Coming home from school to the intoxicating aroma of Nonna's simmering red sauce, acidic and sweet, that huge stainless steel pot bubbling on the stove. She had two different sauces, “Friday Spaghetti” and a meat sauce. Her "Friday Spaghetti" – no meat, just chunks of tomato – was a light, flavorful weekly ritual, especially during Lent (no meat on Fridays!).
But guess what? Many of our beloved "Italian" dishes growing up in America, well, let's just say they've gotten a serious American makeover. When these dishes were brought to America we had to create the heaviest versions of the simplest dishes. Italians take pride in the ingredients and preparation of their food, it is an artform. There is a system of how things are done. When it comes to pasta, each shape has a corresponding sauce to accompany it and a wine to enhance the meal.
So, strap yourselves in, pasta lovers, because we're about to compare these familiar favorites to their authentic Italian counterparts, and things might get a little cheesy (literally)!
Fettuccine Alfredo
When an American child orders a pasta dish, nine times out of ten it is either Fettuccine Alfredo or butter noodles. It is simple, creamy, and comforting. Packed with cream, cheese and paired with chicken, this is not a traditional Italian meal, at least not this version. For starters, chicken and pasta are never mixed in Italy. And then there is the cream – forget it! The real deal, Fettuccine al Burro, is a revelation. All you need is butter, parmesan cheese, and a healthy dose of black pepper. It’s light, elegant, and lets the quality of the ingredients shine through. But if you crave something reicher, explore the wonders of Carbonara. Imagine perfectly cooked pasta tossed with a silky sauce made with egg yolks, parmesan, and crispy pancetta. Each bit is an explosion of flavor and texture, guaranteed to leave you wanting more.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
The ultimate comfort food duo, right? Whether it was Spaghettios from a can or your grandmother making sauce and meatballs from scratch, it is a classic dish. Well, in Italy, things are a bit different. First, those meatballs (affectionately called polpette) are a separate course, usually served as a second dish without tomato sauce, and definitely without spaghetti. The Italian dining experience is all about appreciating each element on its own, savoring the flavors and textures before moving on to the next course. So, the next time you're in Italy and craving meatballs, don't expect them to show up with your pasta. Embrace the separate courses, and trust me, the wait will be worth it.
Chicken Parmesan
Deep-fried, breaded, smothered in cheese..sound familiar? While this Americanzied version might hit the spot sometimes, it’s a far cry from its Italian ancestor. Let’s ditch the heavy breading and fried oil, and step into the world of Melazane alla Parmigiana (eggplant parmesan). Layers of eggplant, fresh tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and sharp parmesan come together in perfect harmony. It’s lighter, fresher, and bursting with flavor, a true testament to the magic of simple, quality ingredients. So, next time you’re craving “parm,” consider the eggplant version – it might just become your new favorite.
Garlic Bread
Now, this was always a mystery to me, even as an American. Garlic bread with pasta? Isn’t that just carb overload? Turns out, the Italian are onto something different. While we know and love that cheesy, garlicky goodness, the real deal is called bruschetta. Forget the mountains of cheese and butter; imagine toasted bread rubbed with fresh garlic, topped with fresh, juicy tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt. It serves as an antipasti (appetizer), not a sidekick to your pasta.
Italian Dressing
Cue unlimited breadsticks and endless refills of that sweet, tangy salad dressing at Olive Garden. In Italy, things are much simpler. Italian cooking is about celebrating the quality of the ingredients, and that extends to salad dressings as well. Ditch the sugar and soybean oil; all you need is a drizzle of good olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and maybe a pinch of salt and pepper. Your taste buds will thank you for letting the natural flavors of the salad shine through.
Spaghetti Bolognese
This hearty pasta dish, often topped with a generous helping of parmesan cheese, is an American favorite. But in Italy, things get a bit more refined. The sauce, called “ragu alla bolognese,” is simmered for hours, resulting in a richer, deeper flavor. It’s typically served with tagliatelle or pappardelle, wider pasta noodles that can better handle the thicker sauce. And forget the cheese overload; a sprinkle of Parmigiano is all you need to enhance the flavors without drowning them out.
Caesar Salad
Found on practically every menu in America, this beloved salad might not be what you expect in Italy. While you might find versions with grilled chicken or shrimp, the classic version is a simpler affair. Forget the creamy dressing and crunchy croutons; think romaine lettuce tossed with a lemony vinaigrette, Parmesan cheese, and maybe a few anchovies for a savory punch. It's fresh, light, and a perfect introduction to a meal.
Pepperoni Pizza
Does anyone else think about pizza rolls or super greasy carryout pizza with a side of garlic dipping sauce? While I can’t say those don’t sound incredible, I would never dare ask for a pepperoni pizza in Italy. For starters, in Italy, “pepperoni” (with only one “p”) translates to bell peppers. So, if you order a “pepperoni pizza,” you will get a veggie delight with red and yellow peppers. If you crave that spicy, meaty goodness, ask for “pizza con salamino piccante” (pizza with spicy salami). It’s a different experience, but still delicious in its own right.
Commentaires