antipasto
Noun: 1. A course of appetizers in an Italian meal: A selection of small, savory dishes served before the main course (primo or secondo) in traditional Italian dining. It is designed to stimulate the appetite and often includes a variety of cold items such as cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, and olives.
The word "antipasto" is used as a countable noun to refer to the appetizer course itself or to a specific dish served as part of that course. It is a standard term in the context of Italian cuisine and restaurants. - It is typically served at the beginning of a meal. - It can be a single shared platter for the table or individual portions.
- We started our dinner with a delicious antipasto of prosciutto, mozzarella, and roasted peppers.
- The restaurant offers a seafood antipasto featuring marinated calamari and shrimp.
- For the first course, I ordered the antipasto misto, which was a beautiful assortment of Italian cold cuts and pickled vegetables.
- "Antipasto platter" or "Antipasto misto": Refers to a large, shared assortment of various antipasto items, often presented on a single plate or board. "Misto" means "mixed" in Italian.
- The antipasto platter was so generous it could have been a meal on its own.
- Antipasti (noun): The plural form of "antipasto."
- The table was covered with several different antipasti for us to try.
- Antipastaria (noun): An establishment or counter specializing in selling antipasti, similar to a salumeria or a delicatessen.
- Appetizer: A general term for a small dish served before a meal.
- Starter: Another general term, commonly used in British English.
- Hors d'oeuvre: A French term for a small, savory bite served before a meal, often at parties.
While "antipasto" is a type of appetizer, it is specifically tied to Italian culinary tradition. The direct translation from Italian is "before the meal" (anti- meaning "before" and pasto meaning "meal"). It is distinct from the primo (first course, usually pasta or soup) and the secondo (main course, usually meat or fish).
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a course of appetizers in an Italian meal
