Blog - L'amore Italian Restaurant

October 5, 2021 by Kim Abbott

What Makes Italian Pasta Different From Other Types of Pasta?

It is difficult to beat the pasta dishes that come from Italy. When people think about this boot-shaped country, they usually think about delicious wine, bread, and pasta. What makes Italian pasta better than pasta from other countries? There are several important points everyone should keep in mind.

Italian Pasta Is Made Differently

First, Italian pasta usually tastes better because it is made differently. Italian pasta has to adhere to strict standards that have been set by the government. Usually, Italian pasta is made from 100 percent durum wheat, which is usually called semolina flour. Therefore, Italian pasta is higher in protein. Semolina flour also stands up to the rigors of the cooking process much better than other types of flour. What Italian pasta has been dried slowly, it retains some of the flavor and texture of the semolina flour, contributing to its unique flavor.

The Water Plays A Major Role In The Cooking Process

Even though flour is important when making pasta, water is also important. Some people believe that water is only there to make the pasta softer, but the ingredients in the water also play a role. For example, there are a lot of countries that add certain chemicals to the water to make it safer. Even though this may be helpful in some situations, this is not necessarily great for cooking. For example, a lot of the water that Italians use in their cooking comes straight from the Alps. It doesn’t get much cleaner than that. This water improves the cooking process when making Italian pasta.

Italian Pasta Dishes Are Properly Balanced

Finally, Italians have a lot of experience cooking pasta. As a culture, they have a significant amount of experience balancing their dishes. Usually, Italian sauce is relatively simple, showing respect for the quality of the pasta. For example, in Italian pasta sauce could be as simple as adding chopped garlic, chili, and olive oil. This allows the unique texture and flavor of the pasta to shine through.

Get The Best Pasta From Italy

These are a few of the most important reasons why Italian pasta is simply better. Anyone who is looking for a delicious pasta dish should head over to L’Amore Restaurant for the best pasta.

September 5, 2021 by Kim Abbott

What Is Vodka Sauce And What Does it Go With?

There are many people who are looking for a delicious sauce to go with their pasta, and many people turn to Italian pasta and sauces for the best. When considering sauce options, there is one that commonly grabs people’s eyes. Vodka sauce can be a bit striking because of the hard liquor at the front of the name. Therefore, what is vodka sauce, and what does it go with? Learn more about vodka sauce below.

What Is Vodka Sauce?

Vodka sauce is the name given to a creamy tomato sauce that is frequently served over pasta. The most important thing to know is there is no alcohol in the sauce when it is served, and it does not have a vodka flavor to it. The alcohol in the vodka sauce evaporates during the cooking process, so this is nothing to worry about.

The origins of vodka sauce are a bit unclear. While some people believe that the sauce originated in Sicily, the sauce became popular in the United States during the peak of prohibition.

What Goes Into Pasta Sauce?

There are numerous ingredients that might be added to vodka sauce, and many parts of Italy have added their own unique twists on the delicious tomato and cream sauce. Some of the common ingredients include garlic, salt, pepper, fresh parsley, and basil leaves. Then, the type of vodka that is used to make the sauce can have a significant impact on the final flavor profile. Finally, this is combined with a tomato and cream base to give the sauce its distinctive pink color profile.

What Does Vodka Sauce Go With?

Of course, the easy answer is that vodka sauce is served over pasta; however, it can be served with a number of other entrées as well. For example, lots of people love to combine vodka sauce with a delicious pasta and scallop dish. This sauce also matches well with fresh mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes. Some people even serve vodka sauce with a strong sausage entrée. The uses of vodka sauce are endless.

Give Vodka Sauce A Try

Remember that even though vodka sauce does have liquor in its name, alcohol is not present in the final sauce. At the same time, vodka also gives this sauce a unique bite to its flavor. Considering adding vodka sauce to an Italian pasta dish, and see what makes it so popular!

August 5, 2021 by Kim Abbott

An Inside Look At How The Cannoli Was Created

Cannolis are revered far and wide as one of the tastiest Italian desserts. Often topped with chocolate chips and chocolate drizzle, cannolis are hands-down one of the most delicious culinary concoctions in the world. Here’s a quick look at the story behind the cannoli.

