From Margherita pizza to delicious burrata cheese and pomodoro pasta, it’s safe to say that the Italians have taken over the world with their traditional dishes! Their hearty, centuries-old recipes have stood the test of time and will likely be prepared for many generations to come. There are, however, some common misconceptions regarding Italian food. Read on to discover how and what Italians actually eat, so you won’t be surprised when you set foot in the Bel Paese.
No spaghetti and meatballs
You’ve seen it on screen in the adorable Lady and the Tramp, and you probably eat it at your parent’s house on weekends; there’s no denying that spaghetti and meatballs are an incredibly delicious dish. However, they’re not part of Italian cuisine.
This recipe was created by Italian immigrants who arrived in America between 1880 and 1920. Since spaghetti was one of the few Italian ingredients available across the pond, they started eating the pasta and meatballs together, creating the dish we know and love today.