Antipasto refers to the traditional first course of a formal Italian meal, which is usually bite-size food that's served before the meal. In English, you call it appetisers and the French call it hors d'oeuvres. Different names also define the different characteristics, uses of ingredients based on region and traditional elements that go into the dosh.
The term antipasto is generally used when the meal is generally focused on Italian cuisine. In it, cured meat, exotic cheese, pickled vegetables, bruschetta cheese, bread and olive oil are placed together, creating a sense of communal dining.
If you want to add a sense of togetherness or unity to your family gatherings or potluck parties, antipasto is one of the best ways to do that. Plus, you can create many recipes with antipasto ingredients to bring the seasonal flavours to the table in the most eccentric Italian fashion.
7 Antipasto Recipes For Summer Indulgence
1) Summer Antipasto Salad
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The Summer Antipasto Salad includes all your favourite summer veggies tossed in flavoured olive oil along with bits of meat. You can include pepperoni, salami, crispy bacon, pieces of chicken or protein. Vegetables like bell peppers, olives, tomatoes and Brussels sprouts are the main elements.
2) Tomato Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a lovely starter for the bite-sized delicacy that isn't messy and can add vigour to the party. Topping it with grilled tomatoes along with cheese shreds and olive oil is how you make this crowd-pleasing antipasto.
3) Fried Zucchini Blossoms
Zucchini blossoms taste great as the mercury gets up with the heat. Stuffed with creamy mozzarella, slathered with flavoured batter and fried in piping hot oil to crispy golden perfection is how these soft blossoms get a quirky revamp.
4) Grilled Artichokes
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Grilled artichokes add a savoury touch to the summer antipasto platter. The smokiness that comes from grilling is unmatched by any other dish. As the artichoke leaves cook slowly on the heat, they get a delicious, tender texture and are sprinkled with olive oil and sea salt, enhancing their natural sweetness.
5) Focaccia Bread
Focaccia bread, with its many possibilities, can be a star ingredient to hold up the tons of dips and starter options presented on the table. With its beautiful canvas, it allows you to create many delectable designs on top that pop up after being baked to perfection.
6) Grilled Vegetables With Greek Yoghurt
Grilled vegetables offer a versatile element to the antipasto menu with its countless choices. Vegetables like zucchini, carrots, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, eggplant, etc. can all be presented in an indulging way, paired with flavoured Greek yoghurt.
7) Italian Falafel
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While falafel is a Mediterranean dish, it gets an elegant Italian touch with the classic Italian ingredients. In this recipe, the savoury chickpea fritters get infused with Italian herbs like basil and oregano, creating a flavourful bite. They're perfect for dipping in creamy tzatziki or marinara sauce.
Whether you are planning a summer outing or want to create something special for the party, these antipasto recipes are a must-have.