Italians are obviously famous for their pizza, pasta and tomato sauce. What is not to love about these Italian staples? Diving into their cuisine, one easily learns that details make the whole difference when it comes to the art of Italian cooking.
To begin with: pizza. Italians are perfectionists when it comes to their pizza recipes and every detail counts in making an excellent pizza pie. For example, you might have heard about San Marzano tomatoes being used by many Italian chefs. These tomatoes are grown in the volcanic soils of Mount Vesuvius and contain less water than other varieties, making them perfect for pizza sauce.
Another essential detail to consider is the type of oven used by pizza makers – you guessed it: wood-fired brick ovens will yield a much better pizza crust texture compared to gas fired or electric pizza ovens.
Italian pizza has a crispy crust that is topped with the perfect amount of cheese and tomato sauce. However, pizza in Italy is a bit different from its American counterpart – it’s not as thick and doughy and sometimes does not even have tomato sauce added.
Neapolitan pizza is the pizza most Americans know: delicious cheese-filled pizza with a crispy crust baked to perfection! This type of pizza can also be found in Rome, where pizza is usually made with buffalo mozzarella.
Calzone pizza is pizza dough filled with cheese and other ingredients. It’s then folded over into a half-moon shape to form the calzone, which is usually fried before serving.
The most famous Italian pizza is probably pizza Margherita: tomato sauce topped by mozzarella cheese and basil – a simple, yet delightful combination of flavors.
Other types of pizza popular in Italy, but not as well known to the rest of the world are focaccia pizza and pizza bianca. Focaccia pizza contains olive oil on top instead of tomato sauce, which gives it a more hearty flavor than typical pizza. Pizza bianca does not have anything added onto it – just pizza dough and olive oil!
But what would an Italian pizza be without some delicious Italian spices?
Herbs are actually the integral part of cuisine, where most dishes use fresh parsley and basil. It’s even common to find pizza restaurants that sell their own Italian herb seasonings. Pesto sauce, made out of crushed basil, cheese and olive oil is most common in Genoa.
Italians are also known for their pasta dishes, like spaghetti and fettuccini alfredo. Pasta comes in many different shapes and sizes, but one thing is for sure – the best pasta has to be made by Italians!
Toppings for pasta include all types of meat and vegetables.
The most popular pasta dish in Italy is probably spaghetti bolognese. This dish is commonly found in Rome and uses spaghetti as a base, topped with ground beef, tomatoes and vegetables.
Another popular Italian pasta dish is spaghetti carbonara: made with eggs, cheese and bacon bits for a delectable meal served over spaghetti noodles.
While Italian pasta is usually made with butter, in some regions of Italy it’s also common to find pastas mixed with olive oil or pesto sauce instead.
The art of cooking pasta has a lot to do with the type of water it’s cooked in. The best kind is distilled water or natural spring source water – these help emphasize flavors better than tap water would.
Lasagna is also another popular pasta dish in Italy. Made with several layers of fresh pasta, vegetables and béchamel sauce, the secret to well prepared lasagna is actually in its sauce – it has to be very creamy and rich in flavor! Furthermore, the layers of pasta have to be very thin and delicate, in order for the flavors of all ingredients to come together without overwhelming each other.
Another Italian favorite when it comes to taking advantage of fresh vegetables is minestrone soup. This popular dish has many variations – some include beans, while others are made with potatoes. It is usually packed with vegetables, pasta and sometimes even meat.
But there’s more to Italian cuisine than just these traditional well-known delights… For starters:
Antipasti are an Italian hors d’oeuvre that are usually served before the first course. They range from fried appetizers to items on skewers and pizza, cheese or meat-filled pastries, among other options.
Aperitivo is an Italian tradition that involves going to bars and restaurants before dinner, where patrons offer drinks and snacks at low prices in order to entice customers into staying for the full meal later on! Light snacks typically consist of finger foods like pizza fritta, crostini with pizza toppings like tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese or focaccia bread.
Salads in Italy can be composed of tomatoes with fresh mozzarella and vegetables like eggplant; they might also include fish, anchovies or tuna. Popular salad ingredients also include artichokes, olives and red onions.
Italian desserts are probably the best part of any meal – after all, what’s better than finishing off your pizza or spaghetti with some creamy gelato? Gelato is Italy’s famous iced treat topped with a variety of flavors, including nuts and fruit. It’s commonly served in small cups or cones to make it easier to eat on the go. The creamier the better, when it comes to gelato.
One of Italy’s most famous desserts is tiramisu. It was created in Northern Italy back in the 1970s, but quickly became a favorite across all corners of this beautiful country. Tiramisu is made up of sweetened mascarpone cheese, espresso and tender, yet extremely juicy ladyfingers.
Other popular Italian desserts include cannoli cream stuffed pastries, panettone bread pudding with rum sauce, zabaglione (a rich custard) and panna cotta – a creamy baked egg dish that is flavored to be sweet or salty.
Biscotti are crunchy Italian cookies that can be dipped in wine to soften the texture. They consist of flour, sugar, eggs and butter – however the secret lies in how they’re baked: for a long time, over low heat.
And when it comes to beverages, once more, Italy does not disappoint!
This country has a rich history of winemaking dating back to Ancient Rome. Wine production in Italy is actually well-known for its quality and variety, including a number of wines that are exported worldwide. Some of the most popular Italian wines are Pinot Grigio, Chianti and Vernaccia. Red, white or rose, Italy’s wines are undoubtedly, some of the best!
Beer is also very popular in Italy, with Peroni being one of the most common brands. Beers, ciders and low-alcohol beverages like Lambrusco (a sparkling red wine) are especially prevalent during summer months.
Limoncello is a famous Italian lemon liqueur made from the zest of lemons – it’s usually served as a digestif after dinner or can be enjoyed on its own during happy hour.
Italian cuisine is not complete without the perfect cup of espresso to go with dessert! This classic Italian beverage may be enjoyed black or white, hot or cold, and in many different variations.
Italian coffee actually has a rich history that dates back to the 1700s, when it was first served in European cafes – and ever since then, this delicious drink has remained popular worldwide.
Italian style coffee is also known for its unique preparation method: on a stove-top espresso maker, which is also called a moka pot.
The mixture of water and steam pressure makes for a strong but smooth tasting drink that is always served piping hot! It is poured in small cups and often accompanied by a glass of water.
