Italian cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines around the world. The words bring to mind the world of pizza, pastas, ravioli, spaghetti, delicious breads, salads, mouth watering cakes, pastries, coffee .... One can see Pizzerias everywhere.

There are some things that are common to Indian and Italian cooking traditions. Having friends and family around the table to share a meal is an important part of social life in Italy - just like the Indian way !! Italian chefs also like to buy freshest veggies and other ingredients for day-to-day cooking.

Before we start I would enumerate some specific ingredients that are used in Italian cooking, but are rarely used in Indian cooking-

Basil– It is a fragrant herb important for Italian cooking. If you do not find fresh basil leaves, use dried ones easily available in stores. Do not get confused with Tulsi (the holy Indian herb - also known as holy basil).

Olive Oil–Oil made from olive fruit is used in cooking and as salad dressing.

Celery- celery’s leaves as well as stalk is eaten. While the leaves are good source of vitamin A , the stalks are rich in vitamin B, folic acid and calcium.. It also controls the blood pressure.

Zucchini/ Courgette- it is a variety of squash, and is also the member of family cucurbita. It is rich in vitamin A, and also contains some beta carotene.

Oregano- it is a perennial herb, of the family of mint. This is a highly fragrant herb, and is a common ingredient to season the Italian food. Dried oregano leaves are considered as more flavorful than the fresh ones.

Garlic is a key ingredient in Italian cooking. I do not use garlic in my cooking though I will mention it in the recipes where it can be added.

There is a variety of cheeses used in Italian cooking. Some of the most common ones are, Mozzarella, Parmesan , Ricotta, Romano, etc...

Pasta - Pasta is a staple food in traditional Italian cuisine, and is available the world over. There are more than three hundred different kinds pasta are produced in Italy... Here is the link to read about pasta and delicious pasta recipes.

