Traditional Italian Cooking Methods

Delicate flavor and richness of Italian dishes often make us think that Italian cooking methods are definitely complicated. Now, let me tell you that this is not true. Cooking Italian delicacies are not at all difficult. You only need to put your heart and soul and a little effort to achieve the delicious taste. People of Italy mostly prefer pan-roasting, frying and saut©ing ingredients. They also braise, grill, simmer and bake food items. However, the secret of the delicious taste of Italian delicacies are the freshest ingredients. Italians hardly buy pre-made ingredients found at the store. Continue reading to find out the traditional Italian food cooking methods. And I am sure that you will find the methods quite interesting.

Vegetables

The food loving Italians prefer to roast vegetables like eggplant, artichoke hearts, Zucchini, sweet peppers with exotic herbs and garlic. And they love to savour roasted vegetables as appetizers. Roasted vegetables are traditionally served with small pieces of toasted bread, popularly called €crostini€ in Italy. Toppings are added on the slices of bread to enrich the taste. Some of the most commonly used toppings are anchovies, olives, cured meats and sundried tomatoes. Vegetables like potatoes, carrots and spinach are not only roasted but also steamed or boiled and offered along with the main course.

Braising and pot roasting are the most preferred ways of preparing meats in Italy. Meats are generally slow cooked in pots in presence of liquid like, vinegar, wine or tomatoes. Slow cooking of meat cuts make them tender and luscious and the flavour also intensifies as the amount of liquid reduces. Water is added, if the liquid evaporates too fast. It prevents the meat from getting burnt.

Pasta

Italians are very meticulous in preparing the dough for pasta, as it is the key to prepare a delightful pasta dish. Eggs are mixed with semolina flour to prepare the dough. Traditionally, a well is made in the middle of the flour and eggs are cracked into the centre. Virgin olive oil and salt are sprinkled all over. Now water is added and all ingredients are mixed thoroughly until the dough is prepared and becomes silky smooth. Earlier Italians used their hands to roll the dough. Nowadays, machines are also used in rolling dough to achieve desired thickness. Pieces are made in desired shapes and baked. Exotic toppings are added before serving.

Sauces

Delicious sauces are a key ingredient used in preparing lip smacking Italian delicacies. The traditional method of preparing the sauces in Italy is quite interesting. Onions and garlic are saut© in a saucepan. Then herbs and chopped tomatoes are added to intensify the flavour. Sometimes sweet peppers and celery are also used. Gentle simmering makes the sauce thick and flavoursome. Puttanesca is prepared with black olives, anchovies and capers. Minced beef is added to saut©ed onion while preparing Bolognese. Herbs and tomatoes are added afterwards.

Risotto - a delicious preparation of rice

Risotto is a wonderful creamy and rich rice dish that has gained immense popularity throughout the country. Carnaroli and Arborio are the widely used rice varieties used in preparing Risotto. They are preferred due to their starchiness. The starchy property helps in creating the creamy texture of Risotto. While preparing the dish, it is important to heat the water or broth before adding it to the rice. Traditionally onions are fried nicely and then rice is added. Vegetable or meat stock is slowly added to the preparation. Other ingredients like mushrooms or fresh and crunchy spring vegetables are also added. Now the entire preparation is slowly simmered. The preparation is completed when the rice is ready to eat. Just before serving, parmesan is added to the rice to make the dish more savoury.

Methods of cooking delicious Italian foods are primarily based on the use of fresh and seasonal produces. And the best thing is you just need to put minimal effort to cook a superb Italian dish.