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When celebrating
an event in Italy and food is involved (which
is almost always the case!), or if you are just
planning an Italian meal at home, whether it
be a casual or formal affair, it is important
to understand the diverse courses that may be
involved with Italian dining. To help you prepare
for your next Italian fest we’ve put together
a list of the multiple courses that can be served
alone or in any combination.
Antipasti: Appetizers
Antipasti literally means “before the
meal”. These dishes play a very important
part in a formal dinner or a celebration.
Primi Piatti: First Courses
This “first dish” often consists
of, a soup, a pasta or a rice dish. Pasta is
the Italian staple and can be prepared in many
ways, such as dried with a simple sauce or made
fresh to layer or stuff with a variety of ingredients.
Risotto, which is the Italian rice dish, is
also often used as a primo piatto. Gnocchi,
which is potato dumpling, can also be served
as a first course.
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Secondi Piatti: Entrees
The secondi piatti, or “second dish”, usually consists of a meat or fish dish. Because an Italian meal is usually started with a pasta dish, this serving is usually small.
Contorni: Vegetables or Side Dishes
Contorni, defined as side dishes, generally consist of the vegetables that will compliment the meat or fish.
Insalata: Salad
Salads in Italy are usually served after the final course, which serves to help digest, refresh and clean the palate before the dessert.
Frutta: Fruit
Normally, a fruit salad or fresh fruit kept cold in a bowl of ice water is served for this course.
Dolci: Desserts
After a typical meal at home with the family; fruit is usually served for dessert, but on special occasions after the fruit dish, a variety of desserts are offered--the most famous being the Tiramisu coffee cake. No Italian meal is complete without with a coffee, almost always an espresso. Many foreigners to the country typically think that cappuccino can follow a meal, however in Italy, it is actually a morning drink and not an after dinner drink.
This brief lesson should help you better plan your next Italian celebration!
Buon Appetito!
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