If you are not familiar with Italian food, you might be surprised to learn that it has a long history and is incredibly versatile. Read on to discover the history of Italian food and its many dishes. It has inspired many authors to create books on the topic, including Apicius’ De re coquinaria, and Antonio Nebbia’s Il Cuoco Macerateserata, which is still widely read today. Then, be sure to try a variety of dishes for yourself.
Pizza
You might be surprised to know that pizza is actually Italian food. The first version of this dish was made around 1530 and was served unsliced. Until then, it was thought that tomatoes were poisonous and only meant for decoration. However, by the 1530s, they were easily available and cheap enough to be eaten by the poor. They were combined with cheese, herbs, and oils and placed on flatbreads. Napolitano pizzas were reportedly the best pizzas in all of Italy!
Risotto
Risotto is a rice dish popular in northern Italy. The rice is cooked in a broth with vegetables, meat, or fish until it’s creamy and smooth. Its various types typically contain butter, onion, white wine, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Risotto is one of the most popular ways to cook rice in Italy. Here are some ways to make it.
Molise pasta
When looking for delicious local dishes, Molise is an excellent place to start. Molise pasta and sausages are both delicious. One of the most popular Molise dishes is pampanella, a delicious street snack made with pork cutlets marinated in spices. When baked, the meat is sprinkled with white vinegar, and served on buns. The word “pampanella” comes from the vine leaves that were used to cook the meat in the past. These tasty sausages were once made by local farmers for themselves and their families, and their popularity quickly spread throughout the area.
Ricotta cheese
Ricotta cheese is used abundantly in Italian cuisine. Its origins are not entirely clear, but the evidence suggests that the first human civilizations of the Mediterranean region may have discovered the value of cooking the whey to make more cheese. It may have been neolithic humans who first discovered the benefits of ricotta cheese, and this cheese was later brought to Italy by way of Sicily. It is not known when this ancient cheese became so widespread, but it is believed to have been introduced to the Mediterranean region of Italy by Arabs after Sicily was conquered by Muslims.
Caprese salad
A classic Italian salad made with sliced fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and sweet basil, caprese is an easy and simple dish to eat. Seasoned with olive oil and salt, it is served on a plate and features the colors of the Italian flag. The Italian flag is also one of the main inspirations for the caprese salad. In fact, you may be wondering how it’s made. Here’s how.
T-bone steak
T-bone steak is one of the most unique delicacies in Italian cuisine, and the unique way it’s prepared sets it apart from other types of beef. Bistecca alla fiorentina, for example, uses a wood-fire grill to cook the meat, and it’s seasoned with black pepper and olive oil. In addition to being incredibly tender and flavorful, T-bone steak is also very expensive, so the only way to enjoy it is in Italy.
Antipasti
Antipasti is an appetizer traditionally served as the first course at a formal Italian meal. The small, bite-size portions are served on a platter to whet the appetite. They include a variety of different types of meat, cheese, and vegetables. If you’re wondering what the best antipasto is, read on! You’ll learn how to prepare your own antipasti! Here are some great tips to create the perfect antipasti platter.