The world of Italian Cooking can be as simple or as complicated as you make it! For those who are just beginning their culinary voyage, I recommend starting as simply as possible by learning to make the foods that are familiar to you, and ones that bring you joy. When you have a passion for a dish, you will work diligently to master the finished product. I learned from my mother, who learned from hers and so on. As I set up my kitchen I took the lessons I had mastered in my youth and experimented, developing my skills as an Italian cook.
There are several ways to approach the essentials of Italian cooking. The first place I believe one should start is by making sure that you have a fully stocked pantry that includes items such as dried pasta, dried herbs, fresh herbs, olive oil, lemon, capers, anchovies or anchovy paste (trust me on this), canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and garlic will get you started in the right direction. Beans, nuts and whole grains are other staples in an Italian kitchen. The majority of all Italian cooking begins with a combination of two or more of these items blended in delicate perfection.
The next step on the path of essentials is that Italian cooks rely on the highest quality ingredients and spend much time selecting the freshest fruits and vegetables for their recipes. Frozen or canned goods are rarely found in the kitchen (with the exception of tomatoes.) Vegetables are not solely used as a side dish in the Italian kitchen as their versatility extends to placing vegetables in sauces, soups and stews.
Selection of meats, poultry, seafood, wines and cheeses have also proven to be essential to being a successful Italian cook. Get to know your butcher, fishmonger, and other merchants from whom you can learn. They can help you choose the right item for your recipe and often have suggestions for preparations to make your dish a success.
Another crucial aspect for me while cultivating the fundamentals of Italian cooking has been to learn how to make flavorful poultry, beef and seafood without slathering on rich sauces. Layering and building flavors using herbs, spices, and vegetables is a vital component of Italian cooking.
Finally, I recommend that you make an investment in a cookbook or two. Take the time to study and reflect before making a purchase. Find a book that will teach you while allowing you to experiment with your favorite Italian cuisine. Then, get in the kitchen and cook!