Al forno facts for kids
Al forno (pronounced "al FOR-noh") is an Italian phrase. It means "baked in the oven." When you see "al forno" on a menu, it means the food has been cooked in a hot oven. This cooking method makes food delicious and often gives it a crispy top.
Many popular Italian dishes are made al forno. These include tasty pizzas, different kinds of bread, and especially pasta dishes. One very famous al forno pasta dish is lasagna.
Sometimes, pasta for al forno dishes is boiled a little first. Then it is baked in the oven. This makes the pasta very soft. Some Italians prefer their pasta a bit firm, called "al dente". But for al forno dishes, a softer texture is often desired.
The History of Oven-Baked Foods
For a long time, people in Southern Italy have used special ovens. These ovens often burn wood and have open flames. Many Italian restaurants today still use these traditional ovens for their al forno dishes.
Traditional Ovens in Italy
Ovens made from brick or clay have been important for cooking for centuries. They are common in many parts of the Mediterranean and Middle East. Wood was the main fuel for these ovens in Europe for a very long time.
A typical oven you might see in an Italian restaurant is lined with bricks. It has a rounded opening where food goes in. Chefs use a long wooden paddle to place food right in the middle of the hot oven. This helps cook the food evenly and perfectly.
See also
In Spanish: Al forno para niños
