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An Italian meal
A formal meal in Italy is a succession of courses, with no main course, starting with an antipasto, followed by a first course (primo) of either pasta, risotto, or soup; and a second course (secondo) of meat, poultry, or fish, accompanied by one or two vegetable side dishes (contorni). Then there is a salad (insalata), sometimes cheese, and the meal ends with fruit or dessert (dolce) or both.
Antipasto never played an important part in Italian eating. Not long ago it consisted of only a few slices of prosciutto or salame , and these are still the favorites. Antipasto is meant only to whet the appetite, so do not make too much. For most people in Italy the first course is the most important, and pasta is the favorite food. Although most people prefer the simplest treatment - olive oil and garlic with fresh raw tomato and basil or a dressing of butter melted with sage leaves, sprinkled with freshly grated black pepper and parmigiano reggiano - the versatility of pasta is extraordinary. Risotto, gnocchi and other rice dishes are also versatile. Soups can be a meal in themselves or light and delicate.
With so much coast Italy has a wide range of fish and seafood. Until recently fish was considered to be a Friday dish only, and not grand enough to serve to guests, but now it is one of the most popular foods. Meat and poultry dishes are mostly grills, roasts, and stews; there are lovely game dishes, and offal is particularly good. Egg dishes and vegetable dishes can also be served as a second course. Vegetable dishes are an important part of every meal, so make good use of the repertoire. Salad can be a green salad or cooked vegetables dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.
Cheese is served at the end of the meal in northern Italy, especially in Piedmont, but not usually in the south. At home, dessert is generally fruit, sweets being reserved for special and festive occasions. After fruit or dessert, strong black coffee from a high or after dinner roast may be served in small cups, and perhaps followed with brandy or grappa, an amaro (bitter), anise-flavored sambuca or a sweet wine such as vin santo, accompanied by pastries or biscotti with almonds for dunking. |
Italian recipes from Betterrecipes.com
Better Recipes Italian Recipes
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Bartolino's Meatballs
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These tender meatballs are perfect with fresh pasta sauce or on a hoagie bun with plenty of cheese.
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Vanya Lasagna
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The saucy meat layers of this lasagna contain ground beef, sausage and pepperoni, and there's also a cream cheese-parmesan layer for added richness.
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Penne Bake
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Canned tomatoes with Italian herbs streamline the preparation of this comforting baked pasta dish.
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Bruschetta Chicken
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Crisp chicken cutlets topped with tomato and basil in a light balsamic dressing.
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Spicy Chicken Pasta
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Pasta combined with chili seasoned chicken, olives, tomatoes and garlic is finished off with a white wine sauce for a light and tasty meal.
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Karen's Lasagna
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A four cheese lasagna with ground beef and pepperoni--sure to be a crowd pleaser.
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Portabello Pesto Bacon Pizzas with Artichoke
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Grilled portabello mushrooms filled with bacon, artichokes and a pesto cream cheese sauce for a healthy, low carb mushroom pizza.
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Baked Spinach and Mushroom Ziti
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This baked pasta dish if full of fresh veggies and fresh herbs to make it a full of flavor dish. Topped with melted cheese this dinner can't be beat.
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Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
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Chicken tenderloins are cooked and added to a rich cream sauce along with mushrooms and broccoli. It's served over linguini, sprinkled generously with Parmesan.
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Baked Ziti and Sausage
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A traditional Italian dish--ziti pasta with Italian sausage, a rich tomato sauce and plenty of mozzarella cheese.
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Basil Polenta with Eggplant Ratatouille
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A cooked cornmeal mixture flavored with basil is cut into squares and topped with a sauce of eggplant, onion, tomato and olives.
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Creamy Herbed Chicken and Pasta
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Cubes of chicken breast are combined with squash, mushrooms, peas and pasta a saucy cream cheese mixture.
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Itallian Pie Turnovers
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These crisp sausage, spinach and cheese turnovers are simple when you start with purchased puff pastry.
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Stuffed Chicken Thighs
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Chicken thighs stuffed with sausage and cheese then served with a savory tomato sauce.
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Fra Diavolo Chili
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A flavorful Bolognese sauce adds a great flavor to this veggie packed chili. Onion, eggplant and carrot along with plenty of seasoning what a chili.
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Cheesy Spinach-Stuffed Shells
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Jumbo pasta shells are filled with a mixture of sliced mushrooms, frozen spinach, onion and three cheeses, then baked with pasta sauce and grated cheese on top.
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Polenta with Basil
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Purchased polenta is sliced, browned in olive oil, then served with spaghetti sauce and grated cheese, garnished with basil.
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White Asparagus Risotto & Gouda Cream Sauce
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A creamy risotto with white asparagus, gouda cheese and thin slices of crisp country ham.
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Mushroom Ravioli with Gorgonzola Sauce
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Homemade ravioli is simple when you use wonton wrappers for your pasta. The simple sauce is rich and creamy, but surpisingly low fat.
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This is not your Grandma's Pasta
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Wake up your taste buds with this flavorful combination of anchovies, garlic, cherry tomatoes and herbs.
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