THE TOMATO IN ARAB AND ITALIAN CULTURE: DIFFERENCES AND POINTS IN COMMON

In this article, we will discover how Italian chefs use tomatoes, exploring points in common and differences with Arab cuisine.
 

Italian cuisine: the tomato and its uses

In Italy, the tomato is the main ingredient in a very broad tradition of dishes. From north to south, it is used in sauces, garnishes, preserves and appetisers, enriching the cuisine with its sweet and sour flavours, following the traditional recipes of each region. Much of the heritage of Italian cuisine lies in the quantity of typical dishes that can be found in the various areas of the peninsula. Indeed, for each recipe tomatoes are used in different ways.
 

Tomato paste is only used to add flavour to dishes.

In Italy, tomato paste is an ingredient used to enhance flavour. It is obtained by a process of cooking and concentrating the purée and is used to give body and richness to sauces and dressings, creating a tasty enhancer for many dishes.

The resulting sauce - darker and thicker, with an intense flavour - is used in small doses to give a fuller flavour to recipes that require a long cooking time, such as ragù. When cooking for many people, for example, it can be useful to add tomato paste to the pot along with the tomato sauce, stir, and finally add it to the pasta.

However, adding tomato paste to pasta (or meat) dishes is not the ideal way to enjoy the goodness, freshness and unmistakable aroma of this delicious ingredient.
 

The tomato in Arab culture

In the Arab world, the tomato is equally valued and is found in a variety of recipes. It is often found in fresh, crunchy salads such as Lebanese fattoush, enriched with herbs and spices, or in hearty dishes such as maqluba, a delicious rice, meat and vegetable stew.
 

Traditional and innovative uses.

In many Arab cuisines, tomatoes play a star role in rich and spicy stews, often combined with legumes and meats. One example is bamia, a stew made with lamb okra and tomato and which is characterised by its balance of flavours.

Tomatoes are also used as a base for sauces, soups and garnishes, seasoning couscous and tajine, and for adding a fresh and flavoursome note to fish and seafood dishes. In Arab cuisine, too, the balanced acidity and sweetness of tomatoes help harmonise the flavours of dishes by complementing and elevating the other ingredients.

Tomato: the fruit that unites culinary cultures around the world

Italian and Arab cultures have developed unique ways of incorporating tomatoes into their dishes, exploring the potential of this versatile fruit. Cooking techniques, preparation methods and flavour pairings vary, reflecting the diversity and richness of the two culinary traditions.

As a symbol of freshness and vitality, the tomato is an ingredient that underlines the similarities and differences between Italian and Arab cuisines. In both cultures, it is an expression of a common love for genuine, tasty food, capable of uniting people with the universal language of flavours. Whether in the enveloping aroma of an Italian ragù or in the spicy flavour of an Arab dish, the tomato continues to delight palates and enrich the table with its unfailing presence.

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