Antipasto (plural antipasti) is the traditional first course of a formal Italian meal.[1] Usually made of bite-size small portions and served on a platter from which everyone serves themselves, the purpose of antipasti is to stimulate the appetite.[2] Typical ingredients of a traditional antipasto include cured meats, olives, peperoncini, mushrooms, anchovies, artichoke hearts, various cheeses (such as provolone or mozzarella), pickled meats, and vegetables in oil or vinegar.

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Antipasto

Antipasti served in a restaurant
Place of origin	Italy
Main ingredients	Any of cured meats, olives, peperoncini, mushrooms, anchovies, artichoke hearts, cheese, pickled meats and vegetables (in oil or vinegar)
Variations	Seafood platter; calamari, mussels, smoked salmon, tuna fish, olives.
Media: Antipasto

The contents of an antipasto vary greatly according to regional cuisine. Different preparations of saltwater fish and traditional southern cured meats (like soppressata or 'nduja) are popular in the south of Italy, whereas in northern Italy it is common to serve different kinds of cured meats and mushrooms and, especially near lakes, preparations of freshwater fish. The cheeses included also vary significantly between regions and backgrounds, and include hard and soft cheeses.

Many compare antipasto to hors d'oeuvre, but antipasto is served at the table and signifies the official beginning of the Italian meal. It may also be referred to as a starter, or an appetizer.

See also

•  Italy portal
•  Food portal
• Cured meat
• List of ancient dishes and foods
• List of hors d'oeuvre
• List of Italian dishes
• Meze
• Tapas
• Zakuski

References

Further reading

• Scicolone, Michele (1998). The Antipasto Table. HarperCollins. ISBN 9780880016278. Retrieved April 20, 2012.

На других языках

[ru] Антипасто