A Comparative Analysis of Southern European Cuisine: Italian Cuisine or Spanish Cuisine?

    First of all, their historical origin of the food culture which sets them apart from each other. Italian dishes were strongly influenced by the Renaissance era. According to a cook based in Sicily, Gabriella (2024) , “From the Renaissance era, their cuisine was shaped by the Medici family. They love simple and pure dishes combined with Tuscan flavors.”  In the period, food was also based on seasonal and fresh materials, which meant that most Italian cooks would rely on the local ingredients in their dishes. In addition, there are numerous foods introduced to Italy thanks to the Renaissance, such as new crops, potatoes, tomatoes, risotto and pasta. Alternatively, Spanish cuisine was strongly affected by the Moors when they ruled Spain. The Spanish started to incorporate spices into their dishes, like coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper. It is worth mentioning that the most well-known dishes inspired by this period — Paella. It's saffron -flavoured rice with vegetables, rabbit, as well as seafood like clams, mussels, and shrimps. Paella represents the modern Spanish cuisine exudes through its use of spices. Both historical roots explain why Italian and Spanish cuisines remain uniquely different.  

    While Italian cuisine has a more delicate and herbal taste through rosemary and oregano, Spanish cuisine features more aromatic and bold flavors adding bay leaves and fennel seeds. On the one hand, Italian cuisine is based on the concept of the Cucina Povera which means the use of focusing on the use of local and seasonal ingredients to defend their tradition. Meanwhile, its taste will be much more elegant and delicate due to the collaboration with their seasonal ingredients, including lentils and kale. On the other hand, “Mesa y mar” is nicknamed the dining flavor of Spain which means table and ocean, showing the importance of seafood in its dining culture. The Spanish prefer exotic and vibrant flavors, for instance tapas and stews. As a result, these contrasting flavors reveal how each cuisine expresses its own cultural identity and traditional dining custom. 
    Lastly, Italian and Spanish cuisines differ greatly in how they arrange a course. Italian cuisine is a food culture with a formal dining tradition. They serve four to five courses for lunch. Starting from the appetizer, the first course, main course with side dishes, to the dessert. It is also served with smooth and elegant wine rather than stronger wine. Different from Italian dishes, Spanish dishes only present three courses — a starter, a main course, and a dessert. People in Spain prefer ordering shared dishes, such as Spanish garlic shrimp and vegetable stuffed pork tenderloin, with everyone. Similar to Italy, Spain also will combine wine with their meals, but the wine is more intense and bolder. Italian cuisine may appeal more to individuals who prefer ceremonial dishes, whereas those who enjoy lighter and informal dining experience may find themselves naturally choosing Spanish Cuisine.