Italian cuisine as a national cuisine known today has evolved from centuries of social and political change. Its roots can be traced back to 4th century BC through to the introduction of notable chefs such as Maestro Martino who cooked an elegant refined Italian cuisine. The cuisine significantly changed with discovery of the New World helped shape much of what is known as Italian cuisine today with introduction of items as potatoes, tomatoes, bell pepper and maize, which are all central parts of the cuisine but were not introduced in scale until the 18th century.Ingredients and dishes vary by region. There are many significant regional dishes that have become both national and regional. Many dishes that were once regional, however, have proliferated in different variations across the country in the present day. Cheese and wine are also a major part of the cuisine, playing different roles both regionally and nationally with their many variations and Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) (regulated appellation) laws. Coffee, and more specifically espresso has become highly important to the cultural cuisine of Italy.

List of wines that pair with popular dishes in Italian restaurants.

This is delicious! I just returned from Bologna where pumpkin is used is awesome dishes. This is the first time I've found a recipe that comes close to those flavors and the spirit of an Italian dessert. I plan to take this to all my holiday parties. Uh, where's the food section for topics?

Pasta Carbonara is the ultimate comfort food. It so simple and there are so few ingredients, yet the dish is very satisfying and has a very good flavor; I guess you can't go wrong with carbohydrates, cream and bacon. I have made this dish many times and I have found that this method works the best. During my attempts at this dis

A quintessential element of traditional Italian and Mediterranean cooking, garlic is at the centre of a gastronomic dispute in the nation that prides itself on the quality of its food. To critics it is just a stinky product that overwhelms more delicate flavours. Admirers say it enhances taste, gives the dish that extra punch...

Are you a true blue Italian food lover? Has cooking always been a great passion of yours? Do you often find that you are cooking the same dishes week after week? Do you want to add more variety and make some of the best Italian dishes you have ever tasted? Why not look into Lidia’s Italian cooking recipes!