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
French Onion Soup Mini Pies
French Onion Soup Mini Pies.
Fried Caprese
Fried Caprese is a variation of the classic summer appetizer, with slices of tomato and mozzarella wrapped in a crispy batter.
Fried Peppers
Fried peppers, also known as 'friggitelli,' are a simple and quick side dish, perfect to accompany meat or fish.
Frosted Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
Soft, fluffy gingerbread cinnamon rolls with double the cinnamon swirl and the dreamiest vanilla icing. Cozy, festive, and perfect for Christmas morning!
Wild Garlic Dip (Quick & Easy)
This wonderfully creamy wild garlic dip with cream cheese and feta can be prepared in a blender in just 5 minutes. Perfect for brunch, grilling, or as a flavorful wild garlic spread!
Ginataang Bangus
Ginataang Bangus is a classic Filipino dish featuring crispy pan-fried milkfish simmered in rich coconut milk with string beans, Thai chili peppers, and shrimp paste. This savory and creamy recipe comes together quickly and pairs perfectly with steamed white rice.
Glazed Carrots
These brown sugar or honey glazed carrots are a delicious side dish! Easy to make on the stovetop, they're perfect for holidays and weeknights alike.
Gnocchi alla sorrentina
Gnocchi alla sorrentina is a rich and flavorful first course from the Campania region. Discover how to prepare this delicious traditional recipe at home!
Grandma's Apple Cake
Grandma's apple cake is a simple, soft, and fragrant dessert perfect for breakfast and snacks. Discover the ingredients and tips to make it!
Grandma's Classic American Goulash
This American-style goulash is a quintessential comfort dish that brings together simple pantry staples into a hearty, tomato-rich meal. Rooted in the tradition of easy, satisfying family dinners, it combines ground beef and tender elbow macaroni simmered in a robust tomato sauce. The magic lies in the one-pot technique, which allows the pasta to absorb the savory sauce fully, creating a dish that feels like a warm embrace from Grandma herself.
Grandma's Pork and Vegetable Stew (Jab Chai)
Jab Chai is a humble yet deeply satisfying pork and vegetable stew rooted in Thai home cooking, brought to Thailand by Teochew Chinese immigrants. This dish exemplifies the beauty of simple, seasonal ingredients simmered slowly to coax out rich, layered flavors. The broth, enriched by pork ribs and umami-packed dried shiitake mushrooms, carries the natural sweetness of daikon and the freshness of green vegetables, creating a balanced and nourishing meal.
Gratinated Artichokes
Gratinated artichokes: a simple and authentic baked side dish, enriched with béchamel sauce. Discover how to prepare this delicious vegetable-based recipe!
Gratinated Cauliflower
Gratinated cauliflower is a rich and tasty side dish: baked with cheese and béchamel sauce, it will be appreciated even by children.
Gratinated Fennel
Gratinated fennel is a delicious baked side dish, enriched with a delightful crust. Discover how to prepare this easy recipe at home!
Greek Feta and Melty Gouda Cheesesteak
Greek feta and melty gouda cheesesteaks with seasoned lamb or beef, fresh toppings, and oregano fries. A quick, flavorful weeknight dinner!
Green beans stewed in a rustic style
Green beans stewed in a rustic style are a flavorful and hearty spring side dish. Discover the ingredients and instructions to make this recipe.
Grissini
Grissini, light and crispy, perfect for enriching the bread basket! Let's find out how to make homemade grissini, with the master Ezio Rocchi!
Ham Sui Gok (Cantonese Fried Glutinous Rice Dumplings)
Ham Sui Gok (咸水角) are Cantonese fried dumplings with a chewy glutinous rice dough and a savory pork filling. This recipe is the real deal!
Hasselback Potatoes
These easy Hasselback Potatoes turn simple russets into crispy, golden, fan-cut potatoes with lots of room for your favorite toppings.
Healthy Cheddar Chicken Chili
Healthy cheddar chicken chili made in one pot with chipotle, beans, and veggies. Cozy, smoky, and perfect for cold nights!
Healthy Waffles
Healthy vegan whole-grain waffles without sugar, eggs, butter, or milk, that also taste good: This recipe works! Perfect for babies and toddlers.
Homemade Fresh Rice Noodles (Ho Fun)
Fresh rice noodles, known as ho fun, are a cornerstone of many beloved dishes like Pad See Ew. Their soft, chewy texture is unmatched by store-bought versions, and mastering them at home is surprisingly straightforward with just two essential ingredients. This recipe honors the simplicity and precision of traditional Asian noodle-making, emphasizing ingredient quality and technique to achieve perfect noodles every time.
Homemade Romagna Piadina
Homemade Romagna piadina is the queen of Italian street food: a simple and authentic recipe to fill with savory or sweet ingredients!
Honey Glazed Carrots
The best honey glazed carrots made on the stovetop—quick, easy, and perfectly tender with a buttery honey glaze. Great for Easter and holiday dinners.