Wine and Food – Roman Style or How I Lost Weight Eating Pasta Everyday

For those of us used to the American Menu, the Roman Menu takes some getting used to.

The general order of the menu is:

Antipasti Appetizers

Primi Piatti Pasta or Rice Dish

Secondi Piatti Meat or Fish

Contorni Salad or Hot Vegetable

Dessert Dessert & Cafe

Guess what, you don’t have to order all five courses! My husband and I generally split a primi and a secondi. Rarely do we order an Antipasto (although Bruschetta in June with fresh tomatoes is our weakness) and we usually ask for just one “insalata” to be served before the Primi Piatti.

In our late 50’s we are looking to lose rather that gain weight. This system lets us try several dishes and not over order or over eat. The Romans use fresh ingredients; little sugar or salt. Portions are smaller than in the US. I even learned to make the tomato sauce made “Roman Style” is called “Amatriciana”.

It starts with bacon browned in olive oil then removed. Onion and garlic are stir fried in this oil until limp but not browned. Add tomato paste and fresh chopped Roma tomatoes. Add a can of water from the tomato paste. Add your seasonings. (I like basil and some red pepper flakes.) Bring to a boil and then turn down to medium heat until the sauce looses about ½ it liquidity. Pour over prepared paste (whole wheat is good) and add the bacon and grated Pecorino. Pass red pepper (peperoncino) flakes for those who like their pasta spicy.

Rome is a foodie’s paradise. We tried everything with the exception of Tripe (considered a specialty of Rome). Some of our favorite dishes were Pasta dei perfume di limone; Paste de Tartufe; Grilled Asparagus and of course Tiramisu.

Yes, we ate our way through Rome…but we walked everywhere….that’s the real reason we lost weight.

PS There is always pizza for the less adventurous!