An Italian appetizer course consisting of cured meats, cheeses, marinated vegetables, olives, and other small dishes served before the pasta course. The selection varies by region but aims to stimulate the appetite.
From Italian, literally meaning 'before the meal,' from 'anti' (before) and 'pasto' (meal). This course developed during the Renaissance when Italian nobility created elaborate multi-course meals, with antipasto designed to awaken the palate for the feast to follow.
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