Category
Main Course
Main Course in Italian Meals
The main course, or secondo, holds a central place in the structure of an Italian meal. It is the principal dish that follows the antipasto and primo, designed to provide substance and satisfaction without overwhelming the palate. This course is carefully balanced to complement the preceding dishes, respecting the natural rhythm and progression of flavors and textures throughout the meal.
In Italian culinary tradition, the main course often features proteins such as meat, fish, or legumes, prepared with attention to seasonality and regional identity. Its role is not merely to fill but to complete the dining experience, bringing a sense of harmony and intentionality to the table. Timing is essential; the main course arrives after lighter courses to ensure appetite and appreciation are preserved.
The cultural relevance of the main course extends beyond nourishment. It embodies the Italian value of measured generosity, where each dish contributes to a cohesive narrative of taste and care. Understanding the main course within this framework reveals how Italian cuisine achieves its distinctive balance through discipline, respect for ingredients, and thoughtful sequencing.
Recipes
Showing 24 of 227 recipes
Beef Taco Pasta
This Beef Taco Pasta offers a refined take on the classic comfort of hamburger helper, elevated with a southwestern flair. It is a one-pot dish where ground beef, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, green chiles, and pasta come together in a rich, cheesy tomato sauce. The technique of cooking the pasta directly in the seasoned broth allows it to absorb all the flavors, creating a harmonious, saucy consistency without the need for draining or extra pots. This approach respects Italian culinary principles by maximizing flavor through simple, integrated cooking.
Beet Hummus
Roasted beets give this beet hummus recipe its sweet, earthy flavor and vibrant color. Made with simple ingredients like canned chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans), tahini, garlic, and lemon, it's an easy, delicious appetizer or snack! Vegan and gluten-free.
Belgian Waffles
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside: With this simple and quick recipe, you can quickly make delicious, thick waffles from Belgium!
Birria Tacos
Birria tacos are a celebration of slow-cooked, richly spiced beef tucked inside crisp, cheesy tortillas. This recipe embraces the Italian culinary principle that simplicity perfected is superior to complexity invented. Using a humble beef chuck roast, the meat is transformed through patient slow cooking into tender, flavorful shreds that carry the essence of smoky chipotle and warm spices. The tortillas, dipped briefly in the aromatic consomé, crisp beautifully with melted Monterey Jack cheese, creating a harmonious balance of textures and flavors. This dish honors tradition by respecting the ingredient's integrity and the slow-cooking technique that unlocks deep flavor. It's a straightforward recipe that anyone can master, proving that with quality ingredients and proper technique, you don't need to overcomplicate to achieve excellence.
Black Bean Chili
This easy and comforting black bean chili is rich, full of warm chili spices, and fast enough to pull together on a busy weeknight.
Bolognese Sauce
The original recipe for Bolognese sauce, the traditional topping for tagliatelle and lasagna, with ingredients and tips for a perfect result!
Braised Bamboo Shoots with Mushrooms (烧二冬)
My braised bamboo shoots with mushrooms uses oyster sauce, soy sauce, ginger and Shaoxing wine to create a side dish that is just as satisfying as a main dish. If you happen to find fresh whole bamboo shoots at your Asian market, this is a dish you can’t miss.
Branzino (sea bass) with herbs in a salt crust
Branzino with herbs in a salt crust is an aromatic fish main course, made with a particular baking method that is both authentic and flavorful!
Broccoli Cheddar Dip
Warm broccoli cheddar dip baked with three cheeses, cream cheese, garlic, and spices. It's so delicious simple, and the perfect last-minute holiday appetizer!
Cadbury Egg Rice Krispie Treats
Thick, gooey Rice Krispie Treats dotted with Cadbury mini eggs and toasted coconut—perfect for Easter or any spring celebration!
Cantucci
Cantucci (also known as biscotti di Prato) are traditional Tuscan almond cookies, perfect with Vin Santo. Discover here how to prepare them at home!
Caponata
The caponata is one of the most famous Sicilian side dishes, made with fried eggplant, celery, tomatoes, olives, and the typical sweet and sour sauce that characterizes it.
Caprese Cake
Caprese cake is an ancient Neapolitan dessert, originating from the island of Capri. It's a delicious chocolate and almond treat made without any flour!
Carpaccio alla Cipriani
Carpaccio alla Cipriani consists of thinly sliced veal seasoned with a delicate sauce based on mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce.
Carrot Flatbreads
Have you ever thought of using carrots to make the base of a flatbread? It only takes a few ingredients to achieve a surprising result: baked carrot flatbreads, full of color and gluten-free, perfect for filling as you prefer.
Castagnole
Castagnole, Zeppole, Tortelli Milanesi are some of the names used for these sweet fried dough typical of the Romagna region. Discover the recipe!
Chicken and Rice Casserole
This Chicken and Rice Casserole is a quintessential comfort dish that elevates humble ingredients into a satisfying, hearty meal. Rooted in the Italian respect for simple, quality components, this recipe combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice, all bound by a homemade velvety sauce. It rejects shortcuts like canned soups, instead embracing the classic French technique of a roux to create a sauce that is both rich and balanced.
Chicken Cacciatora
Chicken Cacciatora is a typical Tuscan meat main course. A simple and delicious recipe that the whole family will love!
Chicken Cobbler
Chicken Cobbler offers a comforting, one-skillet meal that masterfully balances a creamy, savory filling with a golden homemade cheddar biscuit topping. This dish is a clever reinterpretation of classic cobbler technique, replacing the traditional sweet fruit with tender chicken and vegetables, creating a lighter yet equally satisfying alternative to chicken pot pie. The biscuit topping bakes directly atop the filling, allowing the layers to remain distinct and the texture to stay delightfully fluffy.
Chickpea Curry with Coconut and Kale
This chickpea curry is a testament to how simplicity and respect for ingredients can create a deeply satisfying meal. Rooted in the Italian culinary spirit of honoring fresh, seasonal produce and balanced flavors, this dish elevates humble pantry staples like chickpeas and kale with a rich, creamy coconut curry sauce. The technique of toasting spices at the start unlocks their essential oils, a crucial step to develop the dish's aromatic foundation.
Chickpea Farinata
If you love classic farinata but are looking for a more delicious and crispy version, this chickpea farinata is perfect for you! A simple and rustic preparation, perfect for an aperitif or an informal dinner, with few ingredients but a surprising result: a golden crust on the outside, a soft heart inside, and all the flavor of chickpeas enhanced with Parmesan cheese and rosemary. It's also great in a gluten-free version; it will be your secret weapon for bringing a quick but truly irresistible treat to the table.
Chinese Eggs with Soy Bean Sauce
Inspired by a recent trip to China, this Chinese egg dish with fermented bean paste is a quick, easy midweek dinner that’s savory and super tasty!
Chocolate Babka
Simple, moist chocolate babka
Ciabatta
Ciabatta is a type of bread with an elongated shape, originating from the Veneto region, made with a highly hydrated dough that develops a perfect, airy crumb after baking.