Few regions are as important to Italy's cuisine as Emilia-Romagna. This is the home of Parmigiano-Reggiano, balsamic vinegar and Prosciutto di Parma, along with a host of other delicacies. It's fair to say Italian food would not be as renowned as it is across the world without the contributions of this central province.

Pasta reigns supreme in Emilia-Romagna. Italian classics like pasta al Ragù Bolognese (with tagliatelle, never spaghetti!), Tortellini in brodo and Gramigna al ragù di salsiccia all have their roots in the region. The medieval city of Bologna is widely regarded as the home of pasta, but cities like Modena, Parma, Reggio Emilia and Ferrara all have proud food traditions that stretch back hundreds of years.

Sweet treats are also popular across the region. Spongata di Natale is a sweet, dense Italian Christmas cake made with nuts, dried fruit and candied citron. These flavours also dominate in Panpepato alongside cocoa and chocolate. Check out the trifle-esque Zuppa inglese and the rich, coffee flavoured Torta Barozzi too.

Those are just a handful of the recipes that make this region such a fantastic foodie destination. Scroll down for more and take a look at our complete foodie guide to Emilia-Romagna for more on this incredible part of Italy.