Cuisine
Yes, we arrived at one of the main points. Italian cuisine, considered the best in the world, will be everywhere, and it does not matter where exactly you will study. Very soon you will discover that the typical Italian dishes are not only pizza, pasta, lasagna, gelato and tiramisu. You will learn that there are dozens of different dishes in every region, which are so much worth tasting.
Traveling around the country, try to eat as much local food as you can – all types of focaccia in Liguria, Carbonara pasta in Lazio, pork and lentils in Piedmont, Milanese risotto in Lombardy, tortellini in Emilia Romagna,
arrosticini (lamb skewers) in Abruzzo, Parmigiana in Campania, stracciatella in Apulia, ‘nduja in Calabria.
And all this without mentioning croissants and other pastries for breakfast, cocktails for aperitivo and hundreds of wines and liqueurs.
And yes, be aware that after living in Italy you will get used to eating so well that it will be challenging to compare other cuisines with Italian one.
SPAGHETTI BOLOGNESE
Originating from Bologna, this meat sauce is traditionally served with tagliatelle, not spaghetti.
PIZZA MARGHERITA
A classic Neapolitan pizza topped with tomato, mozzarella, fresh basil, and olive oil.
RISOTTO
Creamy rice dish cooked with broth, wine, and various ingredients. Risotto Milanese is infused with saffron.
TIRAMISÚ
A coffee-flavored dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese.
CAPRESE SALAD
A simple salad of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.
LASAGNA
A layered pasta dish with sheets of lasagna noodles, ricotta or béchamel sauce, meat ragù, and cheese.
OSSOBUCO
Milanese specialty consists of braised veal shanks cooked with white wine, broth, and vegetables.
ARANCINI
Sicilian rice balls stuffed with ragù, cheese, and peas, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried.
MINESTRONE
Hearty vegetable soup made with seasonal ingredients and often containing pasta or rice.
PROSCIUTTO AND MELONE
A classic antipasto featuring thinly sliced prosciutto paired with ripe melon.
PESTO GENOVESE
A vibrant sauce originating from Genoa, made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil.
CANNOLI
Sicilian pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cream and often adorned with pistachios or chocolate.
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Interesting facts about Italian food
1. Regional Diversity:
Italian cuisine is highly regional, with each area boasting unique dishes and culinary traditions. Northern Italy is known for its creamy risottos and hearty polentas, while Southern Italy favors tomato-based sauces and olive oil.
2. Pasta Varieties:
There are over 350 different types of pasta in Italy. Shapes and sizes vary from region to region, and the kind of sauce is often matched to the specific pasta shape.
3. Pizza Origins:
Pizza, as we know it today, originated in Naples. The Margherita pizza, with tomato, mozzarella, and basil, was created in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy in 1889.
4. Espresso Culture:
Italy is famous for its espresso culture. Drinking a cappuccino after 11 a.m. is considered unusual, as Italians believe milk-based coffee should be consumed in the morning.
5. Slow Food Movement:
The Slow Food Movement began in Italy. It promotes local, traditional, and sustainable food production and encourages a slower approach to eating.
6. Aperitivo Tradition:
Italians enjoy aperitivo, a pre-dinner drink accompanied by small snacks. It’s a social gathering that often takes place in the early evening.
7. Gelato Mastery:
Gelato, Italian ice cream, is known for its creamy texture and intense flavors. Gelato artisans undergo specialized training to perfect their craft.
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