5 common mistakes Americans make when cooking Italian food

Italian cuisine is celebrated for its simplicity, quality ingredients, and time-honored techniques. However, when these principles are overlooked, the essence of Italian cooking can be lost. Here are five common mistakes often made in American kitchens and how to correct them using authentic products and best practices.

1. Overcomplicating Simple Dishes

Italian recipes often rely on a few high-quality ingredients. Adding excessive components can overshadow the dish's intended flavors.

Solution: Embrace simplicity. For instance, a classic Spaghetti al Pomodoro requires just pasta, tomatoes, garlic, and basil.

Product Recommendation: Use our San Marzano DOP Tomatoes for an authentic and rich tomato flavor.

2. Using Inferior Olive Oil

Olive oil is a cornerstone of Italian cooking. Using low-quality oil can negatively impact the taste and authenticity of your dishes.

Solution: Invest in high-quality, extra virgin olive oil that complements your cooking.

Product Recommendation: Our Extra Virgin Olive Oil is cold-pressed and imported directly from Italy, ensuring purity and flavor.

3. Overcooking Pasta

Pasta cooked beyond the al dente stage becomes mushy and loses its texture, a common misstep in many kitchens.

Solution: Cook pasta until it's firm to the bite. Always follow the recommended cooking times and taste-test for doneness.

Product Recommendation: Our selection of Artisan Italian Pasta maintains its texture and flavor when cooked properly.

4. Drowning Dishes in Cheese

While cheese is a beloved ingredient, overusing it can mask other flavors and deviate from traditional recipes.

Solution: Use cheese sparingly and purposefully, allowing other ingredients to shine.

Product Recommendation: Our Parmigiano Reggiano offers a rich flavor, perfect for grating over dishes in moderation.