Fish Based Antipasti
Fish plays a very important part in the Italian diet, and there are lots of tasty fish dishes with which to begin the meal!
How To Salt Anchovies
The spring and summer anchovy harvest was vital to Ligurian fishermen, who salted much of the catch to carry them through less abundant times. Here is how they salted (and salt) their anchovies. It's not difficult, and the results are superb.
The spring and summer anchovy harvest was vital to Ligurian fishermen, who salted much of the catch to carry them through less abundant times. Here is how they salted (and salt) their anchovies. It's not difficult, and the results are superb.
Italian Drunken Octopus Antipasto Recipe - Polpo Affogato
Drunken octopus is a slightly more poetic way of saying boiled octopus, and this is one of the standard items in an Italian mixed seafood antipasto. It's also quite easy to do, and if you have access to good quality fresh octopus you'll find yourself making it often.
Drunken octopus is a slightly more poetic way of saying boiled octopus, and this is one of the standard items in an Italian mixed seafood antipasto. It's also quite easy to do, and if you have access to good quality fresh octopus you'll find yourself making it often.
Fried Calamari Recipe - Calamari Fritti
Fried calamari is one of the most classic summer seafood dishes in Italy: golden rings people eagerly squeeze lemon wedges over, and eat quickly for fear that they'll get less than their share of. Fried calamari are hard to beat.
Fried calamari is one of the most classic summer seafood dishes in Italy: golden rings people eagerly squeeze lemon wedges over, and eat quickly for fear that they'll get less than their share of. Fried calamari are hard to beat.
Puff Pastry Shrimp - Gamberini in Sfoglia
This shrimp appetizer is easy to do and looks quite impressive. Perfect for a romantic occasion, or the beginning of an elegant meal.
This shrimp appetizer is easy to do and looks quite impressive. Perfect for a romantic occasion, or the beginning of an elegant meal.
Breaded Mussels with Parsley - Cozze Gratinate al Prezzemolo
This is a simple Apulian recipe for mussels, which will be a nice antipasto, though you could also serve it in addition to a platter of mixed fish, for those who want a change of pace.
This is a simple Apulian recipe for mussels, which will be a nice antipasto, though you could also serve it in addition to a platter of mixed fish, for those who want a change of pace.
Sardine and Curly Endive Tart - Tortino di Alici e Invidia Riccia
This traditional Roman Jewish fish and greens tart is quite tasty, in a zesty sort of way, and you may find yourself making it often, especially when company comes calling, because it is also easy to do.
This traditional Roman Jewish fish and greens tart is quite tasty, in a zesty sort of way, and you may find yourself making it often, especially when company comes calling, because it is also easy to do.
Fried Calamari: The Video
Fried Calamari are quite nice as an antipasto or part of a fritto misto (mixed fried foods), or a fritto di pesce (fish fry). They're also easy to do.
Fried Calamari are quite nice as an antipasto or part of a fritto misto (mixed fried foods), or a fritto di pesce (fish fry). They're also easy to do.
Ray Salad with Chickpeas - Insalata di Razza Con Ceci
As fish go, rays are not particularly prized: the skin is tough, and it is covered with a protective mucus layer that must be removed: Italian fishmongers usually take care of this. Also, given a choice, select smaller rather than larger rays. One generally eats either the liver or the wings. Got some wings? How about Insalata di Razza Con Ceci, Ray Salad with Chickpeas?
As fish go, rays are not particularly prized: the skin is tough, and it is covered with a protective mucus layer that must be removed: Italian fishmongers usually take care of this. Also, given a choice, select smaller rather than larger rays. One generally eats either the liver or the wings. Got some wings? How about Insalata di Razza Con Ceci, Ray Salad with Chickpeas?
Pickled Mackerel, Sgomberi All'Aceto
This isn't quite pickling -- the fish isn't in the vinegar for that long -- but it is a tasty way to prepare mackerel in the summer, and will substantially reduce its fattiness. You could serve this either as a main course or an antipasto.
This isn't quite pickling -- the fish isn't in the vinegar for that long -- but it is a tasty way to prepare mackerel in the summer, and will substantially reduce its fattiness. You could serve this either as a main course or an antipasto.
Sardines in Bianco, with Onions and Capers, or Sarde in Bianco, con Ca
Sardine filets, deftly seasoned with onions and capers, and marinated in vinegar and oil: Tasty, and easy to prepare.
Sardine filets, deftly seasoned with onions and capers, and marinated in vinegar and oil: Tasty, and easy to prepare.
Scampi on Ice, or Scampi al Ghiaccio
Perhaps the quickest and easiest way to prepare scampi. And the best too if they're very fresh.
Perhaps the quickest and easiest way to prepare scampi. And the best too if they're very fresh.
