Italian explained
In Italy, dinner is not just dinner – it is an event. A formal Italian meal can be a 10-course gourmet spectacular and even a weekday dinner will include antipasti and a pasta primo before secondi. So if you’re proud of your spag Bol and Italian kisses, prepare to be educated
APERITIVO
Guests are welcomed with a drink – a glass of Prosecco perhaps or a cocktail (Negroni on ice, anyone?) – and a few artfully chosen nibbles. And so it begins …
MISTO
Technically an antipasti platter, Italians are mad about their misto and every region has their own precious varieties, such as bresaola from Lombardy, ham from Parma (duh) and prosciutto from Emilia. Take your pick from these at Woolies.
ANTIPASTI
More substantial than snacks, every great Italian meal starts with small, flavourful bites to whet the appetito. You could just serve crostini, but we have better ideas. Like these.
PRIMI
The first course is soup, pasta or risotto and – importante! – it is served in small portions. But if you're a slave to gluten and can’t hold back, just skip the next course. We would.
SECONDI
This course involves meat or fish and can differ according to the region, but pork is widely available.
CONTORNI
The meat needn’t always be the head of the familia, sometimes the sides are just as important. Just remember to serve the salad after the main course.
INSALATE
If you're serving leafy contorni, you could skip the salad or serve a caprese as part of the antipasto.
DOLCI
The Italian dessert course is typically preceded by cheese (like these) and fruit and followed by caffé, a digestivo like grappa and a nap.
FORMAGGI
Make like a continental and serve a selection of Woolworths’ Italian cheeses with fruit before dessert. (Psst... This chocolate panna cotta is a classic example of an authentic Italian dessert).
BROWSE OUR RECIPE GUIDE AND LEARN HOW TO EAT LIKE AN ITALIAN
Comments