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Guide to Antipasto: Italian Appetizers that Come Before the Meal


By Scordo.com - a practical living, how to, food, and personal finance blog. (Visit website)



(photo: varied olives and cheeses)



What is Antipasto and What Does it Include?

Antipasto literally means "before the meal" and varies from province to province in Italy.  Similar to French hors d'oeuvres or Spanish tapas, antipasto is a combination of small bites of tasty food, usually accompanied by wine (see our wine basics guide) or beer and meant to stimulate the appetite before sitting for the main meal.

(photo: Creminelli Tartufo salame)

The rule of thumb for Italian anitpasto is that there are no rules.  You could probably make an Italian antipasto from some basic, yet high quality, ingredients in your fridge and pantry.  Typically, antipasto includes any combination of the following items: 

Salumi (see our review of Creminelli and Columbus Artisan)Cheese (see our guide to southern Italian cheeses)OlivesBreadOil or vinegar cured and/or pickled vegetables (sun dried tomatoes, eggplant, carrots, cauliflower, etc.) Roasted peppers (see our roasted peppers recipe)Grilled eggplant (see our classic grilled eggplant recipe)Tiny arancini (see our recipe), calzoncini, potato croquets (see our recipe) or other fried delicacies Canned fish (such as tuna, sardines, or anchovies), etc.

(photo: Creminelli Americano and Musica salame)



 
(photo: varied salame, including Creminelli and Columbus Artisan)

  
(photo: the salumi antipasto include Creminelli Tartufo, Musica, and Americano)

Scordo's Favorite Antipasto

My favorite type of antipasto is simple and straightforward and includes:

Two-three assortments of cured meats, including a Cacciatore, Capicola, and ham (usually Prosciutto di Parma)A few cheeses; usually a hard cheese like Grana Padano and a semi-soft like Caciocavallo or Scamorza. See my Guide to Southern Italian Cheese for more information.OlivesA fresh baguette or one day old bread that has been sliced thin and toasted with salt, pepper, dry oregano, and olive oil. 








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