Hello everyone! Here’s a fun fact about me – I am a foodie, through and through. Now, I’m aware that admitting that I love food might earn me the biggest “Well, DUH” of the century, but listen, there’s more to it. Not only do I enjoy consuming sumptuous feasts, but I absolutely relish the opportunity to explore the history, techniques, and cultural significances behind the dishes. And one cuisine that genuinely fascinates me is Italian. Oh boy, let’s talk about Italian cuisine!
The Birthplace of Pizza
I started my culinary journey in Naples, the birthplace of pizza. I know what you’re thinking, pizza, right? Can’t we get that from any corner of the planet? Yes, we can. But, trust me, tasting an authentic Neapolitan pizza is a transformative experience. Imagine biting into a soft, thin crust with fresh tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. You might call it magic, I call it ‘Pizza Napoletana’.
As per the rules of ‘Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana’, authentic Neapolitan pizza uses only fresh, local produce: San Marzano tomatoes, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana (mozzarella cheese made from water buffalo milk), and fresh basil. Using anything else? It’s not the real deal (source).
Delicious Dose of Pasta in Bologna
Next, I whisked myself away to Bologna, also known as ‘La Grassa’ (the fat one), owing to its rich food culture. Now, if you fantasize about being surrounded by pasta all day, Bologna is your place.
I had the absolute pleasure of gorging on ‘Tagliatelle alla Bolognese’, ribbons of pasta nestled with the real Bolognese sauce. You know what it didn’t have? Spaghetti. Did you know that real Bolognese sauce is never served with Spaghetti in Italy (source)? Mind-blowing, right?
Rounding up the Journey
My journey into tasting authentically delicious Italian flavors also took me to Genoa, where the fiercely protected recipe of Pesto originated, and Sicily, where the cool, sweet delights of Granita captured my heart and taste-buds.
To be honest, I wanted to get lost in the maze of Italy’s culinary traditions. I wanted to absorb the secret ingredient that makes Italian cuisine so heartwarming – the sense of community. The drawn-out hours at the dinner table, the sharing of dishes, the laughter, the stories, they’re all part of the ‘flavor’.
As I embark on my next food exploration, I hold onto the flavors of Italy as the benchmark for how authentic cuisine should taste and feel. Until next time, buon appetito!