Italian Cooking - An Overview

by Stewart Alves

Italian cooking today is no longer restricted to Italy. It has become one of the most popular international cuisines. People of every continent today are familiar with the tastes of the pizza and the pasta. What accounts for this almost universal popularity? The freshness of the Italian ingredients, the light hand with which the spices and seasoning are applied, the vast regional variations and the judicious use of beverages have all contributed towards making Italian food unique.

A brief history

Italy as we know today was unified only in the nineteenth century. So the history of Italian food is longer than that of the country!

• The first mention of Italian cuisine is found in a poem by Archestratus in the fourth century BC. The ancient roman cuisine borrowed heavily from the Greeks and also from Sicily.

• The earliest traditional Italian cooking probably originated in Sicily. In the Medieval period, the influence of Greeks and Arabs were quite noticeable. In fact, the Arab traders introduced ingredients like almond and rice and probably even spaghetti. With the passage of time, other cultures left their influences on the Italian cooking. Quite a few detailed cookbooks made their appearances at this time, reflecting the gradually evolving elegance and complexity of Italian food preparation.

• The modern era of Italian cooking is marked by the compilation of Bartholomew Scappi's five volume book called Opera in 1570. The book contained a detailed description of the food and everything else required for preparing it in the correct Italian style. More books followed, emphasizing not only on Italian cooking but the correct ways of preparing, serving and eating it.

• Several modern cookbooks have appeared since the nineteenth century. The ease of preparing Italian cooking and its excellent taste has today made this cuisine a truly international one.

The accompaniments

Italian cooking needs to be complemented by the correct beverage in order to savor it to the fullest. Here are some of the beverages without which Italian cooking loses half its appeal.

• Coffee prepared in the true Italian style, is a joy in itself. Whether it is the classic espresso or the café macchiato topped with cream or the stronger ristretto, or the weaker cappuccino or café latte, it is a true complement to authentic Italian cooking.

• Being one of its largest producers in the world, wine is the most favored of all accompaniments to Italian meals. Vineyards in twenty regions of the country produce quality wine. It is not only an important element of the economy but also of the culture and cuisine.

• Apart from this, lemoncello and grappa are the traditional beverages of Italy. Vermouth, campari and martini are the most popular Italian aperitifs.

The reason of popularity

Why is Italian cooking so popular?

• Italian meals are prepared from fresh and seasonal ingredients. This adds flavor and lowers the price.
• Italian food is easy to cook.
• Little preparation is needed. No elaborate spices are used.
• The flavor is strong but not overpowering. It can appeal to both young and old.

That's why Italian cooking is enjoyed all over the world.

About the Author

Stewart Alves is semi-retired and spends his increased leisure time researching old time cooking recipes, healthy eating options and re-publishing out of print cookbooks and recipes. Find out more about Italian cooking at his "Italian Recipes " blog http://www.mybestitalianrecipes.com

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