Italian food - Cibi Italiani

Italian cuisine is known for its delicious flavours, fresh ingredients, and simple yet elegant preparations. It is one of the most popular cuisines in the world, and its influence can be seen in dishes around the globe.

One of the key characteristics of Italian cuisine is its focus on using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Italian dishes often feature fresh herbs, vegetables, fruits, meats, and cheeses, which are used to create simple but flavourful dishes. Pasta is a staple of Italian cuisine, and there are countless varieties of pasta dishes, from spaghetti carbonara to fettuccine Alfredo.

Another important aspect of Italian cuisine is its regional diversity. Each region of Italy has its own unique culinary traditions and specialties, ranging from the seafood dishes, delicious balsamic vinegar, fresh pasta, neapolitan ice cream and of course some of the hearty meat dishes of the mountainous areas.

Some of the most famous Italian dishes include pizza, lasagna, risotto, and tiramisu. Italian cuisine also includes a wide range of antipasti (appetizers), such as bruschetta, prosciutto, and caprese salad.

So when it comes to the average Italian themselves, it's no wonder that they are very particular and as proud about their food as we know. Sometimes, like their Spanish cousins they get quite serious about it. Think chorizo in paella! Poor Jamie Oliver! As if sausage in anything doesn't taste good?!

Back to Italian cuisine, here are some of the observations I have made in the 17 years I have survived with an Italian man.

Fun and Interesting Facts about Italian Food Culture

1. Salmonella doesn't exist. My 76 year old Father-in-law (FIL), stood next to me at the fridge in wonder as I showed him a use by date on the eggs recently. He told me he didn't realise they went off! Papa' Prada doesn't believe in use by dates for anything. "JUST smell it", he shouts at me, "No one ever died from things going off!" Then I have to remind him that actually, they have...

2. Italians do not put pineapple on pizza, if you are in Italy in a place where they do this.... just know this is a tourist spot and not an authentic Italian pizzeria. Although they are starting to add French fries to the centre of a pizza for children’s dishes. Which is a bit disappointing and is due to the popularity of American fast food.

3. They won't sit near the door in a restaurant or in fact at any table that might be en route to the door. Italians have an obsession with draughts. They are convinced they could get a horrendous cold and die from a draught or worst of all air conditioning! They call this type of cold ‘Colpo d’aria’. It’s the type of illness where you catch a chill and get aching bones and a stiff neck.

4. If you don't put salt in the pasta water before the pasta the whole dish is ruined! Honestly the drama! This is so true and really upsets my husband when I forget it.

5. One of the most ineresting italian food facts is that Pesto, does not go in sandwiches. Ever! Oh and 'Panini' means sandwiches not sandwich. If you want one sandwich, ask for a 'Panino'. If I order a panini in the UK my husband always asks me how many sandwiches I’m ordering for one person! But here in the UK that’s what we call them.

6. When it comes to Italian coffee, don't order a cappuccino after 11am. It's a breakfast drink usually with a brioche (croissant). Italians think and tell you about their digestion all the time. Which is a bit much when you're English, there are certain things we don't talk about! But they can't understand why someone would drink a large milky drink after a big meal, such as lunch or dinner. In reality you can order one at any time of day and while you may get a raised eyebrow, Italians don’t care about this very much.

Their issue is with drinking something very milky on top of food which is not good for digestion. That’s why they order an espresso or my favourite, a macchiato. However, if you’re wondering how to make a great coffee at home, here’s the perfect cappuccino recipe.

7. Chicken Alfredo (a delicious main dish for many Americans,) does not exist in Italy in the same way as it does in the USA. A restaurant owner called Alfredo gave pasta with butter and parmesan to his wife when she was sick. Something Italians call 'Pasta alla bianca', it's given to children or people when they're ill. This has been developed in the USA into a creamy pasta with chicken. Italians don't put chicken in their pasta. So that's why you won't find this dish in Italy unless you go to a touristy restaurant in a big city which just wants to keep visitors happy.

8. One of the surprising facts is that 'Gravy' isn't a name for pasta sauce in Italian. 'Sugo' is sauce. There are a lot of second/third generation Italian/Americans who call pasta sauce gravy. Possibly this is how their grandparents described what they were making to their American neighbours and friends so they would understand what they were cooking and the word has stuck. However no one in Italy knows what gravy is. It's not an Italian word. Sorry peeps!

9. Spaghetti and meatballs, though delicious are not an Italian combination. 'Polpette' as they're called in Italian are eaten with a rich red sauce and usually a green vegetable such as spinach. They are a il secondo where you are served larger pieces of meat (main course) and pasta is always a il primo (starter) so they are not something you find together. There are some rumours of very small meatballs in pasta in parts of Italy though I've never been able to find a source to this, maybe next time! Given Italian food is so regional it's possible.

