Five Dishes You Won’t Find in Authentic Italian Homes
1. Breadsticks: An American Appetizer
While Americans enjoy soft, buttery breadsticks as a side dish, especially at popular chains, these are not a staple in Italian cuisine. In Italy, you’ll find bread served alongside meals, used to savor leftover sauces. However, it’s not the stick-shaped, seasoned accompaniment so many are familiar with.
Italians have “grissini,” which are the closest approximation to breadsticks. However, grissini are thin, crunchy, and bear a closer resemblance to pretzel rods than the soft, fluffy breadsticks enjoyed in the US. Grissini are often enjoyed as appetizers, sometimes wrapped in ham.
2. Fettuccine Alfredo: A Roman-Inspired Creation
Fettuccine Alfredo, with its rich, creamy, and cheesy sauce, is a favorite “Italian” dish for many Americans. However, true Fettuccine Alfredo is very different. The dish originates from Rome, prepared with a butter sauce and Parmigiano cheese, lacking the heavy cream often found in American versions. While the dish has Italian roots, the creamy, cheesy iteration is largely an American invention.
3. Pasta with Chicken: A Culinary Divide
Many American recipes feature chicken paired with pasta, creating dishes like Chicken Parmesan. In Italy, however, this combination is rarely, if ever, seen. Italians typically enjoy chicken as a second course, separate from pasta. Chicken is not mixed into or placed atop pasta dishes, regardless of the sauce. While delicious, pasta with chicken is a deviation from Italian culinary tradition.
4. Spaghetti and Meatballs: Separate Courses, Not a Single Dish
Spaghetti and meatballs is perhaps the most iconic “Italian” dish in America. However, it’s not an authentic Italian creation. In Italy, spaghetti and meatballs are served as separate courses. Spaghetti is typically served as a first course, followed by meatballs (often cooked in the same sauce) as a second course. While the components exist in Italian cuisine, their combination as a single dish is an American invention.
5. Carbonara with Cream Sauce: A Culinary Offense
Authentic carbonara is made with pancetta or bacon, eggs, and grated cheese. The use of cream in carbonara is considered a culinary transgression. The Italian reaction to creamy carbonara stems from a desire for people to experience real Italian food and not judge the cuisine based on inauthentic versions.
Appreciating Authentic Italian Foods
While the dishes listed are still enjoyable, it’s important to recognize them as American interpretations rather than authentic Italian cuisine. By understanding the distinction, we can better appreciate the diverse and rich culinary traditions of Italy. Explore the world of A & T Italian Foods and discover the true flavors of Italy.