The cannoli started out as a dessert enjoyed by the Sicilians. Culinary historians believe the cannoli was first made in Italy’s Messina and Palmero regions. The Sicilians chose the word “cannoli” as it means “little tube” in the Sicilian language. Cannolis are still quite popular in Sicily to this day with full-size cannolis available to locals and visitors. In fact, plenty of Italians judge bakeries by the quality of their cannolis.

Historians who have studied Italy’s culinary development insist cannolis originated in the Palermo, Sicily commune of Piana Degli Albanesi. However, some are adamant that this unique dessert has roots stemming all the way back to the point in time when the Arabs ruled the island. Those who are inclined to believe myths, tales, and legends will find it interesting to learn Italian story-tellers say the cannoli’s origins date all the way back to an Arab prince’s concubine that made tasty desserts including a pastry shaped like a tube, filled with ricotta cheese, honey and almonds. The other tale relating to the origin of the cannoli is centered on a convent positioned by a castle where nuns made a unique new pastry consisting of a shell known as “scoria” along with ricotta cheese, chocolate, sugar, and almonds in celebration of Carnevale. Carnevale is the countrywide Italian celebration that takes place each year prior to the start of Lent.

Which of these legends is true? No one is quite certain. However, Italian historians insist each legend has elements of truth. Historians typically agree the cannoli was created in or near the Italian city of Caltanissetta at some point between 827 and 1091. There is also universal agreement that this amazing dessert was originally made by women. Furthermore, even the most prideful of Italy’s culinary experts are willing to admit cannolis have Arabic roots.

Though cannoli recipes have evolved as time has progressed, there is no arguing the elements of the traditional cannoli recipe. The traditional cannoli consists of a fried pastry dough shell shaped like a tube that is filled with creamy ricotta cheese, chocolate filling, and candied fruit. The ricotta cheese is essential to traditional cannolis as it imparts a creamy, sweet, and tangy flavor infusion into the cannoli. This flavor is perfectly balanced with that of chocolate and sugar, ultimately creating a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.

July 5, 2021 by Kim Abbott

The History of the Kalamata Olive

Kalamata olives have emerged as the most popular of all olives. From olive hummus to olive tapenades, olive bruschettas, and beyond, the kalamata olive is featured in all sorts of tasty concoctions, most of which have Italian or Greek roots. These flavorful olives have also made their way into pasta sauces, salads, and other appetizers and entrees.

The olive tree dates back thousands of years. Culinary historians insist olive trees first grew in the Eastern Mediterranean region. In fact, the olive tree was even provided as a prize for Olympic winners. However, most people don’t know much about the nuanced history of the kalamata olive. Revered far and wide for their delicious taste and nutritional properties, kalamata olives are harvested in Messinia Peloponnese and Laconia. These delicate olives are hand-picked to prevent bruising. Kalamata olives are quite bitter when first plucked from trees so it takes some time for them to develop their amazing flavor. Most olive experts place kalamata olives in a brine solution for an extended period of time so they can ferment that much more quickly and thoroughly. It takes upwards of several months for the fermentation process to complete.

Also known as Greek olives, kalamata olives are named after the town of Kalamata where they grow between the glorious Taygetos’ hillsides and the Messinian Gulf. Taygetos is Peloponnese’s highest mountain in all of southern Greece. This is the perfect place to grown kalamata olives as the area has warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and water springs. This region is also highlighted by additional amazing natural features such as vast gorges, tall mountains, and beautiful sandy beaches. The land in and near the town of Kalamata has been extensively developed throughout the years, serving as a bountiful region for kalamata olives as well as other fruits and vegetables. In fact, some culinary specialists and historians have grown fond of referring to the town of Kalamata as Peloponnese’s Marseille.

Now that you know the background of kalamata olives, it is time to taste these flavorful olives in the form of an appetizer or entrée. Some even choose to eat kalamata olives one by one with their hands, enjoying a flavor infusion that pleases the palate and lifts the spirit. Whether you prefer kalamata olives in salads, pasta entrees, as a pizza topping, in bruschetta, tapenades, or on their own, we compliment you on your good taste.

What Makes Italian Pasta Different From Other Types of Pasta?

What Is Vodka Sauce And What Does it Go With?

An Inside Look At How The Cannoli Was Created

The History of the Kalamata Olive

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