Mexican And Italian – Common and Differences

Mexican and Italian cuisine are the world’s most beloved and popular culinary traditions. With a rich history and diverse flavours, these two cuisines have captured the hearts and taste buds of people from all corners of the globe.

From the vibrant spices and bold flavours of Mexican dishes to the comforting and indulgent flavours of Italian classics, both cuisines have unique charm and appeal. Here, we will explore the similarities and differences between Mexican and Italian cuisine, taking a closer look at their origins, ingredients, and signature dishes.

Whether you are a food enthusiast seeking to expand your knowledge or simply looking for your next culinary adventure, join us as we delve into the delicious and fascinating world of Mexican society and Italian cuisine.

What Things Are Common Between Mexican And Italian?

Mexican and Italian cuisines are renowned worldwide for their rich flavours, vibrant colours, and diverse culinary traditions. Both cultures have a deep-rooted history in food, and their cuisines reflect their unique heritage and regional influences. One cannot ignore Mexican cuisine’s bold and spicy flavours that make it distinctive.

From the tangy salsa verde to the smoky chipotle peppers, Mexican dishes are a perfect balance of heat, acidity, and freshness. Using traditional ingredients like corn, beans, chillies, and avocados further enhances the authenticity of the cuisine. You can find it interesting to get things in common between Mexico and Italian; let’s see what things are common:

Origin

Mexico is a Latin country situated or located in the American subcontinent; it has nearly a relationship with the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. Therefore, some have a confusing or mixed history; however, Italy has a small national region. Italy and Mexico were under the same colonial rule for many years, making things in common.

The long American rule there sometimes makes people think both countries have a Latin origin. Moreover, Italy had a great and developed civilization from ancient times, so some experts refer to the Mexican people as Italians while talking about their origin.

Country Flags

Much to your surprise, both country flags have the same three colours and they are orangish-red, white, and green. But one day, both countries use the same flag on the calendar on the 8th of November because the one common flag goes hand in hand, showing their unity.’

When South Mexico and Southern Italy used to be part of the same country, they shared the same flag, but it got separated when the countries became two individuals. They share the same flag on the occasion of Joomla.

Architecture Of Buildings

If you have visited both countries or seen their heritages and monuments on TV or the internet, you will find many similarities in their architectural taste. The reason behind it is pretty simple: the previous similar origin and the locations on the Earth. If you ever roam around in some North or South Mexico areas, you will sometimes feel like travelling around South Italy. Anyway, the architecture of both countries’ ancient buildings will witness their long-civilized cultures.

Culture

As they are two separate countries, these countries have many differences in cultural things, but the same origin makes them similar on some grounds of cultural aspects. For instance, in both countries, people are fun-loving and spend their leisure time partying; moreover, people in the two countries are very friendly.

You will find similarities in their singing, dancing, and drama styles because their cultural tastes are more alike. Though English pop culture and Hollywood are affecting worldwide culture, the folk traditions of Italy and Mexico are quite similar, and you may get confused sometimes.

Food

If you’re not even a citizen of Italy or Mexico, you can taste their foods in the nearest restaurants because both continental dishes are famous worldwide. However, if you check their main meal items, you will find the priority of meat everywhere, which comes from the Middle East.

Their cereals or carbohydrate-based foods are usually pizza and pasta with a load of cheese and many other seasonings. Moreover, you will find similarities in the usage of spices, especially when it comes to peppers. Plant-based foods like capsicum, jalapeno, and others are sometimes common in Italian and Mexican cuisines; you can enjoy them anywhere.

Language

The minority languages in both countries are different, but if you hear their accent while talking, you will find some similarities in their way of talking. However, you may find Spanish speakers in both countries because they once were in the Spanish colony. You can find language diversity in both countries because people from all over the world have settled there. You will find a different version of the language if you encounter an Italian-Mexican.

Games And Sports

Some games or athletic practices have become international, and those are being played everywhere, but one sport among them has become the most enthusiastic one. People from both countries from all walks of life enjoy that, and their favourite sport there is soccer or football. Both of the country’s national football teams have encountered for some time in the FIFA World Cup, which is held once every 4 years.

Moreover, they play in domestic and other international tournaments, and the people of both countries support their teams with great hopes. However, you will find many things in common between the Italian and Mexican cultures in the countries of the Indian subcontinent or the South Asian nations.

