How to Cook Italian Food
Posted on September 15th, 2009 by Marck
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Italy is a nation rich in history and steeped in a culture thousands of years old, and that legacy reflects itself in Italian food. Many people think of pizza and pasta when someone mentions “Italian cooking,” but it goes beyond mainstream Italian restaurants and fast-food items. Here are some ways for you to cook dishes in the Italian way.
Italian Cuisine
“Italian cuisine” is an umbrella term for the many recipes and styles of cooking found all over the Italian peninsula. Italy’s many regions and areas provide many different flavors that come from traditions, specific ingredients found in that region, and the tastes of the people in the area. The simplicity of Italian cuisine also makes it easy for many of its elements to be included in fusion cuisine.
The key to Italian cooking is simplicity and freshness, with emphasis on the cooking method. The way an ingredient is cooked can bring out various textures and flavors that find themselves in all sorts and kinds of Italian foodstuffs. Italian food is characteristically savory because of the many spices, cheeses, and fresh ingredients that are available from farms and gardens.
Italians love to wine and dine, and many different dishes and drinks can be served in a given meal. Meals may often last for hours because of all the food served, especially for feasts on special occasions. Italians see eating as a social activity, where they get to spend time with guests, friends, and family members. The meal usually starts with a wine called the apertivo, followed by appetizers (antipasto), and highlighted by meat, seafood or pasta courses. It is typically ended with fruits, cheese, a dessert item, fresh brewed coffee, and another glass of wine called the digestivo.
Popular Ingredients
Italian food is only as good as the ingredients you use in it. Here are some of the most common ingredients in Italian cuisine:
- Pasta. For many Italians, pasta dishes form the backbone of almost every meal of the day. Varieties of pasta include noodles and pasta shapres, and can be cooked in many ways.
- Cheese. Many Italian regions specialize in their own brand and style of cheese. While cheese can be used and eaten on its own, it is often used to accompany pasta, casseroles, dessert items, and that all-Italian classic favorite, pizza.
- Fruits and vegetables. Italy is known for fresh produce. Tomatoes are a common feature of many Italian dishes. Artichokes, beans, citrus fruits, fennel, and eggplants are synonymous with Italian cooking.
- Meats. Italy is also well-known for the many meat, poultry, and seafood products used in their dishes. Instead of being a focal point of the meal, though, meat items in Italian cooking are relatively light; the diner can then enjoy the many other dishes in the meal.
- Herbs and spices help bring out the savory Italian flavor in many dishes. Ingredients like truffles, saffron, cinnamon, rosemary, and other herbs and spices give a delectable flavor to many Italian entrées.
Spotlight: Salumi
Two of the most popular features of many Italian dishes include sausages and cured meats, also called salumi. Salumi are preserved, processed meat products that have variations, flavors, and styles all over the many regions of Italy. Products like lardo (thin slices of flavored pork fat), salami (cured sausages), pancetta (a rolled pork belly product similar to bacon, but not smoked), and the world-famous prosciutto de Parma (Parma ham) are often arranged in a platter or table, and served to diners and guests.
The many dishes and cooking styles found in Italy can always be replicated in your home, as long as you use fresh ingredients and the right cooking techniques. With these tips, you can get to appreciate the taste and flavor of one of the world’s most famous and delicious cooking styles that truly says, Molto bene.
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