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, typically served before the main meal. The name is commonly explained as meaning “before the meal.” Antipasto usually consists of small savoury items such as cured meats, cheeses, olives, marinated vegetables, and seafood.
Definition and meaning
Antipasto refers to an Italian appetizer or first course served before the rest of the meal. The name is commonly explained as meaning “before the meal.”
Typical foods
Traditional antipasto often includes cured or smoked meats, cheeses, olives, anchovies, sardines, peppers, and fresh or pickled vegetables. In restaurant settings, it may also include more elaborate dishes such as seafood salads or stuffed mushrooms.
Place in an Italian meal
In formal Italian dining, antipasto comes before the primo piatto and other courses. Its purpose is to stimulate the appetite before the main dishes are served.
Language and usage
Antipasto is singular, while antipasti is the plural form. In English, the term is often used broadly for an appetizer platter or starter course. Antipasto is common on Italian restaurant menus and in home entertaining across Canada, especially in Italian-Canadian cuisine.
Key facts
- Antipasto is a standard first course in Italian dining.
- The word is singular; the plural form is antipasti.
- It commonly includes small savoury foods such as cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled or marinated vegetables.
- The term is related to the idea of food served before the main meal.
- Restaurant versions may include more elaborate prepared items such as seafood salads or stuffed mushrooms.
Antipasto is common on Italian restaurant menus and in home entertaining across Canada, especially in Italian-Canadian cuisine.
Frequently asked questions
What is antipasto?
What does antipasto mean?
What foods are usually in antipasto?
What is the plural of antipasto?
Is antipasto the same as an appetizer?
References
- 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.