10. Bread. Where to start. Italian's don't eat garlic bread. Bruschetta, pronounced 'Brew-sketta' is bread rubbed with cloves of garlic before it is cooked and given a topping. However garlic bread as we know it with butter is not Italian. The same goes for dipping bread in olive oil and balsamic. I love this myself, but ask for it in Italy and people will look at you very strangely, bring you a bottle of oil and a bottle of vinegar and wonder what you're planning on doing with it.

From caesar salad to the more popular food like Italian gelato, you are sure to find absolutely delicious food across Italy. If you like types of pasta then you'll be spoilt for choice with different pasta shapes from various Italian kitchens. Just remember to sit back, enjoy authentic Italian food and go with a good appetite. An Italian meal is a marvel!

There are so many Italy food facts, I could go on! There are so many more. There will also be many things that we do in the UK which will appear odd to Italians. Deep fried Mars bar anyone? :-)

Overall food is there to be enjoyed and in my opinion experimented with. But don't take offense if you go to Italy and they don't have the things you 'think' are Italian just try it anyway. Italian people are extremely proud of their food and set quality standards in every dish they serve. When you're at home you can tweak and make things your own. I am a tweaker, I cant help but try new things when I'm cooking. So go and put some peas in your Carbonara if it makes la famiglia happy.

Please share your own observations on Italian gastronomy, I'd love to hear them! Mangia, mangia! (Eat, eat!)

Italian Food Tips

If you'd like to know a bit more about Italian food there is a never ending education to be had and a very tasty one at that!

Italian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques. Here are our tips to enhance your Italian culinary experience:

Quality ingredients: Italian cooking emphasizes the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Opt for locally sourced produce such as ripe tomatoes for a tomato sauce for pasta, aromatic herbs, and extra virgin olive oil to capture the authentic Italian flavors.
Simplicity is key: Italian dishes often rely on simple combinations of ingredients, allowing their natural flavors to shine. Don't overcomplicate recipes with too many ingredients or complex techniques. Let the quality of the ingredients take center stage.
Pasta perfection: When cooking pasta, ensure you use a large pot with salted boiling water. Follow the recommended cooking time on the package, but also taste to check if it's cooked to your liking. Pasta should be cooked al dente, meaning it has a slight bite to it. You can tell this as well by cutting through a piece of pasta, the white in the middle is called the ghost. When this has just about gone completely this is al dente and a perfect pasta. However, the elderly and children often prefer a longer cooking time and softer pasta.
Sauces and seasonings: Italian sauces are typically made with fresh ingredients, such as tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. Allow the flavors to meld together by simmering the sauce slowly. Additionally, don't forget to season dishes with salt and pepper to enhance the taste. Italian don't use the jars of powered mixes of flavors which you see in the UK and USA. They use the actual herbs and salt and pepper.
Fresh herbs and aromatics: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and parsley into your Italian dishes. They add vibrant flavors and aromas to sauces, pasta, pizzas, and more. Often these are grown in an Italian garden or balcony, or your Nonna/Nonno has some which they give to you when you visit. It's a simple gift but the perfect healthy, fragrant present.
Cheese matters: Italy boasts a wide variety of delicious cheeses. Experiment with different types like Parmigiano-Reggiano, mozzarella, pecorino, gorgonzola, and ricotta to enhance the taste of your dishes. Remember to grate Parmigiano-Reggiano over pasta just before serving for an authentic touch. Although traditionally you don't add cheese to fish dishes and this is not something you would request in a restaurant. What you do at home of course is up to you!
Regional specialties: Italy's culinary traditions vary greatly from region to region. Explore dishes from different areas, such as pasta alla carbonara from Rome, pesto from Liguria, risotto from Milan, or pizza from Naples. Embrace the diversity and discover the unique flavors of each region. It's true that there are so many different dishes and they relate to the climate in the area where you're staying? What they farm there? How well things grow? Whether the place is near the coast? Sicily for example, being an island has lots of fish dishes but also lots of spicy food as they have long been in a trade route with Africa and the Middle East.
Bread and olive oil: In many Italian restaurants, you'll be given a basket of bread to accompany your meal. This would not be given with pizza as this would be too filling. Olive oil on the table is to be used to dress a salad or your vegetables. Italians don't dip bread into olive oil and vinegar. This is a myth and now only happens in tourist restaurants to keep the tourists happy. This is something Italians find odd as filling up on bread before you start your meal will mean you can't eat as much of what you ordered.
Traditional desserts: Don't miss out on the sweet side of Italian cuisine. Treat yourself to classics like tiramisu, panna cotta, gelato, or affogato which means 'drowned'. In reality this is a small dish of ice cream with a shot of espresso poured over the top drowining the gelato.
Italian cuisine is more than just food; it's about the overall experience. Take your time, savor each bite, and share meals with loved ones. Italians value the social aspect of eating, so embrace the relaxed and convivial atmosphere.

Remember, these tips are just a starting point. Italian cuisine offers an extensive array of dishes and flavors to explore, so have fun experimenting and discovering your own favorites!

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