From its renowned historical sites, rich culture, and mouth-watering cuisine, Italy seems to have it all. Italian food plays an important part in the culture, both in how the food is served, as well as how it is enjoyed – together with family and friends. This integral part of the Italian culture has not only shaped one country, but has impacted tastes, preferences, and trends around the world for centuries. While Italian foods are diverse, here we will take a look at 5 of the most popular foods that originated in Italy.
Pizza
The dish enjoyed ‘round the word, everyone loves pizza! Pizza was originally invented in Naples, Italy as a dish served to Queen Margherita of Savoy, who would eventually become the namesake of the Margherita Pizza! Over time pizza has been adopted by, and adjusted for, countless cultures around the world to account for regional tastes.
Modern day pizza has come a long way from its simple beginnings and can now be enjoyed in many different styles, with thousands of topping options. Whether you prefer thin crust or gluten-free, plain cheese, or loaded with toppings most families can agree that on Friday pizza night at their favorite family style Italian restaurant in Phoenix, everyone is happy!
Spaghetti
Despite the common myth that it is truly Italian, pasta was actually invented by the Chinese and introduced to Italy by Marco Polo. However, the most popular form of pasta, spaghetti, did originate in Italy, as did many of its most popular preparation styles.
Similar to pizza, spaghetti is the foundation of many recipes but can be combined with different types of food such as various meats, cheeses, herbs and sauces. Spaghetti truly caught on in popularity during the 19th century when the commercial pasta factories enabled Italians to mass produce spaghetti and other pastas, and families have been enjoying plates of spaghetti ever since!
Mozzarella
The key ingredient to many Italian dishes, from pizza to the ever popular caprese salad, unsurprisingly originated in Italy as well. The name mozzarella comes from the Campania region of Italy where ‘mozza’ means ‘cut’ as the cheese is made by spinning and cutting. There are several different types of mozzarella each with specific ingredients and their own distinct flavors.
Parmigiano-Reggiano
Another cheese that we have Italy to thank for is Parmigiano-Reggiano, often referred to as Parmesan. Named after its cities of origin Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, and Bologna it follows similar “laws” as wine and champagne, in that only cheese produced in this region can be labeled as Parmigiano-Reggiano. Regardless of its name, we have this delicious Italian create to thank for family favorite chicken parmesan.
Are you looking for family style Italian restaurants in Phoenix? Join us at Sardella’s Pizza and Wings, where you will find a variety of family style offerings such as our delicious family chicken parmesan, family spaghetti or rigatoni served with Italian meatballs, and of course our world famous pizza and wings.