  Nilma Dole
Besides the Pizza Margharita and the Pizza AL Quattro Formaggi and
the very veggie Pizza Vegetariano dished by Harpo’s Pizza, the healthy
and delicious roasted garlic pizza Pizza con Aglio with additional
ingredients like oregano and mozzarella make it a wonder. `Aglio’
translates in Italian to `garlic’.
 It is one spice-inducing vegetable also used to ward off vampires and
is synonomous in creating very `garlicky’ dishes. However, most of the
garlic flavour exudes from the sauces just like eating pizza with
`garlic oil’ or the more Sri Lankan - `chillie oil’.
 On the other hand, it has been reported that Italians consume garlic
dishes and sauces moderately, because of its health benefits.Says expert
culinary chef and cookbook author Pellegrino Artusi: “The ancient
Egyptians venerated it as a god, perhaps because they had discovered its
medicinal value.
Indeed, it’s said that it provides relief to those suffering from
hysteria, promotes the secretion of urine, bolsters the stomach, aids in
digestion, and, since it cures worms, is a preventive against endemic
and epidemic diseases”. Sri Lankans too, have professed an interest to
garlic as it is similiar to their dishes with garlic with `thuna-paha’
spices that make boring dishes interesting and delicious.
Medical research carried out since Artusi wrote his book in 1891
shows garlic helps lower blood pressure by dilating small arteries and
capillaries (especially in those suffering from arteriosclerosis),
reducing blood sugar levels, which helps those suffering from or
predisposed to diabetes, and improving respiratory functions, especially
in asthmatics and those suffering from emphysema. However, garlic breath
is still an issue so make sure you don’t eat too much of garlic on one
day.
The variations of real authentic types of garlic used in Italian
cooking include Garlic Cream, Minced Garlic, Sliced Garlic and Crushed
Garlic that work wonders!
Winners of Harpo’s Pizza this week:
1. M. Weeraratne, Colombo-13
2. T. Fernando, Negombo
3. N. Kumari, Boralesgamuwa |
