In the USA we are accustomed to scarfing down our meals whether we are eating alone or as a family. In Italy eating is an event where families take time to enjoy each others company. There is no rushing the food is appreciated as much as the good company. Meals are seen as a time to spend time with family and friends instead of immediate sustenance. In today's busy life, even in Italy long family meals are reserved for special occasions. The everyday meal may consist of only 2 courses, the first and second course, the side dish and coffee. During the holidays or special occasions meals can last 3 to 4 hours and have at least 4 courses. In this article I will explain the many courses of a traditional Italian Dinner.
First, the Apertivo or apertif is usually enjoyed before one takes part i a large meal. Many popular apertifs are:Campari, Cinzano, Prosecco, Aperol, Spritz and Vermouth.
Second, the Antipasto, which means before the meal, this consists of hot and cold appetizers.
Third, Primo or better known as the first course, will consist of a hot dish like pasta, risotto, gnocchi, polenta or soup.
Next comes Secondo, the second course this is the main dish which is usually fish or meat. Veal, pork and chicken are the most commonly used meats, especially in the northern regions. Beef as begun to become more popular. Wild game is quite popular in Tuscany and local fish is popular to most regions.
Along with Secondo comes Contorno, this is the side dish. It usually consists of the salad or cooked vegetables. The salad is usually eaten along with the main dish.
Next, will be the first dessert. This is the Formaggio e Fruitas, the cheese and fruit. Local cheeses are a very important part of this course. Italian's really love their cheese.
In addition is the Dolce or second dessert. This will contain things that Americans tend to think of more as dessert item. Sweet things such as cakes cookies and puddings.
Now it is time for Caffe, the famous and delicious Italian coffee. Differing from the USA, they have coffee after they have had dessert not with the dessert.
Lastly, they take part in the Digestives. this is when the Italians enjoy their Liqueurs. Some of the most popular ones are: Grappa, Amaro, Limoncello, and Sambuca. These drinks are sometimes added to coffee.
First, the Apertivo or apertif is usually enjoyed before one takes part i a large meal. Many popular apertifs are:Campari, Cinzano, Prosecco, Aperol, Spritz and Vermouth.
Second, the Antipasto, which means before the meal, this consists of hot and cold appetizers.
Third, Primo or better known as the first course, will consist of a hot dish like pasta, risotto, gnocchi, polenta or soup.
Next comes Secondo, the second course this is the main dish which is usually fish or meat. Veal, pork and chicken are the most commonly used meats, especially in the northern regions. Beef as begun to become more popular. Wild game is quite popular in Tuscany and local fish is popular to most regions.
Along with Secondo comes Contorno, this is the side dish. It usually consists of the salad or cooked vegetables. The salad is usually eaten along with the main dish.
Next, will be the first dessert. This is the Formaggio e Fruitas, the cheese and fruit. Local cheeses are a very important part of this course. Italian's really love their cheese.
In addition is the Dolce or second dessert. This will contain things that Americans tend to think of more as dessert item. Sweet things such as cakes cookies and puddings.
Now it is time for Caffe, the famous and delicious Italian coffee. Differing from the USA, they have coffee after they have had dessert not with the dessert.
Lastly, they take part in the Digestives. this is when the Italians enjoy their Liqueurs. Some of the most popular ones are: Grappa, Amaro, Limoncello, and Sambuca. These drinks are sometimes added to coffee.
No comments:
Post a Comment