Italian Food Culture
What do Italians say at the start of the meal?
Bon appetito!
What is the "Foundation" of Italian cooking?
Olive Oil!
What is added to the water before adding the spaghetti?
What is frowned upon as a pizza topping in Italy?
Pineapple!
What is the difference between Gelato from Ice cream?
Gelato contains more milk than cream, making a lower fat content!
High quality food refers to simple and fresh ingredients, what "Simple and fresh" ingredients are included?
Extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, etc!
What does it mean to sauté vegetables, seafood and thin meats(ground beef)?
Cooking quickly with olive oil or butter!
What is the minimum and maximum amount of time allowed for the pasta to cook after the salt and pepper is added?
1 Hour min, 6 Hours max!
What to do when the spaghetti doesn't fully fit inside the pot?
DO NOT BREAK IT! Put it in first, then wait for the bottom half to soften, then put in the rest of the spaghetti sticking out of the pot!
Which meal of the day is the most important to Italians?
Lunch!
Why are Italian dishes seasonal?
Maximum flavor and nutritional value!
What does it mean when pasta is cooked to al dente?
Cooked to be firm and chewy but not mushy!
How long do you have to sauté the onions, garlic and carrots before add ground beef and pork?
1 minute!
Typically one portion per person of spaghetti are how many grams?
80 grams per person!
How is the creamy texture in carbonara made?
The creamy texture is a result of egg and cheese mixture (no cream)!
Why are a lot of Italian dishes cooked "Slow"?
Italian food is not to be rushed, but savored, cooking sometimes lasts up to hours!
Simmering and braising cooks food slowly (following the trend of slow cooking) in liquids added to give it a rich flavor, what liquids are used to in these cooking methods?
Wine and broth!
What wheat is used for the most high quality spaghetti?
Durum wheat!
What is the final touch to the pasta?
Fresh basil, cheese or other fresh herbs!
What does the word "Tiramisu" stand for?
It stands for "Pick me up!" / "Cheer me up!"