194. Italian Food Rules: The Pizza & Pasta Police Are Real

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In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso discuss the significance of preserving Italian recipes and the consequences of not adhering to culinary traditions.

Pizza Napolitana and the AVPN:

• The hosts introduce the Associazione Verace Pizza Napolitana (AVPN), an organization dedicated to preserving the authentic technique of pizza making in Naples.
• They discuss the specific requirements for cooking certified pizzas, including dough preparation, cooking time, and ingredients.
• The AVPN employs “pizza agents” to ensure compliance with standards, risking delisting for non-compliant pizzerias.

Cacio e Pepe Controversy:

• A British website, UK Good Food, published a recipe for Cacio e Pepe with incorrect ingredients, sparking outrage among Italians.
• The recipe included butter and parmigiano, deviating from the traditional ingredients of pasta, pepper and pecorino
• The President of Italy’s Restaurant Association sent a letter to UK Good Food, leading to a comical turn of events, but finally an acknowledgement of the correct recipe.
• Italian Pride in Traditional Recipes:
• Cuisine bonds Italians to each other, with recipes handed down by generations.
• Italians take deep pleasure in preparing their meals slowly and with the best ingredients possible. They don’t just consume a meal, they linger and enjoy it, and talk about it!
• Italy’s efforts to respect and protect specific foods and recipes through organizations like the DOP are admirable

Link to Pizza Police Site:

Here is link to the AVPN website which explains the school and lists the certified pizzerias around the world.

https://www.pizzanapoletana.org