The Italian food culture is one of the most known and valued ones all over the world. Italian cuisine is known to be simple and concentrated on fresh ingredients, as well as on preparing balanced and flavorful meals.
The use of high quality ingredients like olive oil, tomatoes, garlic and fresh herbs is one of the distinguishing features of Italian cuisine. The ingredients are usually mixed in bare fashion such that natural flavors can shine through.
One of the most popular aspects of the Italian food is pasta. The varieties of pasta are hundreds and they have traditionally specific sauces and ingredients which they are paired with. The spaghetti, lasagna and fettuccine are popular pasta dishes.
Another Italian dish that is famous in the world cuisine is pizza. Starting in Naples, classic pizza is a thin crust that has tomato sauce, cheese and a few basic toppings.
The Italian food also possesses a number of local specialities. The dishes of Northern Italy are characterized by the use of butter, rice and cheeses, whereas the southern Italy frequently involves the use of olive oil, tomatoes and seafoods.
Tiramisu and gelato are the other desserts that are also significant constituents of Italian food culture.
Italian food is presently consumed all over the world and has impacted the contemporary forms of cooking.