What starch staple symbolizes Northern Italy, exemplified by Risotto alla Milanese?
Answer
Rice
While pasta made from durum wheat is common across Italy, the core starches that distinguish Northern Italian cuisine away from the Mediterranean diet are rice and cornmeal. Risotto, particularly the saffron-infused Risotto alla Milanese, stands out as a key symbol of the North. This creamy rice preparation is deeply linked to the agricultural history of regions like Lombardy. While polenta (made from cornmeal) is also a staple, rice is the fundamental base for risotto, which is explicitly named as a symbol.

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