Try Authentic Italian Food When You Dine Out For A Delicious Departure From American-Italian Cuisine
If you love to eat Italian food when you dine out, you might want to consider looking for an authentic Italian restaurant if you've never eaten at one before. If you're used to heaping plates of pasta smothered in sauce or pizza piled high with cheese, you may be eating the American version of Italian food. Here are some differences you may notice with authentic Italian food.
Pasta Isn't Necessarily The Main Course
When you order authentic Italian food, you may find the dishes focus on other things besides pasta. Pasta is often a side dish served in smaller amounts. Vegetables take a prominent role in the entrees. The main course may be meat-based or plant-based, but the star of the meal probably won't be pasta. Plus, the meals are often served in courses rather than having everything served at once.
Dishes Vary By Regions Of Italy
Unlike American-Italian food that's mostly universal no matter what state you're in thanks to chain restaurants, the dishes and styles of cooking vary with authentic Italian food according to the region of Italy where it's prepared. That keeps Italian dishes interesting and lively because there are multiple dishes to choose from and different ways of preparing the same meals.
Different regions may use different spices, and the spices vary from American-Italian in the type and amount used. This gives authentic Italian food a unique flavor profile.
Authentic Italian Food Might Be Healthier
You might enjoy healthier eating with authentic Italian food because of the increased emphasis on vegetables in the meal. Plus, the amount of cheese is often less than used on American pizzas and pasta. This could result in lower amounts of fat in a meal. Plus, carbs might be lower too if you eat less pasta.
American-Italian dishes are often heavy on pasta, meat, garlic, cheese, and strong spices. Authentic Italian dishes are heavy on vegetables and light on meat, cheese, and pasta.
Authentic Italian food is part of the Mediterranean diet that is popular for healthy eating and longevity. If you're trying to stick to a Mediterranean diet, you may prefer to eat at an authentic Italian restaurant rather than a typical American-Italian chain restaurant.
American-Italian food is also delicious, but it's different from authentic Italian dishes found in Italy. If you love Italian food, you owe it to yourself to try some authentic dishes so you can experience the differences and appreciate the true Italian way of eating.
If you're ready to try authentic Italian food, you'll probably need to search out an independent local restaurant that advertises it serves authentic Italian dishes. Otherwise, you'll probably be served an American-Italian meal, that might be good, but may not be the same as an authentic Italian meal.
Visit a local Italian restaurant, such as Villa Romana Italian Restaurant, to learn more.
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