|
Antipasto Tray Recipes - Nutritional Antipasto Recipes
The word "antipasto" means "bites of food before the meal," (ante, before - pasto, meal) and Italian antipasti vary considerably from Region to Region. In some Regions, for example Piemonte, they play an extremely important role, and a meal wouldn't seem quite right without them.
Italian food often has olive oil drizzled over it, and sometimes there is olive oil on the table for this purpose. Take advantage of it. The type of fat as well as the antioxidants in olive oil are part of the reason for the healthfulness of the “Mediterranean Diet.”
Here are just a few of the Health benefits of the ingredients used in Italian Antipasto Recipes:
Olives are a good source of vitamin E. Vitamin E is the body's primary fat-soluble antioxidant. It goes after and directly neutralizes free radicals in all the fat-rich areas of the body. In combination, stable monounsaturated fats and vitamin E add a significant safety factor to cellular processes like energy production, a process that generates free radicals even when things are running smoothly.
Tomatoes, which are actually a fruit and not a vegetable, are loaded with all kinds of health benefits for the body. They are in fact, a highly versatile health product and due to their equally versatile preparation options, there’s really no reason to neglect the tomato as part of a healthy diet.
One of the most well known tomato eating benefit is its' Lycopene content. Lycopene is a vital anti-oxidant that helps in the fight against cancerous cell formation as well as other kinds of health complications and diseases.
All peppers are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, but red peppers are simply bursting with them. Antioxidant vitamins A and C help to prevent cell damage, cancer, and diseases related to aging, and they support immune function. They also reduce inflammation like that found in arthritis and asthma. Vitamin K promotes proper blood clotting, strengthens bones, and helps protect cells from oxidative damage.
BRUSCHETTA CLASSICA
Grilled Garlic and Oregano Bread
Italians know the magic of a simple slice of crusty bread dressed with salt, oregano and good olive oil. It makes a good appetizer or snack between meals. Bruschetta definitely is the base of all “garlic breads” and the canapés. The main ingredient is the extra-virgin olive oil.
Ingredients
4 slices of thick-crusted Italian country bread,
approximately 3/8 inch (1 cm) thick
(you may substitute with baguettes cut slices on diagonal)
1 clove of garlic, peeled
whole small dry red peppers, spicy (optional)
extra-virgin olive oil
dry oregano
salt
Preheat an oven, broiler, stovetop grill or barbeque grill. Grill the bread on both sides until golden brown. (Pay close attention to the grilling as the bread will brown very quickly and you don’t want it to burn).
Lightly rub the garlic on the surface of the bread.
Bruschetta Al PomodoroBRUSCHETTA AL POMODORO Grilled Bread with Tomatoes and Basil Ingredients 4 medium tomatoes, finely diced basil .....
If you like, you may also lightly rub the red pepper over the bread.
Using a pastry brush, thinly coat the grilled bread with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and dry oregano.
Serve while still warm.
Serves 4
Preparation and Cooking Time: 5 minutes
about the author: Rosemary Gullo
Rosemary Gullo is the author of Healthy Italian Cooking.
Healthy Italian Cooking is packed with dozens of tasty recipes and is Easy to Use. Each section takes you step by step through a new meal for your family. It is full of tips, tricks and secrets that will not only show you how to cook healthy Italian food, but will also cut down on cooking time and make dinner preparation simple.
http://www.HealthyItalianCooking.com
Antipasto Tray Recipes - Simple Italian Antipasto Recipes
|
