Are you looking for a great new cuisine to feature at your next cooking event? Two of the most popular styles of cooking in the United States are Italian and Spanish. But it’s very easy to get these styles confused. In fact, you may have them so mixed up in your mind that you end up producing a mishmash that isn’t a satisfactory example of either style. There are a couple ways to go about learning how to cook for each. One is to take a cooking class or two at someplace like Cozymeal. The second is to self teach via the internet, cookbooks and trial and error.

The first thing you want to do is have a clear idea of what kind of style you are cooking. This is the way to produce excellent, completely authentic examples of your favorite cuisine. So before you begin, it’s essential to have a clear idea of the differences of Italian cooking and Spanish cooking.

Spicy Sausages are Your First Point of Departure

So where do the differences of Italian cooking and Spanish cooking begin? Some say it’s all in the mix. The spicy Spanish Chorizo is a staple in this nation’s cooking. This is the ingredient that gives Spanish sausages a completely different texture and flavor than their classic Italian counterparts. If you want to cook a plate of sausages in the Spanish style, this is the first ingredient that you need to feature.

Cheeses are Another Major Point of Difference

Another one of the signal differences of Italian cooking and Spanish cooking comes when you consider cheeses. Manchego cheese, sliced in extremely thin portions, is the national style of Spain. Italian cheeses are very different. If you are more familiar with Romano and Parmesan cheese, it’s because you have previously favored Italian cuisine very heavily.

Making the adjustment to Manchego cheese in the Spanish style may be a leap but it’s one that is well worth the effort for you to make. On the other hand, if you are familiar with Spanish but not Italian cuisine, a timely slice of Romano may just expand your horizons in a way that your palate will thank you for.

Spanish and Italian Appetizers are Often Worlds Apart

The list of differences of Italian cooking and Spanish cooking is long and detailed. Another major difference comes when you consider the types of appetizers that are favored in each realm. Light, airy dishes such as tortillas are a staple of Spanish cuisine. They can be spiced up to the level you desire in order to provide a quick, refreshing burst of flavor before you sample the main course.

Italian appetizers, such as stuffed pasta shells, tend to be spicier and quite a bit richer. If you’re trying to watch your weight, this is the exact sort of difference that you would do well to take into account. It’s a good idea to exercise your power of moderation when taking in a plateful of these tasty treats.

Spanish and Italian Hams are Another Major Difference

One of the most distinctive differences between Italian and Spanish cooking is the way that they choose to cook their ham. Spanish cuisine favors the Serrano style of ham. Parma ham is the favorite style of Italian culture. Both of these hams have their similarities, such as their ability to be eaten as a stand alone menu item. However, there are important divergences that should not be ignored.

Italian cooking and Spanish cooking are two of the world’s most desirable cooking styles. When you master the differences between Spanish cooking and Italian cooking, you will be able to call yourself a truly world-wise master of cuisine. This is one area where you have many tasty hours of experimentation to look forward to.