When it comes to ethnic cuisines, there are none more popular than Italian food. From your local pizza joint (debatable as to whether that’s truly Italian food) to the four-star places found in major cities, Italian food is one of the top choices when families are deciding where to go to eat out.
The food of Italy is commonly thought to be decadent, cheese-laden stuff with a predominance of garlic and oregano, almost always involving pasta of some sort and usually served with a good bottle of wine. While none of this is untrue about Italian cuisine, it does give one a very limited view of what is one of worlds most varied culinary areas.
Italian food has two main influences: geography and history.
The geographical influences largely determine the base components of the food that is served in various parts of the country. In the south, with the warmer climate and abundant access to the sea, tomatoes are abundant, and olive oil is the main fat used in cooking. In the north, where livestock are abundant, butter is the fat of choice and the cheeses are much more varied and exotic.
The historical influences result from Italy having been a battleground many times throughout history, and one of the worlds great imperial powers at one time. The Roman Empire brought in foods and influences from all of Europe and much of Asia and Africa, and after the fall of the empire many other cultures brought their food, and their soldiers, across the Alps. Read the rest of this entry »