Taranto Oysters in Tiella, Ostriche Tarantine in Tiella
People commonly enjoy oysters raw. However, if you want to cook them, this is a quick, easy way to go, and is perfect in a light lunch or as an antipasto.
People commonly enjoy oysters raw. However, if you want to cook them, this is a quick, easy way to go, and is perfect in a light lunch or as an antipasto.
Sweet-and-Sour Hake, or Nasello in Agrodolce
Hake is a fine fish, and also good served cold. This recipe is an elaboration of Nasello in Carpione (marinated fried fish, also discussed here), and is an excellent antipasto or hot weather main dish.
Hake is a fine fish, and also good served cold. This recipe is an elaboration of Nasello in Carpione (marinated fried fish, also discussed here), and is an excellent antipasto or hot weather main dish.
Breaded Clams, Cozze Impanate
Breaded mussels are easy to prepare, and quick to do too.
Breaded mussels are easy to prepare, and quick to do too.
Baked Scallops - Cappesante al Forno
A simple, tasty recipe for baked scallops seasoned with herbed bread crumbs.
A simple, tasty recipe for baked scallops seasoned with herbed bread crumbs.
Mantis Shrimp Pezza Style - Canocchie alla Pezza
Mantis shrimp are quite popular, especially along the adriatic. here's a simple mantis shrimp antipasto that's also quick to make.
Mantis shrimp are quite popular, especially along the adriatic. here's a simple mantis shrimp antipasto that's also quick to make.
An Anchovy Frittata: Alici in Frittata
Fresh anchovies are quite tasty, and this simple fish frittata will be nice either as an antipasto or as the main course of a light meal.
Fresh anchovies are quite tasty, and this simple fish frittata will be nice either as an antipasto or as the main course of a light meal.
Poor Man's Anchovies, or Acciughe Alla Povera
A simple anchovy antipasto made with fresh anchovies. Quite tasty!
A simple anchovy antipasto made with fresh anchovies. Quite tasty!
An Italian Tuna Sandwich – Sandwich Con Tonno, Capperi e Olive
You might not think of a tuna sandwich as being particularly Italian. However, most Italians, especially those with more demanding jobs, eat out at least once a day and a full meal simply won't work if one has to then head back to the office and be productive. This tuna sandwish is the sort of thing you might find in a trendy downtown eatery.
You might not think of a tuna sandwich as being particularly Italian. However, most Italians, especially those with more demanding jobs, eat out at least once a day and a full meal simply won't work if one has to then head back to the office and be productive. This tuna sandwish is the sort of thing you might find in a trendy downtown eatery.
Classic Italian Fish-Based Antipasti
Italy is a land of fish -- has to be, considering how much coast there is -- and the role of fish in the diet is expanding as people take a greater interest in healthy eating. Though much of this fish goes into zuppe, pasta dishes, and main courses, there are a few universal antipasti.
Italy is a land of fish -- has to be, considering how much coast there is -- and the role of fish in the diet is expanding as people take a greater interest in healthy eating. Though much of this fish goes into zuppe, pasta dishes, and main courses, there are a few universal antipasti.
Pink Shrimp Mousse Antipasto -- Antipasto di Mousse di Gamberi Rosa
Pink Shrimp Mousse Antipasto, or Antipasto di Mousse di Gamberi Rosa: This is quite elegant and, and though it takes a bit of effort it's well worth it.
Pink Shrimp Mousse Antipasto, or Antipasto di Mousse di Gamberi Rosa: This is quite elegant and, and though it takes a bit of effort it's well worth it.
Hot Peppers Stuffed with Tuna -- Peperoncini al Tonno
Hot Peppers Stuffed with Tuna, or Peperoncini al Tonno: These can be addictive. Very, and don't be too surprised if people ignore everything else when they see them among the antipasti, and then beg out of the rest of the meal because they feel full. Therefore, though this recipe will in theory serve 8, you can safely halve that number.
Hot Peppers Stuffed with Tuna, or Peperoncini al Tonno: These can be addictive. Very, and don't be too surprised if people ignore everything else when they see them among the antipasti, and then beg out of the rest of the meal because they feel full. Therefore, though this recipe will in theory serve 8, you can safely halve that number.
Stockfish Dip -- Mantecato alla Veneziana
Stockfish Dip, or Mantecato alla Veneziana: So what to serve for San Valentino? Among the standard suggestions one finds oysters, truffles, caviar, crustaceans (especially lobster), and chocolaty delights. Livio Cerini di Castegnate suggests all of these in A Tavola per Amare (At Table to Love), but also does sensual things with ingredients one might not normally expect, for example stoccafisso, dried salted cod (stockfish).
Stockfish Dip, or Mantecato alla Veneziana: So what to serve for San Valentino? Among the standard suggestions one finds oysters, truffles, caviar, crustaceans (especially lobster), and chocolaty delights. Livio Cerini di Castegnate suggests all of these in A Tavola per Amare (At Table to Love), but also does sensual things with ingredients one might not normally expect, for example stoccafisso, dried salted cod (stockfish).
