Today I Learned: Spaghetti and Meatballs Aren’t Actually Italian

It’s easy enough to understand that the dry, doughy pancake you get from Pizza Hut isn’t actually authentic Italiana, but spaghetti and meatballs? My whole life is a lie.

It all started, apparently, with the mass Italian migration to America in the late 1800s/early 1900s, according to Smithsonian Mag. Back in the homeland, pasta was considered more of an appetizer than an entrée and “meatballs” (called “Polpettes”) were made with at least half bread and half meat, because meat was considered a luxury. Over on this side of the pond however, families generally made more and food was generally cheaper, which allowed Italian-American women to get a little bit fancier and a little bit more creative with their dinners. The result? Meatballs the size of baseballs, and larger portions of carbs – to appease the palates of the Anglo-American diners who were used to eating large amounts of potatoes.

If you were to head to Italy, moreover, chances are you wouldn’t be able to order a plate of spaghetti and meatballs, unless you’ve wandered right into a tourist trap. Next you’re gonna tell me that nachos aren’t Mexican. Wait what? Really? Are you sure? Jesus.

Check out the whole history for yourself at blogs.smithsonianmag.com.

PicThx Local Spice Jamaica