Italian food is enjoyed across the globe, and if you've dined at a restaurant that serves this cuisine, your dish has likely contained three core ingredients. These are the foundation of many flavor profiles and are crucial to know both when dining out and cooking at home. Below, you’ll find a complete guide to each, including ways to enjoy them.

What Are the Most-Used Italian Food Ingredients?

1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are the most recognizable Italian food ingredient. They’re used to craft delicious pizza sauces, decadent sauces for pasta dishes, and toppings. Tomatoes were initially grown in South America and were brought back to Italy by explorers. Spain, which controlled Italy in the 16th and 17th centuries, encouraged the use of tomatoes in Italian cuisine. They were often used as a replacement for expensive spices that weren’t always available.

2. Garlic

While usually not visible, garlic is a prominent flavor. It was initially used for medicinal purposes in Asia; it eventually made its way to Rome. Because it was cheap, it was widely used in Italian food in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was often simmered in olive oil, used to create sauces like agliata, served in bagna cauda, and even utilized in ice cream.

3. Olive Oil

Olive trees are found throughout the Mediterranean, which is why olive oil is widely used in Italian food. Romans utilized it for cooking, fueling lamps, and religious ceremonies. You can dip bread in it; use it to fry, sauté, bake, and grill foods; and create olive oil-based marinades.

If you’re hungry for delicious Italian food in the Bronx, NY, area, stop by  Emilio’s of Morris Park. This favorite dining destination offers a variety of mouth-watering dishes. Try their famous pizza, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and traditional Italian cuisine. They offer pizza catering and delivery services, so call (718) 822-6758. You can explore their full menu online and connect on Facebook for news and updates. Emilio’s app is easy to download for stress-free ordering: text “Emilios” to 33733 to download the free ordering app.