What is the main food in Italy?

When we think of any country to travel, Italy comes to mind first. A lot of fascination works for the people of the world to come to Italy because it is full of ancient traditions, heritage, and cultural beauty. Rome, one of the ancient cities, is known as the most peaceful city in the world. Italy is very popular for its food, especially pizza and pasta. Whenever we think of eating pizza or pasta, Italy comes to mind.

Italy’s culinary landscape is not only known for its iconic pizzas, pastas, risottos, supplì, and tiramisu, but also for its regional specialties that reflect the diverse cultures and traditions across the country.

Now we are going to introduce the main Italian food.

Pasta

Pasta is very easy and cheap to make. It’s possible to make affordable and delicious pasta using just a handful of ingredients, like pasta carbonara. As a result, pasta is very popular in Italy. With a combination of flour, eggs, olive oil, water, and salt, Italians can make 400 types of pasta. The most popular types include spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, and tagliatelle. Italy’s warm Mediterranean climate is perfect for growing fresh vegetables and herbs, allowing Italians to create delicious and nutritious pasta sauces. The origin of pasta in Italy is not well known. Some say Marco Polo brought pasta from China to Italy in the 13th century, while others attribute it to the Etruscans, as pasta-making tools were found in Etruscan tombs.

Pizza

Italian pizza is world-famous for its delicious taste, thin crust, and high quality. Pizza was first invented in Naples, Italy, as an affordable and delicious meal for the working class Neapolitans. Currently, Italian pizza has gained great popularity worldwide. Pizza is even considered a national symbol representing Italy in many countries around the world. That’s why UNESCO has recognised pizza as a cultural heritage.

There are two types of Italian pizza you can choose from in Italy: Neapolitan pizza (Pizza Napoletana) and Roman pizza (Pizza Romana). Both are very tempting, with some differences between them:

• Pizza Napoletana

This pizza has a thin, fluffy crust and tends to be smaller in diameter. Traditionally, a Neapolitan Pizza is prepared in a wood-fired oven by flattening the dough by hand. It’s topped with freshly crushed tomatoes, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, and a few sprigs of basil.

• Pizza Romana

This pizza has a thinner, crispier crust and is larger in size. The dough for Roman pizza is different from Neapolitan pizza; it’s a bit heartier. The pizza is baked in a wood-fired oven and the dough is flattened with a roller. Similar types of toppings are used on both pizzas.

When you visit Italy, you must try Italian pizza. But remember, when you’re in Rome try Pizza Romana, and when you’re in Naples try Pizza Napolitana to experience the authentic taste and discover the differences between them.

Italian pizzas are presented in many different varieties, such as Margherita, Quattro Formaggi, Marinara, Capricciosa, Bufala Rossa, and Zulenta. You can find these names on the menu cards for both Roman and Neapolitan pizzas.

Risotto

This dish is made with rice, specifically Arborio and Carnaroli rice from Lombardy. Other ingredients include saffron for color, beef or vegetable broth, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and butter. The outcome is a dish that is very tasty and creamy.

Supplì

This is the most famous fried dish in Italy and is also very delicious. Italians love it, and you can find it in pizzerias. When you order pizza, be sure to try supplì too. It’s made using fresh ingredients: fresh tomato sauce, onion, olive oil, Arborio rice, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese in the middle.

Tiramisu

Tiramisu is the country’s beloved dessert after dinner. It’s easy to make with readily available ingredients. The ingredients include white egg foam, yolk cream, sugar, mascarpone cheese, ladyfinger biscuits, and coffee. Tiramisu doesn’t require baking and is very delicious.

So, as you embark on your culinary journey through Italy, be sure to immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors, fragrant aromas, and warm hospitality that have made Italian food a cherished part of global culinary culture.