Italy in the World: the 7 recipes of the Belpaese most famous abroad

La Italian cooking It is universally recognized for its variety and authenticity, with dishes that have conquered the palates of millions of people around the world. However, many of these recipes have been reinterpreted abroad, sometimes moving away from the original versions.

The most famous Italian recipes in the world

It is not easy to make an exact list of the most famous Italian recipes in the world, we have tried to summarize the most famous in this article.

• 1. Pizza. An undisputed symbol of Italy, pizza is perhaps the most famous dish in the world. Originally from Naples, the traditional version features a thin crust topped with tomato, mozzarella, olive oil and basil. However, variations such as the “Pepperoni & Pineapple Pizza” with pineapple and ham have emerged abroad, which is very popular in the United States but far from Italian tradition.
• 2. Spaghetti with tomato sauce. A simple yet tasty dish, spaghetti al pomodoro is the essence of Italian cuisine. Made with spaghetti, fresh tomato sauce, and basil, they are loved all over the world. In the United States, however, there is a version called “Spaghetti with Meatballs,” where spaghetti is added to the meatballs, creating a dish that is different from the original Italian recipe.
• 3. Parmigiana di Melanzane. Parmigiana is a traditional dish made with fried eggplant, tomato sauce, mozzarella and parmesan cheese. In the United States, there is a variation called “Chicken Parmesan”, where the eggplant is replaced with breaded chicken breast, topped with tomato sauce and cheese, a departure from the original recipe.

Other popular Italian recipes

• 4. Lasagna. Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish consisting of layers of egg pasta alternating with ragù, béchamel, and cheese. In the United States, there are variations that include ingredients such as ricotta and mozzarella, creating versions that differ from the Italian tradition.
• 5. Carbonara Pasta. Carbonara is a dish originating from Lazio, prepared with pasta, guanciale, eggs, pecorino romano and black pepper. Abroad, ingredients such as cream, garlic or onion are often added, modifying the original recipe.
• 6. Risotto. Risotto is a typical dish from northern Italy, prepared with toasted rice and slowly cooked in broth, enriched with various ingredients such as mushrooms, saffron or seafood. Abroad, risotto is appreciated, but often prepared with different techniques, which can alter its characteristic creamy consistency.
• 7. Tiramisù. Tiramisu is a dessert originally from Veneto, made with ladyfingers soaked in coffee, mascarpone, eggs, sugar and cocoa. Abroad, there are variations with the addition of whipped cream or different liqueurs, modifying the traditional recipe.

The global spread of these recipes has led to numerous reinterpretations, some of which differ significantly from the original versions. However, the authenticity and simplicity of Italian cuisine continues to be appreciated and sought after throughout the world.