Vegetable antipasti (Italian appetizers)
6 servings
40 minutes
Vegetable antipasti are a true embodiment of the spirit of Italian cuisine, where simplicity meets a wealth of flavors. The history of these appetizers goes deep into the past when Italians used seasonal vegetables to prepare light yet exquisite dishes. This recipe combines the aroma of roasted sweet peppers, the spice of garlic and basil, the richness of eggplants, the sweetness of tomato sauce, the tartness of artichokes, and the freshness of zucchini. Light caramelization of mushrooms and the tenderness of mozzarella complete a harmonious symphony of flavors. Antipasti are perfect as a standalone appetizer or as an accompaniment to a glass of wine, highlighting its rich nuances. This vegetable platter delights the eye and fills the air with Mediterranean aromas, creating an atmosphere of a warm Italian evening.
1
Place the peppers on a rack or in a dish and roast in the oven until charred. Transfer to a bowl and cover to let the steam loosen the skin. Remove the skin and slice the peppers into strips.
- Red sweet pepper: 2 pieces
2
Add a clove of garlic, chopped basil, a bit of olive oil, finely chopped chili, salt, and pepper.
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Basil: 1 bunch
- Olive oil: 10 tablespoons
- Chili pepper: 1 piece
- Salt: to taste
- Ground black pepper: to taste
3
Wash and cut the eggplants into small pieces. Fry in 3.5 tablespoons of heated olive oil.
- Eggplants: 300 g
- Olive oil: 10 tablespoons
4
When the eggplants start to brown, add tomato sauce and white wine. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Tomato sauce: 3 tablespoons
- Dry white wine: 100 ml
5
Wash, dry, and slice the zucchini thinly. Heat peanut oil in a pan and add the zucchini. Fry for about 10 minutes.
- Zucchini: 300 g
- Peanut butter: 100 ml
6
Remove the leaves from the artichokes. Soak the hearts in water flavored with lemon juice and cut into thin strips.
- Artichokes: 4 pieces
- Lemon: 1 piece
7
Place in a bowl and add lemon juice, a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Lemon: 1 piece
- Olive oil: 10 tablespoons
- Salt: to taste
- Ground black pepper: to taste
8
Heat 3.5 tbsp of olive oil in a pan, add thin slices of mushrooms, a clove of garlic, and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper. Fry for 4-5 minutes and let cool.
- Olive oil: 10 tablespoons
- Champignons: 200 g
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Basil: 1 bunch
- Salt: to taste
- Ground black pepper: to taste
9
Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and the cheese into thin slices.
- Cherry tomatoes: 12 pieces
- Mozzarella cheese: 200 g
10
Arrange all the antipasti: peppers, mushrooms, eggplants in tomato sauce, artichokes, zucchini, tomatoes, and mozzarella on a serving platter and serve.
- Red sweet pepper: 2 pieces
- Champignons: 200 g
- Eggplants: 300 g
- Artichokes: 4 pieces
- Zucchini: 300 g
- Cherry tomatoes: 12 pieces
- Mozzarella cheese: 200 g