Italian cuisine contains a lot of fresh foods from the Mediterranean region. This is quite different from what the rest of the world attempts to imitate when it comes to Italian food. Most people just think of the common types of Italian food like pasta dishes with tomato based sauces and pizza. Some of the reason is that it is easy to cook the more common Italian dishes like the following:
- Lasagna
- Spaghetti and meatballs or sausage
- Ravioli
- Tortellini
- Chicken cacciatore
- Pizza
These Italian dishes are also easy to purchase ready made in the freezer section of the grocery store. There are many other Italian dishes available.
Typical Products In An Italian Pantry
These are some of the items that you will usually find in a true Italian pantry or refrigerator to be able to create popular Italian dishes:
- Almonds
- Cheeses from Italy, which include gorgonzola, mascarpone, mozzarella and parmesan
- Beef and lean pork
- Fish and other types of seafood
- Fruits such as berries, lemons, oranges and peaches
- Legumes, which include beans and lentils
- Mushrooms
- Olives and olive oil
- Poultry
- Spices such as basil, capers, garlic, pepperoni and rosemary
- Vegetables such as artichokes, eggplant, lettuce, peppers, tomatoes and zucchini squash
- Wheat flour that is used in making pasta
- Wine and other liquors such as grappa
Some Popular Italian Foods
Today Italian food is very popular. This includes a lot of different products. One that you are probably already familiar with is pizza. It is known throughout the world but the traditional Italian version is simple flan topped with mozzarella, tomato, and oregano.
It is difficult to say when the first pizza was made but it is thought to have originated in Naples. While all of this may be nothing more than hearsay, one thing is known for sure: Pizza use to be a simple Italian meal but now it is popular throughout the world.
Pasta dishes are a popular Italian dish. This includes spaghetti, cannelloni, ravioli, lasagna, and a variety of other types as well. All of these pastas are served in numerous traditional sauces that are made with tomato sauce, olive oil, Italian seasonings, and garlic. Various meats, seafood, and vegetables can be added to the sauce.
Risotto
This is a very popular rice dish that contains meat, seafood, poultry, cheese, vegetables (spinach, tomatoes, onions, etc.), oil, garlic, onions and pepper. There is no precise amount of these ingredients in this dish as it is based upon both regional and personal preferences.
Ravioli
Ravioli is actually a traditional Italian dish. It is very similar to the meat dumplings that are made in Russia. However, there is a special recipe for ravioli in each region of Italy. You will find that ravioli will vary the shape, size, and filling. For instance, ravioli may be square, round, or shaped like a crescent. Regardless of its shape or ingredients that it is stuffed with though, ravioli will contain cheese. Since Italians love Parmesan cheese, this is usually the type of cheese that is used.
Most Italian restaurants have the most popular and commonly known Italian dishes on their menu. At Mama Jennie’s Italian Restaurant, Pizzeria, and Catering, you will not be disappointed because they will serve all your favorite Italian dishes in their restaurant or at your next gathering. Contact them for more information on their catering services.
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