When we think of Italian cuisine, we immediately imagine the full-bodied smell of a tomato sauce bubbling on the stove, the salty taste of freshly sliced prosciutto, and lots and lots of cheese, from soft and creamy mozzarella to sharp and nutty Parmigiano-Reggiano. The Italian no-nonsense attitude to food is rooted deep down in their kitchen culture, and knowing how to cook at least a few authentic Italian dishes is a must for any home cook.