My first two sit down meal experiences have both been similar in one main regard: more than one course! Our first real Italian lunch consisted of a first course and a side with wine, our second with an appetizer, main dish, and dessert. In the United States, main dishes come with a side attached so this one dish can account for your entire meal. Here in Italy, our side dish of chicken and potatoes was served separately, after we had eaten our main dish of pasta with rabbit. Also, to order dessert, a main dish, and an appetizer for one person is certainly too much food in the United States, but it is just the perfect amount in Italy. To solve the mystery behind why Italians eat in such a way I first looked into how the courses of an Italian meal are defined and put together. I found the following article particularly helpful in deciphering the names of courses and what to expect in each.
Using this information I was able to look at my pictures from my second meal and identify to which course they belonged and what flavor and texture they brought to the meal.
My artichoke and tomato brushchetta. This would be considered the antipasto part of the meal. This appetizer
adds a crunchy texture with a light flavor to start the meal.
My arrabiata. This would be considered the primi piatti because it is the most filling dish with pasta as a carbohydrate.
My tiramisu. This is the dolce that finishes out the meal with a sweet treat!
Finally, I found the following commentary on Italian meals which I found to be helpful in understanding this custom because it discussed some of the history behind Italian meals. The specific part I liked the most was the pride that Italians put into their meal and how they cherish the actual meal itself and the time they have to spend with those they are dining with. This helps put together the pieces of why they eat in this way. They have different small plates to make a full range of tastes and textures to complete the meal. So now I will be able to enjoy my multi-course meal knowing what the tradition is all about!
Ciao!
