Antipasto is the first course of a traditional Italian meal. It can be cold or hot and in Italy is often just one dish, like an appetizer. Antipasti misti, an array of shared dishes (like tapas or mezze) can become a meal in itself, a wonderful way to graze, drink and enjoy the company of friends and family. Here are my favourite antipasto recipes.
Mozzarella Grilled in Lemon Leaves I discovered mozzarella grilled in lemon leaves on the Amalfi coast, where lemons are a way of life. It’s delicious and so very simple to make, especially if you (or a neighbour) have a lemon tree in the backyard. I’ve tried it with fresh fior di latte, but that’s a […]
Vitello Tonnato This elegant Italian version of surf and turf hails from the north-western region of Piedmont. It is delicious, though when prepared correctly not particularly attractive, and its English description of ‘poached veal in tuna mayonnaise’ doesn’t do it justice at all! You have to wonder why anyone would want their veal to taste […]
Raw Artichoke Salad Insalata de carciofi is one of my favourite ways to serve artichokes – simply thinly sliced with a tangy lemon dressing and a little salty cheese. Celery heart adds crunch and a few baby rocket leaves give colour but don’t use too much, let the artichoke be the star, and only use […]
Pancetta-wrapped Grilled Mozzarella Pancetta-wrapped grilled mozzarella is one of those quick-to-assemble dishes that’s perfect for entertaining. Inspired by a dish I used to love years ago at Castelmola restaurant in Leichhardt, the addition of mustard fruit takes this snack from yum to wow! I use Vannella nodini – large, juicy, bite-sized knots of fresh mozzarella […]
Polenta Chips & Stracciatella Join my Small Group Food & Wine Tours of Northern Italy One of the things I love most about travel is discovering new foods, and the find of my first trip to Emilia-Romagna was the soft fresh cheese Squacquerone di Romagna. Guests on my Emilia-Romagna food and wine tour are just […]
Escarole Frittata I first tasted escarole (also called curly endive) when I was backpacking around Italy in the late ’80s and stayed with a family in Campania; my hostess showed me how to cook it with pine nuts and raisins. In Naples it’s often cooked with garlic, anchovies, capers and olives as a filling for […]
Artichoke & White Bean Dip This artichoke & white bean dip is a simple way to enjoy artichokes when you don’t want to go to all the fuss of trimming, removing leaves and scraping out chokes. Use good quality bottled artichokes, preferably stored in oil or acidulated water, not vinegar as that makes the taste […]
Vegetarian Antipasto For many years I worked right up to 24 December, but still looked forward to a relaxed Christmas Day with family and friends around our table. Remember it doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious or impressive. Inspired by travels around the Mediterranean, I like to keep things super simple with platters […]
Figs & Prosciutto Visit a Prosciutto di Parma Producer on my Small Group Italian Food & Wine Tour This recipe is so simple it’s hardly a recipe at all. But I know that’s what you like, especially when friends drop by for a drink and you’re busy but still want to put something delicious and […]
