Italian cuisine is the most popular cuisine in the world. For many decades now, people all over the globe have been enjoying the incredible array of dishes from Southern Europe. 

Not many nations take food as seriously as the Italians, and that's what sets authentic Italian cuisine apart from all the others. 

Here's what makes Italian food authentic.

Fresh Ingredients

Italian food is known for being fresh and vibrant. An incredible blend of sweet vegetables and herbs is what gives real Italian recipes their astonishing flavor. 

It isn't easy to replicate that authentic Italian taste without fresh ingredients. Fresh produce, as well as fresh meat, are the cornerstones of good Italian cooking. Authentic Italian restaurants will only work with the freshest ingredients because the chefs there understand that excellent Italian food is about making those ingredients sing. 

Italy gets a lot of year-round sunshine. Its climate is very good at producing tomatoes, eggplants, courgettes, and citrus fruits that they readily incorporate into their food. 

Simplicity 

Throughout its history, Italian cuisine has been hallmarked for its simplicity. The joy of Italian cooking is that nothing is ever too much trouble. In Italian recipes, you only have a few tasks to perfect to produce a stunning meal. 

This is because, in Italy, they understand the importance of food beyond great chefs in great restaurants. They know that the joy of food starts at home, and keeping dishes simple allows everyone to understand the culture. 

Don't try to overdo Italian food. The classics are the classic for a reason. 

Cooked With Passion

As you can probably tell by now, the Italians take their food seriously. 

It sounds a bit of a cliché at first, but you can really tell when a dish has been made with love and care. If you've ever had the pleasure of watching an Italian cook, you'll know that they pour every ounce of passion they have into every meal.

This is what makes Italian restaurants so homely. It's not just the decor. You can taste it in the food. 

Authentic Italian Cuisine vs. Italian-American Cuisine

Italians can often have a hard time adjusting between authentic Italian cuisine and Italian-American cuisine. 

America has long been a hub for Italian immigration, and this, in turn, has led to a massive cultural exchange of culinary ideas. This allowed chefs in America to put their stamp on Italian food and create an entirely new cuisine. 

It is worth remembering, though, that there are significant differences between the two. An Italian might balk at the notion of Spaghetti and Meatballs. 

Get a Taste of Italy Today

Authentic Italian food is like no other. It's full of fresh, rich flavors that passionate professionals handcraft. This is why its popularity will never fade. 

If you're looking to eat authentic Italian in Portland, then get in touch with DeNicolas today. We are a family-run restaurant offering you amazing Italian Cuisine.