What is Antipasto?
The combination of flavors in Antipasto engages all aspects of our tastebuds, from sweet to salty to sour to bitter to umami. Antipasto, most known for the dish served before the meal itself begins, is a colorful, delicious way to prepare for the coming feast to enjoy with your friends and family. The word “antipasto” is derived from the Latin root “anti” meaning “before” and “pastus,” which means “meal.” Thus, the antipasto course refers to the dish that precedes all the others to come.
When do you eat Antipasto?
Traditionally in Italy to have an antipasto at home. In Italy, the beautifully prepared, decorously arranged plates of sliced, cured meats, and vegetables that Americans typically associate with antipasti are reserved for their special occasions, such as family reunions, celebrations after religious ceremonies, exclusive gatherings of friends, or romantic dinners.
How is Antipasto served?
The Antipasto Italian Americans traditionally eat consists of three components: meat, cheese, and vegetables. It all begins with cured meats, so many different kinds of cheese, artichoke hearts, olives, and peppers. There are several different cured types of meat served on the platter. The most famous is thinly shaved prosciutto. Prosciutto is a fatty cut of meat that is sliced thinly but has a buttery texture. The platter consists typically of natural deli meats of Prosciutto, Mortadella, Soppressata. Pair roasted vegetables with tangy cheeses and
Pair roasted vegetables with tangy cheeses to pair well with your cured meats. For the roasted veggies, vegetables typically used are marinated eggplant, misto artichokes, mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, mixed olives, and roasted peppers. At Bricco Salumeria, we always pair our platters with provolone cheese.
Visit us at Bricco Salumeria!
No matter how basic or lavish, antipasto should always complement the meal you’re planning on serving. The fragrance and appearance of the platter are essential, so the blending flavors, aromas, and colors will make for the most exciting antipasto plates. Are you thinking of bringing an Antipasto platter to your next event? Leave the prepping for us at Bricco Salumeria. Choose from two antipasto platters.