Food Misconceptions

Italian Food Misconceptions

In this episode we explore some common misconceptions related to Italian food and also discuss current trends in the Italian food scene.

Here are some hilarious videos on pasta trees and pizza farms.

We first discuss an American favorite, Spaghetti and Meatballs which is not a traditional Italian dish but rather has its origins in New York. The recipe is based on an Italian dish called Polpette, which is Italian for meatballs. While Polpette can be cooked similar to Italian/American Meatballs, they are really more similar to croquettes and can be made using poultry, fish and even veggies.

Along with Spaghetti and Meatballs we also discuss Chicken Parmesan, which is not Italian, but I like making it. Parmigiana di Melanzane (EggPlant Parmesean) is Italian.

Fettuccine Alfredo is definitely not traditional Italian as well.

Pepperoni Pizza is not Italian, ordering that might get you a pizza with pepperoncini peppers on top. Here are a list of Pizzas and the closest to the American Pepperoni is Diavolo (with spicy salami). Giovanni mentions that Pizza with Sausage and Broccoli is great. Here is a recipe

We also discuss some tradtional Italian norms/rules for cooking and dining. this article interviewing Ialian expats offers reactions to American customs assumed to be Italian. Some general rules:

Pasta

• No oil is added to boiling water for pasta
• Don't put cheese on a seafood pasta recipe
• Match the pasta shapes to the specific sauce and some can never be combined
• Pasta is always al dente (slightly undercooked)
• You finish cooking pasta in the sauce. You never dollop sauce on top of pasta

Coffee

• Cappucino is drank in the morning, with Cornetti (Italian Croisssants)
• Cappucino is not drank in the afternoon and never after a meal
• Drinking a Latte is not a thing (It literally means milk)

We also discuss cured meats and the fact that for 40 years, curied Italian meats were not allowed in the US. There are some that are allowed now. We talked about an incredible place in Greve in Chiant. Macelleria Falorni

Lastly we discuss that lifestyles are changing in Italy and that the cost of good ingredients is rising and, as a result, less cooking is happening in homes. There is also a rise in all you can eat sushi as well as American style hamburgers. Food deliver services like Just Eat and Deliveroo are also becoming popular.

Correction - I mention in the show the quote from the Movie "Big Night" as sometimes the meatballs want to be left alone. It's actually "Sometimes the spaghetti likes to be alone."