Breadsticks are one of the most commonly used items in Italian cuisine. They have an infinite number of pairings and ways to be eaten. Italian breadsticks generally are made in pencil-sized crisps that are dry baked bread. They are also commonly called grissini in Italy.
The History of Breadsticks
Breadsticks are believed to have originated in the year 1643, where it was still described as a bone-thin bread that was made in the outskirts of Turin. Traditionally it’s been stated that it originated in the Piedmont region and was invented by a baker named Antonio Brunero. Supposedly, it was easier to digest by Duke Victor Amadeus 2nd of Savoy, who’d grown up with digestive issues from his childhood days. Breadsticks were easier to digest and crunchy, making it extremely snack-worthy when one has random pangs of hunger.
Today, however, breadsticks are a favorite in Italian-American restaurants that are used as an appetizer that invokes hunger for the upcoming main course of Calabrian food. Breadsticks such as the real Torino breadsticks are combined with prosciutto and eaten as hors d-oeuvres. Breadsticks can also be topped with butter, garlic, and a variety of different kinds of cheese. They make really good appetizers.
Breadsticks Pairings
The Ultimate Pairing – Soup & Breadsticks
Breadsticks are best paired alongside soup. Breadsticks and soups are by far the yummiest combination of foods that the world has seen. In fact, Breadsticks to soup is what cheese is to pasta. Every hearty bowl of soup made in Italy is served hot with crisp, crackling flavored breadsticks that make a hearty combination that satisfies the soul and settles one’s tummy.
For days that you feel like a quick hearty soup is all you need or have the energy to make after a long day’s work, real Torino breadsticks are what one wishes to attain alongside the soup of your choice. You may be wondering where to buy grissini breadsticks easily? If you are situated in the US, all you have to do is make a search on the internet, and it will take you to the right Italian food store, and you’ll be able to get a hold of a plethora of different times of breadsticks and grissini for your liking.
Breadsticks with Pasta & Salad
Breadsticks make an ideal pairing with meals such as salad and pasta as well. They can be cut into many minute pieces just as a crouton and be used as a crouton in salads. If you have a sauce heavy pasta dish, then one way to finish up the sauce is by using breadsticks in the sauce and enjoying the sauce’s flavors.
Breadsticks with Sweet
One of the other ways to enjoy breadsticks is through sweet combinations. Italians are heavy on producing their own family jams and melted chocolate. They pride themselves on the use of fresh produce to make their own jellies, jams, and chocolate dips. If you are interested in a quick snack idea, then make sure to pair breadsticks along with some of the best jams and chocolate dips that Italy has to offer.
Bread Etiquette Associated with Breadsticks
Most breadsticks are made using sweet dough and, therefore, do not require any form of butter. However, if you prefer to use butter along with your breadsticks, etiquette states that you use bread on the entire length of the bread or at the ends of the bread keep buttering as you go along eating them.
Etiquette also requires that if you choose to eat breadsticks, then in order to avoid dropping excessive crumbs while eating, one breaks the breadstick into two separate halves and eats your way through the halves. Be extremely gentle as you break the breadstick in two.
There are numerous ways to enjoy Italian breadsticks, and this article suggests at least 5 of those ways. Make sure to try using these breadsticks in these various ways, and you will surely enjoy the recipes that you come up with.
