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Italian cuisine is extremely varied: the country of Italy was only unified in 1861 , and its cuisines reflect the cultural variety of its Regions and its diverse history (with culinary influences from Greek, Roman, Norman and Arab civilization). Italian cuisine is regarded as a prime example of the Mediterranean Diet , and is imitated all over the world. REGIONAL DIFFERENCES Roman cuisine, for example, uses a lot of Pecorino (sheep's cheese) and Organ Meats ( Frattaglie ), while Tuscan cooking features white beans, meat, and bread without Salt ; the Pizzas of Rome are thin like crackers, while Neapolitan and Sicilian Pizza is thicker. Northern Italian dishes tend to be somewhat influenced by French and German Cuisine s. Piemonte and Lombardia each grow their own different kind of rices, which are suitable for Risotto . Veneto is the home of Polenta . Emilia-Romagna is known for Lasagne and Tortellini (stuffed pasta), Mortadella , Prosciutto , Parmigiano . Naples ( Napoli ) is the home of Pizza and mozzarella and pastries ( Babà , Sfogliatelle ). Calabria 's cuisine uses a lot of hot pepper for its kind of Salumi . Sicily is the home of Gelato (ice cream) but its cuisine also has many influences from the arab cuisine (lemon, pistachio) and also includes fish (tuna, swordfish). Sardinia is famous for lamb and Pecorino . Northern versus Southern Italian cooking As a general rule, northern and southern Italian cuisines are differentiated primarily by the cooking fat and style of pasta commonly used. Northern Italian cuisine favors butter, cream, Mascarpone cheese, Risotto and fresh egg pasta, while southern Italian cuisine tends toward Mozzarella cheese (usually from Buffalo ), Olive Oil and dried pasta. Southern Italian cuisine also uses a greater amount of Tomato . TRADITIONAL MENU STRUCTURE A traditional Italian menu consists of: # ''l' Antipasto '' - hot and cold appetizers # ''Il primo'' ("First Course"), usually consists of a hot dish like Pasta , Risotto , Gnocchi , Polenta or Soup . There are usually abundant vegetarian options. # ''Il secondo'' ("Second Course") the main dish, usually fish or meat (Pasta is never the main course in a traditional menu). Traditionally veal is the most commonly used meat, though beef has become more popular since World War II and wild game is very popular, particularly in Tuscany . # ''Il contorno'' ("Side Dish") may consist of a salad or vegetables. A traditional menu features salad after the main course. # ''Il dolce'' ("Dessert") # Coffee ( Espresso or moka) and liquors ( Grappa , Amaro , Limoncello ) SEE ALSO
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