If you were asked to think back to your favorite food memory of an Italian dish, the chances are that you are thinking of one that consists of a large plate of pasta slathered in some type of tomato sauce and laden with cheeses. It may surprise you to know that the traditional, everyday Italian diet does not consist of such fare. Here are 5 simple tips for preparing authentic, healthy Italian cuisine:
- Use high quality olive oil instead of vegetable or canola oil. It is much healthier for you that using butter or margarine, and virgin and extra virgin olive oils contain the “good” kinds of fats. Try tasting different olive oils to distinguish flavor nuances. You can then make an informed decision about which oil will pair best with your ingredients.
- Use fresh, seasonal ingredients. Italian cooks (and folks in many other country’s) shop daily for the freshest produce to use in their mealtime offerings. The fresher the produce, the less fat or seasonings will need to be added to enhance their flavor. Select meats and poultry carefully.
- Italy is a peninsula surrounded by bountiful seas. Healthier Italian cooking includes preparation of several servings per week of an oily fish, and also includes a wonderful assortment of shellfish both of which are high in vitamins and minerals. Minimal use of fresh seasonings, and lemon zest are often the only accompaniment required to bring out the most amazing flavors in any seafood preparation.
- Italians do not eat mushy pasta. Ever. Aside from the fact that there is nothing appealing about overcooked pasta it is also an unhealthy food as it results in a high result on the glycemic index. Since we are talking about pasta, let’s also be clear that the shape of your pasta makes a difference in healthy Italian cooking. Tube shaped pasta such as ziti, rigatoni and penne absorb sauces in much greater quantity than say, spaghetti. Make lighter sauces for these types of pasta to keep down the calorie count.
- While Italian cookies, pastries, cakes, zabaglione and pies are world renown, the everyday healthier Italian cook uses the natural sugars of fresh, seasonal fruit to satisfy that after-meal sweet tooth. Swap out a rich, heavy, sweet dessert for a simple mixture of fresh fruit and a hint of mint.
Whatever your reason to celebrate, allow the caring staff at Christini’s Ristorante Italiano to take care of you and your loved ones. Call us at to reserve a table for your next special occasion at one of the best restaurant Orlando.