Planning a trip to Italy but don’t know what’s on the menu? Pastamore, your local Italian restaurant, is here to help you better understand Italian cuisine so you can order with confidence.
Follow along as we break down some of the most popular ingredients found in Italian cooking, including artisan meats and cheeses that may inspire your next Italian meal.
What Makes Italian Cuisine Authentic?
Italian cuisine is known for its simple, high-quality, seasonal ingredients that come together to create flavorful and satisfying meals. But what exactly makes an Italian meal authentic?
Some of the most common ingredients include olive oil, butter, and fresh produce such as cherry tomatoes, basil, and garlic. However, one of the biggest characteristics of Italian cuisine is the use of regional artisan meats and cheeses.
Artisan Cheeses
Italy is known for producing some of the finest artisan cheeses in the world. With countless varieties, Italian cheeses offer a wide range of textures, flavors, aromas, and milk types.
Hard or Aged Cheeses
Want to try something new? Why not a firm, aged cheese? Consider these popular Italian varieties, which are available throughout our menu.
- Parmigiano Reggiano: A granular cow’s milk cheese aged anywhere from 12 to 36+ months, known for its nutty and savory flavor.
- Pecorino Romano: A sharp, intensely salty sheep’s milk cheese that is a key ingredient in classic Roman pasta dishes.
- Grana Padano: A milder, more buttery cheese than Parmigiano Reggiano, traditionally produced in Northern Italy’s Po Valley.
- Asiago: A firm, nutty cheese when aged, while younger varieties have a smoother, milder profile.
Fresh and Stretched-Curd Cheeses
Italian cuisine is also home to a variety of fresh cheeses that are soft, creamy, and incredibly versatile.
- Mozzarella di Bufala: Made from water buffalo milk in Campania, this cheese yields a rich, creamy, and milky flavor.
- Burrata: A mozzarella pouch stuffed with a rich, creamy center.
- Ricotta: A light, slightly sweet whey cheese commonly used in both savory dishes and desserts.
Soft or Blue Cheeses
While their strong aromas and distinctive appearances may not be for everyone, they can add incredible depth to a meal.
- Gorgonzola: One of Italy’s best-known blue cheeses, available in creamy Dolce and sharper, more intense Piccante varieties.
- Taleggio: A pungent, washed-rind cow’s milk cheese from Lombardy with a soft, buttery interior.
- Fontina: A rich, semi-soft Alpine cow’s milk cheese known for its smooth melting qualities.
You may even find some of these Italian cheeses featured on the Pastamore menu.
Artisan Meats
Italian artisan meats offer just as much variety as the country’s cheeses. Regional specialties include whole-muscle cuts, cured hams, and traditional sausages.
Some popular examples include:
- Prosciutto: Dry-cured, thinly sliced ham, with famous protected varieties such as Prosciutto di Parma and Prosciutto di San Daniele.
- Culatello: A rare and highly prized aged ham from the lowlands near the Po River in Parma.
- Coppa: Cured, seasoned, and air-dried pork shoulder or neck.
- Bresaola: Air-dried, salted beef originating from the Valtellina region.
- Pancetta & Guanciale: Pancetta is made from cured pork belly, while guanciale is made from cured pork jowl. Both are essential ingredients in several traditional Italian dishes.
How to Build Your Own Charcuterie Board
The next time you’re hosting an event, or want to sample some of these delicious Italian ingredients, why not create your own charcuterie board?
Start by selecting three to five cheeses and meats from the varieties listed above. Mixing different textures and flavors allows you to discover which combinations you enjoy most.
You can also add some crunch with crackers, baguette slices, or mixed nuts. Fill in any gaps with fresh fruit such as grapes, strawberries, blueberries, and apples, or add olives and your favorite jams for a little extra flavor.
A well-balanced charcuterie board is an easy way to experience the variety of Italian meats and cheeses in one place.
From Charcuterie to Your Local Italian Restaurant
From your local Italian restaurant to the comfort of your own kitchen, Italian cuisine can be accessible anywhere when you know which ingredients to look for.
At Pastamore, we love sharing the basics of Italian cuisine and introducing our guests to the flavors, meats, and cheeses that make Italian food so special.
If you want to experience authentic Italian-inspired meals, stop by Pastamore and grab a bite. Our high-quality cuisine and carefully selected wines will have your taste buds craving more with every bite.
For menu sneak peeks, follow us on Facebook or contact us to learn more about catering options customized for your next event.