What Things Are Different Between Italian And Mexican: Make a List

Mexico and Italy are different countries located in different areas with some differences because they are individuals. Let’s see the differences between Italian and Mexican. In addition to culinary differences, the architectural styles in Mexico and Italy vary significantly. Italy is famous for its ancient Roman ruins, medieval castles, and Renaissance palaces, which exude grandeur and historical significance.

Difference #1

If you want to differentiate between the two countries, you should know that Italy is part of a huge Europe; the currency running there is Euro. Moreover, you can travel anywhere in Europe with an Italian passport. On the other hand, Mexico is a Latin American country and much larger than Italy.

Difference #2

If you see the economic comparison between Italy and Mexico, you must keep the first one ahead because it’s much more developed and financially solvent than Mexico. The per capita income, Gross Domestic Production, and other economic things are better than Mexico; it may be because Italians are productive and entrepreneurs mostly, but the profession of Mexicans is monotonous.

Difference #3

The flags of both countries have the same colour, and the orders of major ones are the same, but the difference is the Italian has three equal portions of colour. On the other hand, the white portion of the Mexican flag is the widest; moreover, the white portion has a round symbol.

However, that’s the primary and only difference between the Italian and Mexican flags. However, you can identify them at one glance. The population density and percentage of women may be nearly the same. But the unemployment problem is bigger in Italy (12%). Conversely, Mexico has fewer unemployed people than Italy (4.4%).

Difference #4

The food of both countries is slightly different because Mexican people use mostly vegetable oil, whereas Italians use mostly olive oil. Mexican foods have more spices and are richer than Italian foods. These spices add depth and complexity to the flavours and reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Difference #5

You will see that the Italians use lean meat, especially chicken, in most cuisines; on the other hand, Mexicans use red meat in most dishes. However, you can see some small differences in the dishes of the two countries. There is a difference between their languages because American English and traditional Mexican are usually preferable in Mexico. But some people from mixed ethnicity speak Spanish too.

On the other hand, Italian or Spanish is orally used in Italy. Still, literate people can use English when needed, although their accents differ from the original version. Some national cultures have days of celebrations. Festivity differs in both countries because they are individual and belong to two continents.

Sometimes, getting something different from both nations becomes difficult, especially since some foreign prime ministers usually get confused between the flags. And people often get confused about the cuisines.

Mexican and Italian Salsa Verde

On the other hand, Italian cuisine is all about simplicity and quality ingredients. Italian cuisine celebrates the ingredients’ natural flavours, from classic dishes like pasta alla carbonara to the iconic pizza Margherita. Here’s a recipe for Mexican Salsa Verde that features Italian flavours:

Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon chilli powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
• Pinch of salt
• 2 large bunches of green onions, white and green parts, chopped
• 2 canned chipotle peppers in adobo marinara sauce, chopped (more or less to taste)
• 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup capers, drained and rinsed
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)

Directions: In a medium bowl, combine garlic, olive oil, cumin, chilli powder, coriander and salt. Stir in green onions, chipotle peppers and vinegar. Let stand for 10 minutes to let the flavours blend. Add capers and parsley; mix well.

Mexican Oregano Vs Italian Oregano

Mexican oregano and Italian oregano may share a name, but they differ in flavour and culinary uses. It has a stronger, more pungent flavour than Italian oregano, which is milder and sweeter. Mexican oregano is commonly used in Mexican and Latin American cuisines, adding a citrusy and earthy taste to dishes like salsas, moles, and chilli.

On the other hand, Italian oregano is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, lending its aromatic and slightly bitter flavour to pizza, pasta sauces, and herb blends like Italian seasoning. While they may be similar in name, these two varieties of oregano bring unique flavours to the table and can greatly enhance the authenticity of different regional dishes.

Conclusion

The fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisine is a delightful and unique combination of various flavours and dishes. From the spicy kick of jalapeño pepper in a traditional lasagna to the savoury blend of cilantro and basil in a pasta dish, this fusion allows for endless experimentation and creativity in the kitchen. Whether you’re a fan of Mexican, Italian immigrants, or both.

The fusion of these two culinary worlds will surely please your palate and satisfy you. So next time you plan a dinner menu, consider incorporating elements of both cuisines for a truly delicious and memorable meal.

Frequently Asked Questions