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
Honey Glazed Ham
This easy Honey Glazed Ham recipe turns a spiral-cut smoked ham into a sweet, sticky, holiday main dish with a simple homemade glaze made from pantry staples!
Hot Cross Buns
Easy Hot Cross Buns with a soft, fluffy dough, warm spices, and raisins. Perfect for Easter brunch or spring baking.
Irish Soda Bread Recipe
Irish soda bread is a delicious, quick and easy, no yeast bread recipe made of 4 ingredients and just 5 minutes hands on time!
JB's French Pork Schnitzel
People say adding “French” to something doesn’t mean it’s better. But my passport would like to disagree! These schnitzels get a French flair with Herbes de Provence in the breadcrumbs. Now they're French Pork Schnitzels - escalope de porc panées. Let’s go!
Jewish-style artichokes
Traditional Lazio artichokes recipe with fried artichokes and salt.
Kalimera's Famous Greek Chicken Gyros
Recipe video above. This Chicken Gyros recipe was given to me by Thomas Deliopoulos, the owner of Kalimera Souvlaki Art which is a wildly popular gyros bar in Melbourne. It's ridiculously, unbelievably, eye-rollingly good that has top chefs like Australia's Ben Shrewry and New York Times food critic Sam Sifton raving!Thomas’s secret is a touch of curry powder in the marinade. Yes, really!At Kalimera, the chicken is cooked on a vertical spit layered with fat, but even on the BBQ or stove, it’s ridiculously good. I've made it for many people now, and everyone is nuts for it!
KFC Thai Spicy Chicken Rice Bowl (Khao Yum Gai Zabb)
This dish is a brilliant example of how local flavors can elevate even fast food classics. The Thai KFC Spicy Chicken Rice Bowl combines crispy popcorn chicken with the vibrant, herbaceous, and spicy notes of traditional Thai laab seasoning. The genius lies in the marriage of textures-the crunchy twice-fried chicken coated in a tangy, aromatic dressing that keeps the coating crisp rather than soggy. This recipe respects the original's spirit while enhancing it with fresh herbs and careful technique.
KitKat Peanut Butter Caramel Delights
This recipe marries the rich, nutty depth of peanut butter with the delicate crunch of KitKats, balanced by a silky caramel base that feels both indulgent and refined-perfect for satisfying a craving without sacrificing culinary integrity.
Lemon Cake
Juicy lemon sponge cake, creamy mascarpone cheesecake filling, and a touch of lemon curd on top: this lemon cake tastes heavenly!
Lemon Caprese
Lemon Caprese is a variation of the classic Neapolitan almond and white chocolate cake, a typical dessert from Naples.
Lemon Veal Scaloppine
Lemon veal scaloppine are a simple, quick, and flavorful meat dish: tender veal slices with a fresh citrus aroma! Discover the recipe.
Lentil Burgers
These lentil burgers are a great alternative to my old lentil burger recipe. As you can see, the ingredients are essentially the same, but there's one small but significant difference: instead of using regular lentils, I used red lentils. So, what does that mean? It completely changes the method! As you'll see when you read the instructions, the main characteristic of these burgers, and what makes them so unique, is that they're made with raw lentils. That's right! By using red lentils, with a very short cooking time, soaking them for 2 hours plus cooking the burgers in a pan is enough to cook them perfectly! The recipe is vegan and very tasty, but above all, it's unique: you can tease your friends by telling them you served them raw lentils ;)
Lentil Soup
Lentil soup is a hearty and comforting winter dish. Discover the ingredients and instructions to prepare this recipe at home.
Livornese Fish Stew
Livornese fish stew is a regional fish soup: discover the ingredients and preparation of this traditional recipe!
Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bars
These lunch lady peanut butter bars are a retro treat your family will love! Made with peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, and chocolate, these no-bake bars are easy to make and always disappear in a flash.
Make your own egg salad (classic and easy)
You have to try this egg salad, just like grandma used to make! It's a classic, super creamy, and ready in just 15 minutes. This tried-and-tested recipe is perfect for your next breakfast or brunch and tastes really delicious. Give it a try!
Mantuan cake
It's called Mantuan cake, yet it's produced in Prato (and elsewhere). It's a much-loved traditional Italian dessert because its secret lies in the ingredients that make it perfect at any time of the day: as a breakfast treat, for a tasty snack, or at the end of any meal.
Maple Banana Nut Muffins
Soft, cozy maple banana nut muffins with salty maple butter. Easy to bake, perfectly tender, and ideal for winter mornings or anytime baking!
Mashed Potato Casserole
Creamy, cheesy, buttery perfection! This make-ahead mashed potato casserole is the ultimate comforting side, perfect for the holidays!
Meat and Bacon Rolls
Meat and bacon rolls are a simple and delicious second course, with a cheesy and flavorful filling! Discover the recipe.
Meatballs in Sauce
A classic recipe loved by both adults and children, these are meatballs in sauce. A very tasty main course, served with a sauce perfect for soaking up with bread!
Milanese Cutlet
The Milanese cutlet is a typical second course of Milanese cuisine, known throughout the world and simple to prepare. Discover the recipe!
Milanese Risotto
Milanese risotto is a signature dish of Lombard cuisine: a creamy saffron risotto with the addition of bone marrow! Discover the ingredients and recipe.
Mississippi Pot Roast
This Mississippi Pot Roast transforms a humble chuck roast into a tender, flavorful centerpiece using just a handful of pantry staples and slow cooking. Rooted in simplicity, this recipe relies on the magic of slow heat to break down the meat's connective tissue, resulting in a dish that melts in your mouth. The distinctive tang from pepperoncini and the savory notes from ranch and brown gravy seasoning elevate this pot roast beyond the traditional, showcasing how minimal ingredients can yield maximum flavor.