What To Order At A Pizzeria If You Hate Pizza And Are A Vegetarian
If you're someone who hates pizza, then you might tend to avoid dining out at a pizzeria. However, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. Many pizzerias will offer several options besides the classic pizza pie. The problem for a vegetarian is that many dishes include meat: lasagna, veal parm, spaghetti and meatballs.
Below is a list of some delicious alternatives to pizza that are also vegetarian.
Arancini
This is a classic dish that originated in Sicily. It is a rice ball with a savory filling. The ball is coated in breadcrumbs and deep fried so that it gets a crisp, golden crust. A word of caution though. While some restaurants will make arancini with a cheese filling, a more common variation is a meat filled center. So, speak to the waiter and see if the chef can make the rice balls with only a cheese filling. The arancini are served with a red sauce.
Risotto
Risotto is another rice based dish. It is made by cooking starchy white rice in a broth. The rice gets very creamy. Before it is removed from the stove fresh cheese is grated into the dish. A popular ingredient in risotto is mushrooms. Another interesting variation includes pumpkin. Pumpkin risotto is made with pureed pumpkin. It gives the dish a deep pumpkin flavor and a beautiful dark orange flavor.
Angry Pasta
If you like pasta, but want to try something a bit spicy, then look for penne with arrabbiata sauce. The term arrabbiata translates to "angry." This dish gets its name because it is hot and spicy. It is similar to many Italian sauces in that it is made with garlic, olive oil, and tomatoes. The key ingredient are hot peppers.
Gnocchi
Gnocchi are a great choice for people who like dumplings. They are made with different ingredients including potatoes, semolina flour, and cheese. They are formed into small balls and boiled in salt water. They are then served with a non-red sauce. A popular sauce for gnocchi is sage butter.
Tortellini
If you like soup, and pasta, then try out a bowl of tortellini. Pasta dough is rolled out, small shapes are cut and then filled with either meat or cheese. It is then cooked in a flavorful broth. These tiny filled pastas are not rolled out and filled when you order the dish, so if the chef has only prepared meat filled tortellini, you won't be able to ask for a cheese substitution. However, cheese is a very popular filling, so you will likely find it on a menu. Call ahead to an Italian restaurant to find out what options they offer.
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