Italian antipasti, consisting of cured meats, cheeses, and vegetables, have gained popularity. Traditional antipasti features fresh mozzarella, cured meats, and vegetables. Bruschetta and caprese are popular dishes, while calamari is an exotic option. Americanized Italian appetizers are also available.
Italian cuisine has been known for captivating diners from all over the world with the sights, smells and tastes of its dishes. While Italian main course dishes can often overshadow their lighter counterparts, traditional Italian antipasti have increasingly developed their own fan base. Italian appetizers typically consist of cured meats and cheeses, along with various types of vegetables. This course is usually served cold and may be accompanied by bread and olive oil. Some non-traditional Italian-style appetizers include fried cheeses, seafood, pasta salads, and different types of salsa.
In Italy, the first course of a meal is known as an antipasto and consists of small portions of cured meats, cheeses, and vegetables. While the types of dishes served vary by region and time of year, many antipasti platters feature fresh mozzarella alongside cured meats such as pepperoni and prosciutto. Types of greens can include olives, artichoke hearts, and sweet peppers known as chile peppers.
This course can also feature different styles of Italian bread served with olive oil for dipping or topped with various types of food. Bruschetta is one of the best known Italian appetizers and consists of a piece of toasted bread seasoned with garlic and olive oil. Bruschetta is often topped with chopped tomato and chilli pepper. Other recipes call for meat and cheese toppings or whatever vegetables the cook has on hand. Bruschetta has become a popular food outside of Italy and is usually eaten before meals or as a snack.
Another Italian appetizer that has gained widespread popularity outside the region is caprese. Caprese is a salad consisting of sliced tomatoes, mozzarella and basil, typically dressed with olive oil. This appetizer can be served alone or over grilled focaccia.
Calamari is a more exotic Mediterranean dish that is often listed as one of the Italian appetizers in restaurants. For this dish, a squid is chopped up, the pieces dipped in batter and fried. In Italy, it can only be served with salt and lemon on the side. In the United States, it is often accompanied by a dipping sauce.
Some US restaurants have developed Italian-style appetizers that blend traditional ingredients with new preparation methods. Fried cheese sticks typically feature breaded and fried mozzarella cheese served with a dipping sauce. Toasted ravioli is also getting easier to find. Many other Americanized Italian appetizers can be found on menus and in grocery stores.
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