You will see it on every “authentic” Italian menu. You can find it on Sunday lunch tables. It is one of the most iconic Italian dishes around. Spaghetti and meatballs have become synonymous with every Italian food, but here is the answer to the telling question - is spaghetti and meatballs Italian? No, it's not!
It's actually not a dish you will find in Italy. Let’s be clear about what we mean. Of course, you will find spaghetti in Italy. Pasta of all types is a staple Italian food which is certainly found on most Italian menus. And of course, you will find meatballs on an Italian Sunday table. Variations of this dish are found all throughout Italy. But what you won’t find is both spaghetti and meatballs all in one dish!
This seems to be a combination concocted by a few hungry Americans! Yep. It’s true. Your favorite, iconic Italian dish is not Italian after all. But don’t fret. You can easily turn this dish into an authentic Italian classic. Just separate the two!
It may be easier if we first have a quick lesson in how Italians eat. Here we go.
ANTIPASTO
It's actually not a dish you will find in Italy. Let’s be clear about what we mean. Of course, you will find spaghetti in Italy. Pasta of all types is a staple Italian food which is certainly found on most Italian menus. And of course, you will find meatballs on an Italian Sunday table. Variations of this dish are found all throughout Italy. But what you won’t find is both spaghetti and meatballs all in one dish!
This seems to be a combination concocted by a few hungry Americans! Yep. It’s true. Your favorite, iconic Italian dish is not Italian after all. But don’t fret. You can easily turn this dish into an authentic Italian classic. Just separate the two!
It may be easier if we first have a quick lesson in how Italians eat. Here we go.
ANTIPASTO
Italians start their meal with an antipasto, which literally translated means “before the meal”. This is especially common when at a restaurant or on a special occasion at home. This usually consists of cold, cured meats such as prosciutto, cheeses, fried foods, bruschetta and other such similar foods. Not salad. (Yet another Italian faux pas. Salad is usually served as a side dish to second course meats.)
PRIMO PASTO
After the antipasto, Italians go onto the Primo, which is the first course. This is almost always a starch-based dish and depending on the region it is either pasta or rice based. Here is where you will find your spaghetti dish! And though these dishes can include meat, the portion size is usually minimal and just for flavor such as the guanciale in a dish of Carbonara or the minced meat in a Bolognese sauce. First course dishes also include seafood such as clams, mussels or shrimp.
SECONDO PASTO
SECONDO PASTO
The second course is where you will find your meatballs! Italians love their second course but it is rare to find a starch other than potatoes or polenta. This is where you get your serving of meat and potatoes, fillet of fish, pork chop, veal etc. Meatballs fall into this category. But it’s unlikely you will find meatballs on a restaurant menu as they are more a dish which is prepared at home, though many more typical eateries such as trattoria or osteria serve these more typical dishes.
DOLCE
DOLCE
Then there is dessert! Italians end their meal with a coffee and cookies, a sweet or ice cream. There is though one myth that does ring true – Italian wine goes wonderfully with any meal. And with this one a great pairing is a Cabernet Sauvignon and of course, a Chianti Classico! So next time you are in a restaurant and find spaghetti and meatballs on the menu, don’t forget to ask to have them separated because you are eating Italian, the Italian way after all!
