Antipasto
Antipasto is a traditional Italian first course or appetizer, typically served before the main meal.
Antipasto is a traditional Italian first course or appetizer, served before the main meal to stimulate the appetite. It typically features small savoury items like cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables.
What it is
Antipasto is a standard Italian appetizer, with the name meaning “before the meal.” The singular form is antipasto; the plural is antipasti. It’s designed to be a light, flavourful start to a multi-course meal.
Typical foods
Common antipasto ingredients include cured meats (like prosciutto), cheeses, olives, anchovies, sardines, and pickled or marinated vegetables. Restaurant versions may also include seafood salads or stuffed mushrooms.
Why it matters
In Italian dining, antipasto comes before the primo piatto and sets the tone for the meal. In Canada, it’s a popular choice on Italian restaurant menus and for home entertaining, especially in Italian-Canadian cuisine.
In short
- Antipasto is an Italian appetizer served before the main meal.
- The plural form is antipasti.
- Common items include cured meats, cheeses, olives, and vegetables.
- It’s widely enjoyed in Canada, especially in Italian-Canadian cuisine.
Antipasto is common on Italian restaurant menus and in home entertaining across Canada, especially in Italian-Canadian cuisine.
Quick questions
What does antipasto mean?
What foods are usually in antipasto?
Is antipasto the same as an appetizer?
Sources
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antipastoSupports: Definition as an Italian hors d'oeuvre or first-course plate.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AntipastoSupports: Traditional role as the first course of a formal Italian meal and its purpose to stimulate appetite.
- Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/antipastoSupports: Definition, common ingredients, singular/plural usage, and literal meaning.
- The Spruce Eats — https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-antipasto-4797922Supports: Singular/plural usage, Latin-derived meaning, and traditional role in Italian dining.
- Treccani — https://www.treccani.it/vocabolario/antipasto/Supports: Italian dictionary definition as assorted foods served at the beginning of a meal.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/antipastoSupports: Italian cuisine definition, typical foods, and appetite-stimulating role.
- Cambridge Dictionary — https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/antipastoSupports: Definition as a small amount of food eaten at the beginning of an Italian meal.