The classically beautiful Lily is the national flower of Italy.
Italy has been suffering greatly due to the recent turmoil surrounding COVID-19, and I wanted to do something to honor the Italian people during this difficult time. So I chose it for my first national flower dish! Italy is truly a magical place, with so many wondrous cities, delectable food, and beautiful landscapes. It will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Ingredients
This dish is composed of Italian risotto, wild mushrooms, sauteed onions, and a frisée and cucumber salad.
Significance
White lilies traditionally represent beauty, modesty, virginity, and are known as a holy symbol of the Virgin Mary. The oil that is extracted from lilies can be used to soften skin and promote healing, and so is found in massage oils and facial treatments. They are popularly used for gifting and are often seen on the balconies of Italian homes. In the warm months of spring, the alpine lily covers fields of the Gran Paradiso National Park in northern Italy.
The Easter Lily is a favorite of Italians because of it's symbolic importance and various significant uses, and so it is a fitting national flower.
While the Lily comes in a variety of colors, I chose the White Easter Lily (pictured at right) because of it's cultural importance.
The design below is a tribute to the beauty of Italian women and their balcony gardens. These little opportunities to go outside, see neighbors, and smell flowers must be such a refuge to city dwellers during this strange and isolating time.
Ingredients
Mushroom risotto, oyster mushroom, black spaghetti, burrata cheese, cherry tomato, fresh Italian parsley, basil, butter and Lemon zest.