Learning To Distinguish The Different Types Of Italian Food

Italian food is one of the most beloved and creative of all cuisines. Although you may be under the impression that Italian food is only spaghetti and pizza, it is so much more than that. As a matter of fact, pizza is not really an Italian food. It is an American spin on a type of Italian food.

Depending on where you visit in Italy will determine the type of Italian food that you will have. Even Italian restaurants specialize in certain types of cuisine. Southern Italian food is often what we think about when we imagine Italian food. This consists of heavy tomato sauces. In Northern Italy, however, you will find more cream sauces.

Throughout all regions, Italians like fish. Most of the villages in Italy are fishing villages and Italian food often consists of seafood. Seafood is even used in some Italian pasta dishes.

Cheeses used in Italian food are usually goat cheeses. Italy has a rocky terrain, especially in the Southern portion where there is little room for grazing cattle. As a result, Italian food, like much Mediterranean food, relies heavily on goat milk and cheese and less on red meat. Italians tend to eat a lot of fish, eggs and legumes, all of which are excellent sources of protein.

The Mediterranean Diet is the latest in a bunch of fad diets to be presented to the American public which is forever trying to lose weight. American are pretty much told on a daily basis that they cannot eat one food group or another. Mediterranean people, however, have been eating what they want for years, including bread, and are not as overweight as Americans. Nor do they suffer from as much heart disease and cancer. Yet they smoke and drink wine. Why?

When you go to an Italian restaurant, note that there are different types of Italian food that can be served. This includes the Northern cuisine that is made up of creamy sauces and the Southern cuisine that is thicker tomato sauces. If you like Veal Parmesian, look for it in Southern cuisine. If you like Chicken Tetrazini, look for it in Northern cuisine.

Italian food is not only tasty, but can be good for you. A meal consists of bread, wine, a main course and a salad or antipasto salad after the meal. Dessert is usually a custard or Tiramisu if it is a special occasion. Italian ice is also served in the summer months. Salads are traditionally eaten after the meal to aid in digestion of the Italian food.

For tips on how to cook Italian food, take a look on the internet. Once you are used to the concept of preparing Italian food, you will be able to cook like a pro. Make sure you have the right spices and herbs which you can find in any Italian market.