Is a slice of pizza reason enough to eat an Italian meal?

Over 400 varieties of cheese and an equal number (if not higher) of pasta are made in Italy.

Who doesn't love pizza, pasta or gelato? No wonder, Italian cuisine is the second most popular cuisine in the world (after Chinese). But, there's a lot more to this rich, creamy fare than a Margherita Pizza and Spaghetti Bolognese. Plus, an Italian meal is said to be the world's healthiest diets.
Over 400 varieties of cheese and an equal number (if not higher) of pasta are made in Italy. So, don't be surprised if your four-course meal at an Italian friend's home comprises only cheese and pasta. Italian cuisine varies from one region to another, so you'll bite into Parmesan at the city called Parma, and indulge in pasta served with meat sauce in Tuscany.  Also, pasta will be served with a white cheese sauce in the north and a tomato-based sauce in the south. Interestingly, it was only in the latter part of the 20th century that pizza and pasta became favourites with foodies in the north.
Olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, seafood, whole grains, beans, leafy greens, and nuts feature in the list of ingredients of every Italian chef. The Romans believed garlic was magical and truly so - for, it does add a unique dimension to every Italian dish. Herbs are also an important part of Italian cooking, with oregano, basil, thyme, parsley, rosemary, and sage being the popular ones.
At Jazz@PizzaExpress (044416342), you can try dough balls baked with Parmesan, served with garlic butter or choices of dip. On offer is also a selection of Romana pizzas. At Per Te (across two locations in Dubai), you will fall in love with the complimentary Italian breads and dips. Do order a Strozzapreti alla siciliana - the S-shaped spiral pasta with fried eggplant, roasted cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, and ricotta cheese. Another must stop should be Eataly (across two locations in Dubai). Here, everything Italian awaits you - from classic beverages to risotto and formaggi to pesce. Buon Appetito!
Risi e bisi
A classic dish of rice and peas from Venice. It is similar to risotto, but a little bit on the soupy side.
Bruschetta
An antipasto of grilled bread topped with ripened tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil. It is a party classic.
Tiramisu
A dessert with a pudding-like filling of mascarpone and cocoa dusting. Tiramisu in Italian means 'pick-me-up'.
Cacciucco
A spicy fish stew native to the western coastal towns of Tuscany and Liguria. It is often prepared with shellfish, monkfish, squid, or octopus.
Ribollita
A popular Tuscan soup. It is prepared with vegetables, leftover bread, cannellini beans, and Lacinato kale. Its name literally means 'reboiled'.
Panna Cotta
Light and creamy, the dessert is prepared with sweetened cream thickened with gelatin and moulded. It is served with fruit coulis or caramel. 
purva@khaleejtimes.com

• Food and Dining