scodella

Scodella is an Italian noun meaning a bowl or serving dish, used to hold food at the table, most commonly soup or cereals. It denotes a shallow, round vessel, typically larger than a cup yet smaller than a tureen, and is a common term in everyday Italian dining.

The word is native to Italian and has appeared since the medieval period. Its precise origins are not clearly documented, but it is part of the historical vocabulary for domestic tableware and is widely understood across Italian-speaking regions. In modern Italian, scodella is often contrasted with ciotola, which can refer to larger or deeper bowls, and with tazza for drinking vessels. Regional terms and variants exist.

Scodelle are made in various materials, including ceramic or earthenware for everyday use, and in porcelain, glass, metal, or wood for special occasions or decorative purposes. They come in a range of sizes, from small individual servings to larger family portions, and may be plain or decorated.

In Italian cooking, a scodella is commonly used to serve soup, minestre, pasta dishes with sauce, or breakfast cereals. It is a staple item in kitchens, homes, and restaurants, reflecting the practical role of tableware in everyday dining.

See also: ciotola, piatto fondo, tazza, utensili da cucina.