Trio Italiano: 5 Dishes with Just 3 Ingredients

Italian cuisine is celebrated around the world for its bold flavours, rustic charm, and deep respect for ingredients. But what many overlook is how minimalist true Italian cooking can be. 
Some of the country’s most beloved dishes are made with as few as three ingredients - no shortcuts, no excess, just quality and balance.

The simplicity is the soul of great Italian food. Whether you're new to cooking or simply short on time, here are five iconic Italian recipes that prove: you don’t need a long shopping list to eat well 
- you just need the right ingredients.

1. Cacio e Pepe

Ingredients: Spaghetti, Pecorino Romano, Black Pepper

This Roman classic translates to “cheese and pepper,” and that’s exactly what you get - but the magic is in the method. Al dente spaghetti is tossed with finely grated Pecorino Romano and 
freshly cracked black pepper to create a creamy, peppery sauce without cream or butter.

2. Pasta al Pomodoro

Ingredients: Pasta, Tomatoes, Olive Oil

Forget what you know about jarred sauces. Real pasta al pomodoro is light, fresh, and quick. A good-quality Italian tomato (like San Marzano or cherry tomatoes) is gently sautéed in olive oil, 
then spooned over perfectly cooked pasta. Add salt to taste - but nothing more is needed.

3. Bruschetta al Pomodoro

Ingredients: Bread, Tomatoes, Olive Oil

A summer staple and a staple of Italian antipasti. Rustic bread is grilled or toasted, rubbed with a cut garlic clove (optional), and topped with chopped tomatoes mixed with a drizzle of olive oil. 
The fresher the tomatoes, the better the bruschetta.

4. Frittata di Zucchine

Ingredients: Eggs, Courgettes, Olive Oil

The Italian frittata is simplicity at its best. Thinly sliced courgettes (zucchini) are sautéed in olive oil, then folded into beaten eggs and cooked slowly until set. Serve warm or at room 
temperature with crusty bread.

5. Affogato al Caffè

Ingredients: Espresso, Vanilla Gelato, Chocolate (optional)

A dessert that takes seconds to make but leaves a lasting impression. Simply pour a shot of hot Italian espresso over a scoop of vanilla gelato. Add grated dark chocolate or a splash of liqueur 
for a richer twist - though purists prefer it unadorned.

The Italian Secret: Quality Over Quantity

These dishes aren’t just easy - they’re proof that Italian cooking is about letting ingredients speak for themselves. The focus is always on freshness, seasonality, and flavour integrity. 
With the right products in your pantry, even the simplest dishes become something special.

At ItalianSupermarkets.com, we bring you the ingredients Italians trust - from single-estate olive oils to artisan pasta and classic condiments. Whether you're recreating Roman favourites or
Tuscan home cooking, you’ll find everything you need to master the art of simplicity.