What do people eat in Italy?

Diet

An Italian breakfast is very light, consisting of a cup of coffee, and a roll. Lunch, the main meal, is around 1 p.m. A light dinner is eaten in the evening. Wine is a common drink at meals and is also widely used in cooking. Meat and tomato sauces are popular with various types of pasta. Veal is a favorite meat. Cheese is important in the diet, including ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. Pasta is usually served as a precursor to the main meal. Pesto originates from the region of Italy known as Liguria.

Mealtime

When eating with guests, Italians do not usually hurry; a meal may last one to four hours. Compliments on the home and meal are appreciated by the hosts. It is appropriate for guests to give some attention to the children in the family.

The continental style of eating is used. During the meal a person's hands are kept above the table; to have hands in the laps is improper. At the table, it is impolite to stretch, even if the meal is over. Utensils are placed parallel to each other on the plate when a person is finished eating. A person does not leave the table before everyone is finished eating. Guests do not volunteer to help clean up.

Popular Italy Recipes

Angel Hair With Balsamic Tomatoes - Main Dish
Baked Lasagne with Meat Sauce - Main Dish
Baked Seafood Spaghetti - Side Dish
Biscotti (The Dipping Cookie) - Dessert
Bolognese Meat Sauce - Side Dish
Bruschetta Aglio ed Olio, al Pomodoro (Italian Garlic bread - with tomato) - Bread
Cannelloni Stuffed with Meat - Main Dish
Cannelloni al Forno - Side Dish
Fettucine with Ham and Cream - Side Dish
Focaccia - Bread
Fusilli alla Mediterranean (pasta with fresh tomato, capers, basil, olives and shaved pecorino roman - Side Dish
Insalata Caprese - Appetizer
Linguine with Pesto Sauce - Side Dish
Minestrone (Classic Italian Soup) - Soup
Pasta Carbonara - Side Dish
Pasta e Faglioli (Pasta and Bean Soup) - Soup
Pasta with Tuna, Capers and Anchovies - Side Dish
Sicilian Braised Vegetables - Side Dish
Spaghetti Olio e Aglio - Side Dish
Spaghetti with Bacon and Onion - Side Dish
Spaghetti with Clams - Side Dish
Spaghetti with Mussels - Side Dish
Tiramisù al Caffè - Dessert

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