RECIPES
10 world-famous Italian dishes... that aren't Italian
These recipes are served everywhere in the world, and so many people consider them to originate in Italy, although this is not actually the case, with very rare exceptions.
The dishes in question are inspired only by traditional Italian recipes or feature ingredients that should not be in the original preparation, although in some cases the taste is still excellent.
Here are some of the most famous dishes in the world that are thought to be typical of traditional Italian gastronomy and yet are not at all!
Many people believe that these recipes are Italian, but this is not the case at all
These recipes are served everywhere in the world, and so many people consider them to originate in Italy, although this is not actually the case, with very rare exceptions. The dishes in question are simply inspired by traditional Italian recipes or include ingredients that, in the original preparation, should not be there, although in some cases the taste is still appreciable. Here are some of the most famous dishes in the world thought to be typical of traditional Italian gastronomy, although they are not at all!
Fettuccine Alfredo
The fettuccine Alfredo, made with butter and Parmesan cheese, were invented in 1908 by the Italian restaurateur Alfredo Di Lelio, but in fact today they are almost exclusively popular outside Italy, especially in Italian-American restaurants in the United States. Sometimes, fettuccine Alfredo are served with other ingredients such as chicken or mushrooms, but these are not included in the original recipe.
Spaghetti with meatballs
In Italy there are many recipes involving the combination of pasta, meat and sauce, however, spaghetti with meatballs, served on top of the pasta itself, is definitely not part of the Italian culinary tradition.
Pineapple pizza
Also known as "Hawaiian", pizza with pineapple is repudiated by most Italians. Nevertheless, this pizza, served with pineapple and to taste with bacon, mushrooms or peppers, is now popular all over the world, and even some "braver" restaurateurs in Italy have tried to include it on their menus.
Pasta with ketchup
In front of a plate of pasta seasoned with ketchup every Italian might shiver! In many countries this is passed off as an Italian recipe-nothing could be more untrue, although it seems that its consumption is sharply declining worldwide.
Pasta with chicken
You will never find this recipe in Italy, unless you are in a restaurant that offers a menu tailored for tourists from abroad. Again, that pasta with chicken is an Italian dish is just a false myth.
Marinara sauce
This sauce has a link to Italy, as it is loosely inspired by the 'marinara pizza' sauce. Made with tomatoes, celery, carrots, garlic and onions, this sauce is served as an accompaniment for various dishes, especially in Italian-American cuisine. In some variants, marinara sauce also includes the addition of capers and olives.
Mogart, Wikimedia Commons
Italian dressing
Despite its name, Italian dressing is virtually unknown throughout Italy. According to tradition, this sauce composed of vinegar or lemon, salt, pepper and sugar originated in 1941 in an Italian-American family that prepared dressings for salads served in the family restaurant. In addition to being a salad dressing, Italian dressing is sometimes used to marinate meat and vegetables.
Garlic bread
The garlic bread involves a very heavy use of garlic and butter, with probably excessive doses for Italian culinary tradition. Nevertheless, garlic bread is highly valued for its strong flavor, especially in the United States and Australia.
Tristan Kenney, Wikimedia Commons
Chicken parmigiana
This recipe is inspired by an Italian dish, aubergine parmigiana. The chicken version, however, did not originate in Italy, but rather in the United States in the early 20th century. This dish has several variations: the Australian version, for example, is usually accompanied by fries and salad.
Carbonara with cream
Never tell an Italian that spaghetti alla carbonara are made with cream! In fact, the original recipe calls for the use of guanciale, pecorino romano, eggs, salt and pepper. Any other ingredient, such as cream, onion or mushrooms, is just the result of experimentation or innovation and is not part of the real recipe.
Bless you
22/09/2023
After long months of winter, summer finally arrives and with it the desire to get a tan. And although sun exposure is one of the main sources of vitamin D, it is important to protect the skin from harmful UV rays.
However, there are some foods that can help you get a natural tan. In this gallery, we look at five foods that stimulate melanin production, act as antioxidants, improve skin elasticity and more.
Remember, however, to protect your skin with a sun cream suitable for your skin type. Also, drinking plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated is another way to maintain a healthy, long-lasting tan.
Recipes
20/09/2023
Reusing kitchen waste saves us money, as well as reducing food waste and helping to protect the environment. There are various creative and practical solutions we can adopt in the kitchen to reuse waste.
For example, vegetable scraps such as the green leaves of carrots, celery and fennel can be used to prepare soups, broths and sauces. In addition, citrus peel can become an excellent base for preparing sauces, perfumes and liqueurs. Coffee grounds can also be reused in the kitchen, being an effective exfoliating agent for the skin or as a fertiliser for plants.
Finally, we can use old bread to prepare meatballs, gratins and baked croutons. Taking care of kitchen waste helps us save money, and also gives new life to food and protects the environment.
Recipes
18/09/2023
Sweet potatoes, also known as 'American potatoes' are a great ingredient for many recipes.
Rich in nutrients such as vitamin A and beta-carotene, vitamin C, fibre, manganese, potassium, copper and magnesium, they are a healthy choice to enrich many dishes.
They are perfect as a healthy side dish, but also as a main ingredient in nutritious soups or other dishes.
Get inspired with some of our tips on how to use sweet potatoes in the kitchen and, most importantly, try them out!