Onion and Sardine Salad -- Cipolle e Sarde in Insalata
Onion and Sardine Salad, or Cipolle e Sarde in Insalata: One has to be a great lover of both onions and sardines to enjoy this treat from Lazio, but if you are it will be quite nice, and just the thing to revive a flagging appetite when it's hot.
Onion and Sardine Salad, or Cipolle e Sarde in Insalata: One has to be a great lover of both onions and sardines to enjoy this treat from Lazio, but if you are it will be quite nice, and just the thing to revive a flagging appetite when it's hot.
Fresh Anchovy Antipasto -- Acciughe Fresche per 20 Giorni
Fresh Anchovy Antipasto, or Acciughe Fresche per 20 Giorni: This is a classic antipasto; the Italian title suggests that the anchovies will keep for as long as 20 days, but in my experience they will be gone long before then.
Fresh Anchovy Antipasto, or Acciughe Fresche per 20 Giorni: This is a classic antipasto; the Italian title suggests that the anchovies will keep for as long as 20 days, but in my experience they will be gone long before then.
Striped Sea Bass -- Muggine in Bianco
According to Edda Servi Machlin, this dish provides a typical example of the differences between the Italkim and Ashkenazic Passover traditions. She first encountered gefilte fish when she moved to the United States, because the Italian Jewish tradition calls for muggine in bianco. She also notes that the recipe is served at both Passover and Rosh Hashanah, and that it's a delightful antipasto in summer.
According to Edda Servi Machlin, this dish provides a typical example of the differences between the Italkim and Ashkenazic Passover traditions. She first encountered gefilte fish when she moved to the United States, because the Italian Jewish tradition calls for muggine in bianco. She also notes that the recipe is served at both Passover and Rosh Hashanah, and that it's a delightful antipasto in summer.
Tuna Crostini -- Crostini di Tonno
These crostini are a disarmingly simple antipasto. However, if you use good tuna you'll find yourself needing quite a bit of this pate, and it will also be a hit as a dip at parties.
These crostini are a disarmingly simple antipasto. However, if you use good tuna you'll find yourself needing quite a bit of this pate, and it will also be a hit as a dip at parties.
Crostini with Anchovies and Butter -- Crostini di Acciughe e Burro
I've never quite understood some people's aversion to anchovies. They're an excellent flavoring agent in foods, adding salt and a hint of the sea that's not amiss even in many meat dishes, and are also perfect for stimmulating the appetite, especially when made into crostini.
I've never quite understood some people's aversion to anchovies. They're an excellent flavoring agent in foods, adding salt and a hint of the sea that's not amiss even in many meat dishes, and are also perfect for stimmulating the appetite, especially when made into crostini.
Octopus Salad: Insalata di Polpo
No greens involved in this, but it is nice.
No greens involved in this, but it is nice.
Scallop Shells au Gratin: Conchiglia di Capesanta Gratinata
Elegant scallops with lobster and salmon.
Elegant scallops with lobster and salmon.
Shrimp in a Zesty Sauce: Gamberi in Salsa Piccante
Shrimp in a zesty sauce are perfect for getting things started.
Shrimp in a zesty sauce are perfect for getting things started.
A Crostini Collection
3 easy fish crostini, and one with the "poor man's caviar" -- black olives.
3 easy fish crostini, and one with the "poor man's caviar" -- black olives.
Farro with Squid Ink: Farro al Nero di Seppia
A tasty grain-based dish with squid and squid ink.
A tasty grain-based dish with squid and squid ink.
Onions and Sardines: Cipolle con le Sarde
A hearty dish that's perfect for perking up a flagging appetite.
A hearty dish that's perfect for perking up a flagging appetite.
Pickled Octopus: Polpi all'Aceto
Quick, simple pickled octopus.
Quick, simple pickled octopus.
Sogliola in Saòr
Sole, in a classic Venetian sweet-and-sour sauce.
Sole, in a classic Venetian sweet-and-sour sauce.
Scallop and Olive Antipasto
This is not particularly traditional -- calls for phyllo dough and olive tapenade -- but does look like it could be nice. An Italian might use puff pastry dough instead.
This is not particularly traditional -- calls for phyllo dough and olive tapenade -- but does look like it could be nice. An Italian might use puff pastry dough instead.
Shrimp Salad With Pistachios and Candied Lemon
"This is a very delicately seasoned fish salad," Writes Erica De Mane, "that contains no vinegar, strong garlic, or raw peppers, elements that are often added to Italian-American versions of fish salads but that I find harsh and overpowering."
"This is a very delicately seasoned fish salad," Writes Erica De Mane, "that contains no vinegar, strong garlic, or raw peppers, elements that are often added to Italian-American versions of fish salads but that I find harsh and overpowering."