pollo alla parmigiana
Chicken parmesan in Italian is pollo alla parmigiana.
This phrase refers to a dish consisting of breaded chicken breast topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese. While English speakers use the name 'chicken parmesan', the Italian name pollo alla parmigiana refers specifically to the style of preparation used for the dish.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'chicken in the Parmigiano style' or 'chicken in the style of Parma'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say pollo parmigiana, omitting the 'alla' (in the style of). In Italian, the preposition alla is required to connect the protein to the style of preparation.
Did you know?
- While 'chicken parmesan' is a staple of Italian-American cuisine, you will rarely find a dish called pollo alla parmigiana on a traditional menu in Italy.
- In Italy, the term parmigiana is most famously associated with eggplant, specifically the dish melanzane alla parmigiana, rather than chicken.
- The word pollo comes from the Latin pullus, which originally referred to any young animal rather than specifically a chicken.
Examples in context
- Vorrei ordinare il pollo alla parmigiana.I would like to order the chicken parmesan.
- Il pollo alla parmigiana di questo ristorante è ottimo.This restaurant's chicken parmesan is excellent.
- C'è il pollo alla parmigiana nel menù?Is there chicken parmesan on the menu?
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are looking at a restaurant menu.
- MatteoCosa prendi, Chiara?What are you getting, Chiara?
- ChiaraPrendo il pollo alla parmigiana.I'll have the chicken parmesan.
- MatteoOttima scelta, è il mio piatto preferito.Great choice, it's my favorite dish.
- ChiaraAllora ordiniamo due pollo alla parmigiana.Then let's order two chicken parmesans.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pollo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
