how do you say main course in italian

What is the Italian food called before the meal?

The antipasto: A traditional Italian meal starts with something to nibble on, called an antipasto, which translates into English as “before the meal.”.

How many sections are there in Italian food?

THE CLASSIC ITALIAN MEAL STRUCTURE. Traditional Italian menus have five sections. A full meal usually consists of an appetizer, first course and a second course with a side dish. It's not necessary to order from every course, but usually people order at least two courses.

What is the Italian food called that is served as an appetizer?

Can include hot and cold appetizers like cheese, sopprasatta, bread, and dressed vegetables. The primo: In Italy, pasta is a first course, or primo, served as an appetizer, not as the main event. Soup, rice, and polenta are the other options for the primo.

What is the final item of an Italian meal?

To close out this intricate, decadent Italian meal, the final item is a digestive alcoholic drink, such as limoncello, amaro, or grappa, which aids with digestion. Buon appetito!

What is an aperitivo course?

Like the French aperitif, this course may consist of bubbly beverages such as spumante, prosecco, or champagne, or wine. The aperitivo is also the appetizer course; small dishes of olives, nuts or cheeses may be available for diners to nibble on while they wait for the next course.

What is the first course of food?

Primi is the first course to contain hot food and is often heavier than antipasti dishes. Generally, primi dishes do not consist of any meat. At the same time, primi dishes may contain fine and luxurious ingredients, such as truffle or seafood. Risotto, gnocchi, soup, lasagne, pasta, or broth are all common primi dishes.

What is the starter course?

This course is commonly considered the “starter.” The antipasti dish will be slighter heavier than the aperitivo. Often times, the antipasti may consist of a charcuterie platter such as salame, mortadella, or prosciutto, served with cheeses and bread; other times, you may find a cold salmon or tuna antipasto, or a bruschetta.

What meats are in Secondi?

Depending on the region, you may have chicken, beef, pork, lamb, or turkey prepared in a variety of different ways , from a sausage to a roast to a grilled meat. In terms of seafood, you might find fish, shrimp, lobster, or some other kind of “meaty” seafood.

What is a Contorni dish?

Contorni. Contorni dishes are served alongside secondi dishes. Common cotorni dishes are vegetable-based, whether raw or cooked. They are served on a different plate than the meat or seafood of the secondi, so as to not mix on a plate and allow for the preservation of the integrity of flavors.