Picanha is has a tender texture and bold flavor and for this reason it has become a popular cut of beef popular in Brazil and worldwide. However, did you know that you can make a picanha-style dish with other meats, including Italian favorites?
Here are five Italian picanha-style foods to add to your recipe collection.
Porchetta Picanha
Porchetta is a traditional Italian pork roast that’s seasoned with garlic, fennel, and other herbs. Begin by butterflying a pork loin and stuffing it with a mixture of garlic, fennel, rosemary, and other herbs. Roll the pork into a tight roast and season the outside with salt and pepper. Roast it the porchetta until it’s crispy and golden brown, then slice it and serve with roasted vegetables.
Bistecca alla Fiorentina Picanha
Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a classic Tuscan steak made from a cut of beef known as a T-bone. For a picanha Bistecca alla Fiorentina, start with a high-quality cut of beef, such as a ribeye or strip steak. Season the steak with salt and pepper, then grill it over high heat until it’s charred on the outside and juicy on the inside. Serve the steak with a side of cannellini beans or roasted potatoes.
Pollo alla Diavola Picanha
Pollo alla Diavola is a spicy Italian grilled chicken dish. To make a picanha-style version, butterfly a whole chicken and flatten it out. Rub the chicken with a mixture of olive oil, garlic, chili flakes, and other herbs, then grill it until it’s crispy and charred. Serve the chicken with a side of roasted red peppers or sautéed spinach.
Carne all’Albese Picanha
Carne all’Albese is a Piedmontese beef dish made with thinly sliced raw beef, lemon, and olive oil. Thinly slice a high-quality cut of beef, such as a sirloin or tenderloin. Arrange the beef on a plate and drizzle it with lemon juice and olive oil. Top the beef with shaved Parmesan cheese and serve with a side of arugula salad.
Saltimbocca Picanha
Saltimbocca is a Roman dish made with veal, prosciutto, and sage. To make a picanha-style version, use thin slices of beef instead of veal. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then top each slice with a slice of prosciutto and a few leaves of fresh sage. Roll up the beef and secure it with a toothpick, then brown the beef in a pan over medium-high heat. Serve the Saltimbocca with a side of roasted or sautéed vegetables.
What Other Options Do I Have?
While picanha is traditionally made with beef, you can create picanha-style dishes with other meats, including Italian favorites. From porchetta to Saltimbocca, these five Italian picanha-style foods are sure to impress your family and friends. So next time you’re in the mood for a bold and flavorful Italian meal, try one of these recipes and experience the deliciousness of picanha-style cooking.
