7 Reasons Why Italian Food Is the Best
In a survey about what cuisines Americans search for, guess what the most popular Western answer was? Italian!
Considering that Italian immigrants came to the country long ago and brought their delicious recipes with them, it's no surprise that it's a cuisine Americans often turn to.
So if you haven't tried it before, you need to. Or if you haven't been to good Italian restaurants before, you need to give this cuisine another chance.
Not convinced? Then read on. Here are seven reasons why Italian food is the best!
1. It Displays Cultural Heritage
If you're a foodie who experiences cultures through food, then Italian cuisine is an ideal one to do that with. The country's food is deeply intertwined with its cultural heritage and traditions.
For example, recipes are often passed down through generations, which means culinary wisdom is preserved for centuries. The Italian recipes you eat today can be hundreds of years old!
Also, Italian cuisine celebrates history, family, and togetherness. When you're digging into your meal, you're immersing yourself in the traditions and stories that have shaped this cuisine.
2. There's Regional Diversity
With that said, Italian food isn't homogenous. Italy has 20 regions, and each has its own culinary traditions and specialties. So if you didn't find one dish to your liking, you probably have to try another region's food to discover your love for Italian food!
In general, northern Italy specializes in hearty pasta dishes, and southern Italy specializes in rich flavors. And of course, the coastal regions have the best fresh seafood dishes that take advantage of the daily catches.
Because there's so much diversity, there's sure to be something for everyone, regardless of their taste preferences.
3. It Has Iconic Dishes
Pasta, pizza, risotto: if you love these dishes, then you have Italy to thank for them. These iconic dishes have prevailed through the years, and are huge hits all over the world.
Again, these famous foods showcase the versatility and deliciousness of Italian cuisine. While pasta, pizza, and even risotto can seem like terribly American dishes, give it another thought the next time you order these things. A comforting bowl of spaghetti Bolognese or a wood-fired Neapolitan pizza both have touches of Italy you've probably never realized before.
4. It's Simple and Fresh
Many other cuisines border on pretentious, with hard-to-get ingredients that cost a fortune. Then, there are complicated cooking methods involved too.
The beauty of Italian food is that it's incredibly simple when you break it down. The dishes often feature fresh, seasonal produce, aromatic herbs, and locally-sourced meats and cheeses. The emphasis is completely on high-quality ingredients.
Italian chefs count on the freshness to allow the ingredients' flavors to shine through. Then, through baking, boiling, and simmering, they create delightful dining experiences that are humble yet tasty in nature.
5. The Cheese Is Outstanding
The French may be famous for their love of cheese, but the good stuff comes from Italy. In fact, the country is renowned for its cheese production, which is why their dishes taste so mouthwateringly great.
For instance, there's Parmigiano-Reggiano, which is an elevated form of Parmesan. It's specifically produced in Italy and follows strict laws about where it's produced, as well as the cow's diet, aging length, and more. There's also mozzarella, gorgonzola, pecorino, etc., all of which have distinct flavors and textures.
What seals the deal here is how well these cheeses pair with Italian wine. Pour yourself a glass of Barolo, Chianti, or even Prosecco, and the combination will give you a heavenly gastronomic experience.
6. It Showcases the Art of Slow Cooking
Chances are, your Crock-Pot has saved inner more than just a few times. All you have to do is throw the ingredients in, hurry off to work, then come back to a completely cooked meal. Admittedly, this doesn't take much skill, so why is this a highlight of Italian cuisine?
Well, this cuisine embraces the art of slow cooking and simmering. Popular Italian foods like ragu, osso buco, and minestrone are prepared with patience and attention to detail.
The cooks allow the flavors to develop and meld together over time, and it's not a process you can rush. This technique results in rich, hearty dishes that are satisfying.
7. The Desserts Are to Die For
How could you ever forget about dessert? These dishes are the perfect way to end a meal satisfactorily.
If you're eating Italian, then you're in for a treat. This culture's desserts are famous for their indulgent flavors and exquisite craftsmanship.
Cannoli, tiramisu, gelato, and panna cotta are but a few examples of delectable treats that have people falling in love with Italian food. They use skillful combinations of Italian ingredients (such as espresso, mascarpone cheese, and seasonal fruits). The result is desserts that are rich in flavor, and they're visually appealing too!
Treat Yourself to Mouthwatering Italian Food
As you can see, there are many reasons why Italian food is the best. From its showcasing of cultural heritage to its simple yet fresh ingredients and regional diversity, it's truly a spectacular cuisine that outshines many others.
And this article only tells you a handful of reasons why Italian food is amazing. Once you experience it for yourself, you'll have tons more to add to this list!
For the best Italian cuisine around, order from Bella Roma Pizzeria now. We also do catering for events, so if you have a party coming up, we can help with that too!