Hi can any one tell me what flavourings are commonly used in Italian cooking?

Question

My daughter has been trying to find out which flavourings are used in Italian cooking but is having problems obtaining the correct information

Answer 1

tomoatoes, garlic, and herbs are the most common used with olive oil, which gives a totally different taste to normal oils we use in cooking

Answer 2

Most authentic Italian food is based on centuries old peasant recipes, so the additional flavourings would be simple and easy to find.

Most bases are onion and garlic based, chilli was introduced into italian cuisine and features heavily in sauces like arrabiaca. Basil, oregano and sage are very traditional herbs, but all have distinctive flavours and should be used delicatley.

Dont read labels on Ragu or dolmio sauces though, its about as authentic as Michael Jackson is !!!!

I would suggest looking at the recepies of someone like Antonio Carluccio, he is a very back to the old school italian chef and really knows what he's doing.

Answer 3

Flavourings makes me think of yucky things like vanilla essence or artificial strawberries.
Italian cooking uses lots of oregano, basil, marjoram, sage and rosemary. You can buy these herbs in the supermarket - look for 'Italian herb mix'. Personally I use the French variety - 'Provençal herb mix.' You then need onions, garlic and, in most recipes, tomato purée (from a tube) and fresh or tinned tomatoes. If cooking with beef add a glass of red wine, or a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Answer 4

They use a lot of fresh rather than dried herbs which makes a difference, especially basil and oregano. They also use coriander and flat leaf parsley. And garlic. And olive oil which makes a real difference to the taste.

Answer 5

Well in my garden, fresh basil, Rosemary, Italian parsley, Oregano. Also in my cupboard, good quality Virgin Olive Oil, sea salt, grind my own, also pepper. Go to the Library, great cookbook section, I always do. Have alot of fun experimenting.P.S., lots of garlic!!!!

Answer 6

Depends on the region of Italy. Some will use cream and some will be more tomato-based. But seasoning wise...they'll use garlic, oregano, basil, onions. Hope this helps.

Answer 7

By flavourings I am assuming you are meaning herbs? Oregano, Garlic and basil are most commonally used.

Answer 8

Garlic, basil, oregano, wine, tomatoes, truffles. All sorts of cheeses are used for flavourings too!

Answer 9

The northern and southern cuisine differs a lot.

But in general, olive oil, garlic, basil, oregono, thyme.

Answer 10

because all the smells intertwine when they cook and smell good. it's not hard to make food smell good. it's harder to make food taste good. my neighbors are full chinese i believe doubt they came from America but their house is a total pig sty. theirs crap they bring home from work all over their front yard and back yard and it's all broken things like tables, fridge, washing machines,etc.. but from time to time when they are cooking it smells really good. but i highly doubt it tastes that good. why? just walk infront of their door step and you will understand why theirs craps everywhere including dead plants/animals decaying like fish. Im sure they don't shop at a real grocery store either but the local china town and everyone in my state knows the china town isn;t very good for groceries as it's been known to carry rats and it isn't even that tasty. that being said don't let the smells fool you.