Italian Cuisine
Italian cuisine has developed through centuries, significant changes occurred with the discovery of the New World and the introduction of previously unknown vegetables (potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers and corn) and nowdays it is known to be one of the most popular in the world.
Italian cuisine is characterized by its simplicity, with many dishes having only four to eight ingredients which are vary by region.
Cheese and wine are a major part of the cuisine, with many variations. Coffee - specifically espresso - has become important in Italian cuisine.
Italian cuisine is also well known (and well regarded) for its use of a diverse variety of pasta. Pasta include noodles in various lengths, widths and shapes. Distinguished on shapes they are named — penne, maccheroni, spaghetti, linguine, fusilli, lasagne and many more varieties that are filled with other ingredients like ravioli and tortellini.
The word "pasta" is also used to refer to dishes in which pasta products are a primary ingredient. It is usually served with sauce. There are hundreds of different shapes of pasta with at least locally recognized names. Examples include spaghetti, rigatoni, fusilli, lasagne, dumplings, like gnocchi (made with potatoes) and noodles. They are both traditional in parts of Italy.
Originating in Neapolitan cuisine, pizza has become popular in many different parts of the world. Pizza is an oven-baked, flat, disc-shaped bread typically topped with a tomato sauce,cheese (usually mozzarella) and various toppings depending on the culture. Since the original pizza, several other types of pizzas have evolved.
