A Celebration of Italian Food

Photos: Courtesy Of The Italian National Tourism Board (Enit)

THOSE OF YOU WHO know me know that I like to start most conversations with a #didyouknow. So, I am going to start with: Did you know that Italian food is officially the most popular cuisine in the world? (And it’s not just me saying so, but an international YouGov.com study.) Considering the number of great Italian restaurants I have found here in Michigan, I am sure a lot of you would agree with this study.

So what is the reason that Italian cuisine is so loved? First of all, because it’s delicious. Pastas in all shapes and sizes; signature meats such as ossobuco or Prosciutto di Parma that have flavor bursting forth; risottos; indulgent desserts like tiramisu, cassata and meltin- your-mouth gelato. But even the simpler carbonara, lasagna and herb-packed freshly baked focaccia. . . these sit on plates the world over, beautifully paired with Italian wines, inspiring conversations in multiple languages in numerous countries to create the perfect ambience that only Italians know how to imbue. (OK, I admit I’m a bit biased.)

The dishes can be as simple or as intricate as you like, but always feature one key factor: fresh seasonal ingredients. Unlike other cuisines that rely on ornate sauces for their flavors, Italian food is a celebration of the ingredients. They don’t have to be many. My go-to dish when I have no time (and no incentive) is pasta with sautéed zucchini in olive oil with a sprinkle of Parmigiano on top. It’s simple, delicious and inexpensive. But really, if we are talking simplicity, would a Netflix night be the same without a pizza? All you need is flour, yeast, water, extra virgin olive oil, tomato sauce and mozzarella. (You can add all the fancy toppings you wish, but there is something to be said for the queen of pizzas—literally—called a Margherita because it was invented for Queen Margherita of Savoy.)

But if you are thinking that the food of the gods sounds too good to be true, taste and decide for yourself. There is no catch. The reason all that indulgence remains healthy is because Italians stay true to the tenets of the Mediterranean diet, which is renowned for its healthy balance of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. And #didyouknow that the Mediterranean diet regularly tops the scale as the best diet overall in annual “best diet” rankings and is recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO? A diet high in vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, beans, grains, fish and unsaturated fat such as olive oil and low in its intake of meat and dairy also leads to a healthier heart and a healthier environment.

Along with using relatively little meat, Italian cuisine also honors the environment with its unspoken zero-waste policy, which brought about well-loved recipes including lasagna and polpette (meatballs), for instance. It speaks well for cooking, eating and living like an Italian, which not only represents an important historical and cultural heritage, but also strategic resources that promote and favor sustainability.

Delicious. Seasonal. Healthy. Sustainable. How do I do this at home?

When I can, I shop at farmers markets for the freshest produce. Right now, squash or pumpkin dishes are high on my list (squash soup with Italian sausage; ravioli with pumpkin and amaretti) as are anything with apples or broccoli, chestnuts and cheese (all day long). I make my own pasta (but only when I have a lot of time or I want to get messy with the kids) and we bring our own EVOO from Italy (from our own plants). Some things I just need to have from Italy, though (and an imitation just won’t do): most cold cuts and cheeses, but especially Parma ham and Parmigiano. We have some awesome Italian supermarkets in greater Detroit (such as Cantoro’s and Vince & Joe’s) so I go there for whatever I need that is certified DOCG or DOP (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita and Denominazione di Origine Controllata are wine designations. Italy is the country with the most ingredients that have these certifications of excellence.)

So eat your heart out, as so many of us do this time of year! I hope your table includes some Italian love on your plate and a dance for your taste buds! Salute!

To learn more about the Italian consulate— including news about upcoming food events—follow @ItalyinDetroit.

MY FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP

• For Italian products: Cantoro Italian Market (cantoromarket.com) and Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market (vinceandjoes.com)

• For fresh produce, I go to local farmers markets (especially Ann Arbor’s and Royal Oak’s) but Eastern Market is the easiest to get to, has incredible variety and makes a fun outing for the whole family.

• I live in Grosse Pointe, so I love to drop by Greenhouse Gardens in St. Claire Shores because they are so friendly and have lovely fresh veggies.

• I love to go to Marrow to pick up meat, especially for the less-popular, harder-to-find cuts here in Michigan (like ossobuco).