The origins
Minestrone
minestrone
Some ancient inhabitants of Italian soil, more accurately around modern Tuscany, were the Etruscans. Their typical dishes were cereal soups and meat. Still today Tuscany is widely known for its large use of meat.
Particularly famous is the Fiorentina, a thick tender beef steak cooked on the grill. Minestrone with spelt, lentils, broad beans or chick peas is also very popular winter dish from Tuscany.
Even olive oil, so much a distinctive feature of Italian food, dates back to the Etruscans.
Not to mention their banquets where wine was poured profusely. As widely known, conviviality is still the most important aspect of Italian food culture.