Features of Italian cuisine: main dishes, interesting facts

For Italians, food is not only a source of nutrients, but also a source of pleasure. Since Italy is located on the peninsula, fish of different kinds is loved in all regions. In the central regions cows, goats and sheep are raised, so meat is also abundant. Fragrant herbs: oregano, basil, arugula, sage, thyme enrich the palette of flavors of different dishes. Italian cheeses such as mozzarella and parmesan add a delicate touch to the dishes.

The main dishes in Italy

What Italian cuisine is known for:

• Pasta. This is pasta of various shapes. They are cooked to such a state that a little hardness is preserved inside. Pasta is boiled in plenty of water and not washed. The pasta is served with sauces, herbs, and a sprinkling of grated cheese.
• Pizza. Classic Italian pizza has thin dough. The most famous variation is the "4 Seasons. The pizza is divided into four sectors, each of which has a separate filling: with mushrooms, ham, seafood and tomatoes. On top - sauce, greens and mozzarella. Neapolitan pizza is also world-famous. It has thick dough around the edges and thin in the middle. The toppings are anchovies, tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and herbs.
• Lasagna. These are sheets of special dough with layers of minced meat with cheese and sauces. The dish is baked in the oven. Depending on the region of Italy, different components are added to lasagna: in Sicily, eggplant, carrots and celery, semi-hard cheese; in Molizzo and Abruzzo regions, basil, garlic, asparagus and tomato juice.
• Risotto. It is rice stewed in broth with wine. Risotto may be with mushrooms, meat, or seafood.
• Minestrone is a soup based on beans, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, carrots, and celery.
• Caprese salad. Includes sliced tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, garnished with basil. The ingredients are alternately placed on a plate and drizzled with olive oil.
• Frittata - eggs are beaten and poured on the bottom of the pan, cheese, vegetables, meat or sausage are added to the mass.
• Gelato - ice cream made of natural ingredients: milk, cream, egg yolks. The mass is whipped, and chocolate, fruit or berries are added to the finished product.
• Tiramisu is a dessert with several layers, which includes savoyardi cookies, mascarpone cheese and coffee.

Sauces:

• Pesto - fresh chopped green basil, olive oil, pine nuts and cheese.
• Bolognese - meat sauce made from beef, pork, pancetta, onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, meat broth, dry wine, and milk.
• Béchamel - eggs, parmesan, ham, cream, salt, pepper.

Interesting Facts

Interesting things about Italian cuisine:

• Culinary preferences vary depending on the region of Italy: Sicily - a mix of Italian, Greek, Arabic and Spanish cuisine; in Tuscany, the basis of food - meat; Basilicata - rich dishes; Calabria - tuna, swordfish, sheep cheese, goat meat, figs, almonds; Lombardy - polenta, risotto and stewed in wine.
• Italian cuisine is healthy. It is based on a lot of fish, vegetables and fruits, and olive oil. Pasta, lasagna, and bread are often made from whole grain flour.
• On average, each Italian consumes about 25 kg of pasta a year.
• In Italy, they love ice cream sprinkled with salt and drizzled with olive oil.
• Italians often consume salad after a meal. It is believed that it improves digestion.

The food culture in Italy is as measured as life in most inhabitants of warm countries. It is not customary to consume food "on the fly" and "between meals". It's a time to enjoy the flavors, aromas and communication with family and friends.