Classic Ingredients of Italian Cuisine
Most people think of tomatoes and bread when discussing the basics of Italian food. But did you know that tomatoes were not a staple in Italy until they were introduced into Europe in the 16th century? Before the introduction of tomatoes it was common to see Italian cooks using flatbread, olive oil, garlic, fish, game meat, cheeses, and seasonal fruits and vegetables in their cooking. Now tomatoes, cheese, and pasta create the base for most Italian dishes. Even Italian desserts commonly use creams and cheeses to create rich textures and flavors.
Cheeses and Herbs
Cheese is a vital ingredient in Italian cooking. Some cheeses are eaten fresh with wine or as part of an antipasto dish, while others are mixed with herbs and cream to create a savory stuffing for noodle dishes. Some of the common cheeses include asiago, gorgonzola, mozzarella, parmigiano-reggiano, pecorino, provolone, and ricotta. Many of these cheeses are dry and used to shave over pasta dishes or sprinkle into a cheese mixture. Cheese mixtures are often flavored with popular herbs such as parsley, oregano, and basil. Italians also frequently use capers and bay leaves.
Fruits and Vegetables
Italians are well known for using seasonal fruits and vegetables in their dishes. In fact, many Italian dishes are only served when the fruits or vegetables used in them are in season. Zucchini and zucchini blossoms are popular ingredients. The blossoms are actually served as a main dish when stuffed with cheeses and deep fried. Spinach is used in ravioli and lasagna or may be served with garlic and olive oil. Eggplants are another essential ingredient as they often serve as the vegetarian option for the parmigano dishes and are used in Italian soups and stews.
Tomatoes are probably the most used fruit since they're found on pasta, in pasta casseroles, on pizza, and served fresh with antipasto dishes. They are also often sliced thin and placed on top of baked pasta dishes. Another essential fruit is the olive. Grown for both its oil and flesh, olives are used in some way in almost every savory Italian dish. Watermelon, apricots, apples, pears, and peaches are ingredients often used in salads. A common fruit dish is watermelon sprinkled with balsamic vinegar and mint, served as a salad in the summer.
Ingredients for Italian Desserts
While Italian's are well known for their pasta dishes, they also make a number of desserts. Cannoli, tiramisu, panna cotta, and pignoli cookies are just a few of the most popular dishes. To make popular Italian desserts, you would need to stock your kitchen with ricotta cheese, honey, cream, cinnamon, vanilla, sugar, coffee, a variety of nuts, and amaretto. A lot of Italian desserts are not heavy on white sugar but use liquers and spices or extracts to add sweetness and flavor. Some desserts like tiramisu or Italian cakes are soaked in coffee or liqueur to add sweetness or bring out the natural flavors of the dessert.
If you enjoy cooking Italian food, it's important to stock your pantry with common ingredients. This way you'll always have the necessary items needed to make a full Italian meal.