Perhaps, the most interesting part of Italian cuisine is the cuisine of Sicily. It is unlike the typical
Italian dishes, which is characterized by its use of tomato, olive oil, and numerous spices. The cuisine of Sicily has been influenced by the cultures of the countries that once conquered it. The Greeks, Romans, Normans, Arabs, French, and the Spanish conquerors who once occupied this region left an influence that has been incorporated in the culinary culture of Sicily.
The basic ingredients of Sicilian cooking is similar to the ones used in southern Italian cuisine which includes olive oil, tomato, pasta,
seafood and vegetables. Just like the philosophy althroughout Italy, Sicilians cook whatever they can lay their hands on. Instead of starting with the recipe and shopping for the ingredients, Sicilian cooking starts of with what's available in the market or in the garden and then decides on what to make with the ingredients.
Perhaps the most
popular dish in Sicilian cuisine is the Pasta con le Sarde, or Pasta with Sardines. It is considered as the national dish of the island. Since Sicily is an island, seafood is more popular rather than meat in this region. However, veal is a favorite in this island and beef is used to make meatballs in spaghetti.
