The Authentic Italian Meal
Ingredients Comprising the Authentic Italian Meal
While Italian food certainly includes a number of ingredients (such
as artichokes, anchovies, asparagus, and a variety of cheeses);
the most common ingredients in Italian cooking are, coincidentally,
reflected in the colors of the Italian Flag ...
RED for the tomatoes used in pastas, sauces, and marineras; WHITE
for the liberal use of garlic
(quick health tip!)
and mozzarella cheeses; and GREEN for the use of the falvorful
frequency of Italian herbs such as oregano, basil and parsley.
Breaking Down the Authentic Italian Menu
- Antipasti -
The first part of Italian meals. The appetizer course usually
served with light toasted bread, rubbed with a garlic clove, and
drizzled with olive oil, known as bruschettas (or crostinis when a
topping is added).
- Primi -
The second portion of an authentic Italian meal. Soups or light
pastas are usually served.
- Secondi -
The main dishes, usually served with meat or fish platters.
- Contorni -
The side dishes eaten with the main course usually consisting of
vegetables.
- Dolce -
The "sweet" course equivalent to the American dessert.
