of other drinks and desserts: lattes, macchiatos, red eyes, affogatos, cappuccinos, and much more.