The Italian Cuisine

The Italian cuisine is one of the most interesting and simple cuisines in the world and is appreciated by just about everyone, young and old, Italians and non-Italians.  Italian cuisine has developed through centuries of social and political changes, with roots as far back as the 4th century BC. Italian cuisine has its origins in Etruscan , ancient Greek , and ancient Roman cuisines. Significant changes occurred with the discovery of the New World and the introduction of potatoes, tomatoes , bell peppers and maize, now central to the cuisine but not introduced in quantity until the 18th century. The cuisine of Italy is noted for its regional diversity,

abundance of difference in taste, and is known to be one of the most popular in the world, with influences abroad. 

Italian Pasta Recipes: All Italians love pasta and they practically eat it every day. Many times they eat it twice a day, for lunch and breakfast. The reason for this love is because Italians have created such a large variety of pasta shapes that can be accompanied by a very wide variety of sauces and condiments that can literally satisfy the desires of everyone in the family. Of course Spaghetti by far may be the most popular pasta cut, but many others are quickly catching up. Lasagna, Ravioli, Rigatoni, Tortellini are just a few that should be mentioned.

FOOD HISTORY

Italian cuisine is food typical from Italy. It has developed through centuries of social and economic changes, with roots stretching to antiquity.

Significant changes occurred with the discovery of the New World and the introduction of potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, maize and sugar beet, this last introduced in quantity in the 18th century. Italian cuisine is known for its regional diversity, especially between the north and the south of the Italian peninsula. It offers an abundance of taste, and is one of the most popular and copied in the world. It influenced several cuisines around the world chiefly that of the United States.

Italian cuisine is characterized by its simplicity, with many dishes having only two to four main ingredients. Many dishes that were once regional, have proliferated with variations throughout the country.

Pasta, vegetables, olive oil and fish are a major part of the Italian cuisine. Italian cuisine is probably the most important expression of the mediterreanean diet. Traditionally, meals in Italy usually contain four or five courses. Especially on weekends, meals are often seen as a time to spend with family and friends rather than simply for sustenance; thus, meals tend to be longer than in other cultures. During holidays such as Christmas and New Year's Eve, feasts can last for hours.

Today, the traditional Italian menu is kept mainly for special events (such as weddings) while an everyday menu includes only the first and/or second course, the side dish , and coffee. A notable aspect of Italian meals is that the primo or first course is usually a  more filling dish such as risotto or pasta. Italian cuisine also includes single courses (all-in-one courses), providing carbohydrates and proteins at the same time (e.g. pasta and legumes).

Some well know Italian dishes range from ranging from focaccia bread to a luscious tiramisu, pasta caborena. Not to forget the Margherita pizzza, mushroom risotto, bruschetta and caprese salad wiht pesto sauce that's Italian-  Mangia Mangia!!

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