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	Focaccia Bread-Focaccia is a very popular variety of Italian bread. Basic Focaccia bread is made with all-purpose flour (maida) fermented with yeast and topped with olive oil and herbs. Focaccia can be served with soups, salads, pasta etc. Focaccia itself is a very delicious bread and flavored olive oil enhances its flavor even more.....
	Basil Lemon Pasta- My kitchen graden is in full swing. There are plenty of peppers, herbs, greens, and specially tomatoes....I am trying my best to either use these veggies and herbs or distribute them to friends . I try my best to make different dishes from same veggies so family is not bored. This Basil lemon Pasta is a creation from homegrown tomatoes, bell pepper, and basil.
	Paneer Pesto- Pesto is a very popular Italian sauce made with fresh basil, pine-nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese and olive oil. Many of my readers, who don’t wish to use cheese in their cooking, have been asking for a substitute pesto recipe. Here is a paneer based pesto sauce recipe. Those who want to make a vegan pesto, can replace paneer with tofu. Pesto is traditionally prepared in a mortar and pestle; I have made pesto ...
	Bite Size Pizzas- Pizza- One of the most popular food on planet Earth. There are uncountable variations of pizza. I like to try mini things. There are many benefits of making mini things as it is easier to serve them, it stops wastage, it also helps in diet control, etc. ......Give it a shot and as always please do share your thoughts!!!
	Cheesy Bread Sticks-There are many varieties of bread Sticks. While hard bread sticks are used with soup, and can also be served with salads, there is another variety which is cheesy. My kids love cheesy bread sticks. You can also follow this base recipe for garlic bread by adding fresh garlic or garlic powder. In this cheesy bread stick recipe you can increase or decrease the amount of cheese as per your family's taste.
	Vegetable Lasagna-Lasagna is usually stuffed with different fillings, topped with sauce and a layer of cheese, and baked. For this recipe I have used wheat and semolina lasagna. I have layered the lasagna with assorted vegetables in white sauce, topped it with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, and baked it in the oven. This delicious Italian delicacy can be served as main course. Enjoy this rich Italian lasagna ..
	Chili Paneer Pizza–During my last visit to India I experienced that Fusion food is extremely popular these days....A great example is Chili Paneer Pizza -- Pizza is an Italian dish, While Chili Paneer is an Indo-Chinese fusion delicacy. So Chili Paneer Pizza represents fusion cooking from three different culinary traditions!
	Halloween Pizza -There are plenty of shapes and characters you can design on your Pizza. These are a few of the designs and characters my daughter created on mini pizzas. It is fun to work with kids... so make your kiddo's favorite design on the pizza with them...You can make this pizza from scratch or use store bought pizza base. Size of the pizza can also vary...Here are few ideas.....
	Pasta Salad– My brother loves salads. He has been asking me to upload some new varities of salad. So here we are on my brother's special request - Let us make a delicious and healthy Pasta Salad. I have used semolina penne pasta, and some home grown veggies. Please feel free to use your favorite veggies.....
	Almond Biscotti -Grilled fruits, ice creams, cakes, Biscotti’s, etc., are some of the very popular Italian desserts. This is an eggless recipe for almond biscotti. Biscotti’s are light desserts, and can easily be made at home. Follow the recipes below and please do not hesitate to write to me if you have any questions....
	Pasta in Pesto Sauce-Pesto is a very popular Italian sauce made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese and olive oil. Pesto is traditionally prepared in a marble mortar and pestle. Penne is a very famous variety of pasta that can be easily found in most supermarkets. So try delicious Penne with Pesto sauce.....
	Tomato Salad -Italians like to include a lot of fresh veggies in their meals, and salad is a best way to do that. This is a traditional Italian salad. Make this salad with freshest tomatoes, basil leaves, and with Italian dressings. This salad can be served with any crusty bread and also with pasta in alfredo sauce…...
	Thin Crust Pizza -Pizza is one of the most popular food on planet Earth. There are uncountable variations of pizza. Here is the recipe of Pizza dough, the tomato sauce to top the pizza and vegetarian toppings;-It is your turn to choose. You can use the same dough to make pan pizza, thin crust pizza or even stuffed pizza. So go wild and make a one you like. And please do not hesitate to write to me for any questions…....
	Minestrone -Minestrone is a rich, thick soup made with assorted veggies, beans, a kind of pasta, and herbs. The word minestrone has actually come from the Latin word “minestrare” meaning “to serve” or “to dish up”. This soup is a perfect combination of vitamins, protein.....
	Bruschetta -Bruschetta is an Italian appetizer made with grilled bread topped with ripe tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and seasoned with salt and black pepper. This is a basic recipe of bruschetta snack. One can make different version of this delicious starter by topping with mushrooms, olives, etc….
	Black Eye Beans Salad - This salad is a good source of Vitamins and Proteins and also dietary fibers. This salad has beans, veggies and the dressing of olive oil and hint of basil leaves.This is an easy to make salad. If you are tired of eating fried food ;make this healthy and delicious salad.…
	Fruit Salad With Strawberry Glaze–This is a delicious fruit salad preparation. You can select the fruits based on whatever is available in your part of world. The strawberry glaze gives a wonderful taste to this fruit salad. Try out this delicious salad and don't forget to write your comments....
	Baked Macaroni With Marinara sauce-There are different ways to make baked Macaroni. I like to bake elbow Macaroni in marinara sauce with Parmesan cheese and then top it with Mozzarella cheese and bread crumbs. I have used wheat Macaroni for this dish to make it healthier. ......
	Rotini with vegetables-Rotini is a helix or corkscrew shaped pasta. This pasta dish is a very nutritious as it has veggies in it and it is seasoned with red chili flakes which provide an additional zing. Try out this hot pasta and do not forget to write your valuable comments....
	Spaghetti Alfredo-Spaghetti is a very common variety of pasta. This is an easy to make recipe for spaghetti in Alfredo sauce. Alfredo sauce is made with butter, fresh heavy whipping cream, and Parmesan cheese. You can also add nutmeg or black pepper to season the sauce. Try out this exotic Italian pasta dish.........
	Penne With Marinara sauce-Penne is a very famous variety of pasta that can be easily found in most of the supermarkets. Marinara sauce is an easy to make sauce. This sauce is made of fresh Roma tomatoes, flavored with fresh basil leaves, and seasoned with freshly ground black pepper and salt. So try delicious Penne with Marinara sauce....
	Pizza sauce-Pizza sauce are easily available in most of the grocery stores, but nothing can beat freshly made pizza sauce...Making fresh pizza sauce at home is very easy. Here we are with an easy to follow recipe for pizza sauce.......
	Paneer Tikka Pizza - Pizza- One of the most popular food on planet Earth. There are uncountable variations of pizza. Here is the recipe of Paneer Tikka Pizza... There is no such thing in an Italian menu but this is an Indian Variation of Pizza. Fusion cuisine is so popular these days and this is one of the most admired examples......Give it a shot !
	Marinara sauce- Marinara sauce is an easy to make sauce. This sauce is made of fresh Roma tomatoes, flavored with fresh basil leaves, and seasoned with freshly ground black pepper and salt. Marinara sauce can be used for baked delicacies as well as pasta dishes......