Italian cooking techniques

Italian cooking emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple techniques to enhance natural flavors. Common methods include sautéing vegetables and meats in olive oil, simmering sauces slowly (like marinara or ragù) to develop depth, and gently boiling pasta until al dente—firm to the bite. Hand-rolling fresh pasta and using a mortar and pestle for pesto are traditional practices. Grilling vegetables and meats adds smoky flavor, while slow roasting and braising create tender dishes. Overall, Italian techniques focus on balance and highlighting ingredients, often using minimal seasoning to let the food's natural taste shine.