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
Pork Roast in the Style of Porchetta
This pork roast is a perfect main course for special occasions, Sundays, or even a dinner with friends!
Potato Croquettes
Potato croquettes are delicious, simple, and flavorful finger food, perfect for enhancing a buffet or enjoying as street food!
Potato Gnocchi
This homemade Potato Gnocchi is easy to make with potatoes, flour, egg yolks, and salt. Soft, pillowy, and pan-seared in a touch of butter, they are delicious.
Potato Spaghetti
Here's an intriguing and surprising recipe: potato spaghetti. This unusual spaghetti is a cross between vegetable spaghetti, like zoodles, and traditional spaghetti. Yes, because although they are made with vegetables, they have a carbohydrate content comparable to that of regular spaghetti, and they are cooked just like the latter. Versatile and original, potato spaghetti offers a unique culinary experience. They can be paired with a variety of sauces, both traditional and innovative. I served them with a carbonara sauce, but if you prefer a vegan option, you can opt for a sauce made with fresh tomatoes, or maybe a lentil ragù... In short, let yourself be tempted by creativity and discover the endless possibilities of sauces for this original potato spaghetti.
Potatoes Au Gratin
Creamy potatoes au gratin tastes like scalloped potatoes with a cheesy upgrade, baked golden and bubbly with tender layers in every bite.
Puff Pastry Pinwheels with Salmon (only 4 ingredients!)
Mmm, these savory salmon pinwheels are quick and easy to make and packed with salmon and herb cream cheese. A brilliant party snack that tastes amazing both cold and warm.
Pulled Shredded Chicken
This straightforward recipe delivers tender, moist shredded chicken that excels in versatility and simplicity. Ideal for meal prep or quick dinners, it respects the ingredient's natural qualities and embraces the Italian culinary ethos: minimal fuss, maximum flavor, and respect for technique.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins
Not sure whether to choose pumpkin pie or cheesecake? Perfect, you can have both with these pumpkin cheesecake muffins! I assure you that these treats have become one of my favorite recipes for autumn. Soft, spiced, with a creamy center reminiscent of a mini cheesecake, they are perfect for leisurely breakfasts, comforting snacks, or as a treat to bring to dinner with friends. The secret to a perfect result? Let the batter rest before baking and don't skimp on the filling!
Pumpkin Risotto
Pumpkin risotto is one of the traditional dishes, typical of Northern Italy. It is a simple recipe to prepare at home: creamy and very tasty!
Pumpkin tart with a warm heart
If you love tarts with a soft heart... get ready to fall in love with this autumn version! This pumpkin tart with a warm heart is a small treasure chest of sweetness, with a creamy and irresistible heart.
Ramen Eggs (Ajitsuke Tamago)
Ramen Eggs (Ajitsuke Tamago) are soft-boiled, marinated, and packed with umami flavor. Jammy yolks and a salty-sweet soy marinade come together with just 4 simple ingredients. They're a classic ramen topping you can make ahead and enjoy all week long on everything!
Ribollita
Ribollita is a soup made with stale bread, vegetables, and legumes, typical of Tuscan cuisine. Discover the recipe for this delicious winter dish!
Rice Arancini
Rice arancini, a pride of Sicilian cuisine: discover the recipe to make this typical street food at home, with a filling of meat sauce and ham!
Ricotta and chocolate cake (melts in your mouth)
The Ricotta and chocolate cake is a simple and quick dessert with few ingredients, flourless, with a very soft and creamy texture.
Roast Pork
Roast pork is a succulent meat dish served with an aromatic red wine sauce. Discover this easy, oven-free recipe!
Roasted Carrot Hummus
This roasted carrot hummus is a creamy, flavorful twist on classic hummus made with sweet roasted carrots, chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon. It’s perfect for spring entertaining, Easter appetizers, or a healthy snack served with vegetables, pita, or crackers.
Roman-style Artichokes
Roman-style artichokes are a side dish in Roman cuisine. The artichoke hearts are cooked in a pan with garlic, parsley, and mint! Discover the recipe!
Rosemary Bread
Rosemary bread is a typical Tuscan sweet bread made with raisins and rosemary-flavored oil, known as 'ramerino' in Tuscan.
Rum Babà
Rum Babà is a typical Neapolitan dessert with a soft and spongy dough, soaked in an aromatic liqueur! Here is the recipe to make it at home.
Russian Salad
Discover how to prepare the perfect Russian salad: creamy, colorful, and full of flavor, with fresh vegetables and homemade mayonnaise.
Saffron Risotto
Saffron risotto, also known as Milanese risotto, is a simple yet delicious first course! Discover the recipe.
Salted Caramel Cheesecake
Recipe video above. If you’re looking for a Salted Caramel Cheesecake with big caramel flavour in every bite, you’ve found it! Taking pride of place in my cheesecake collection, this has swirls of buttery caramel baked right throughout the creamy cheesecake filling and extra caramel swished over the top. The perfect balance of rich, creamy, sweet and salty.The best feature are the swirls that open up into cracks. Watch everyone fight for the slices with the MOST cracks, because the crevices fill with caramel! Before you start, please read the IMPORTANT NOTES in Notes section below. Thank you! - Nagi
Saltimbocca alla Romana
Discover the original recipe for Saltimbocca alla Romana: tender slices of veal with prosciutto and sage, ready in 20 minutes.
Sardines "beccafico" style
Sardines "beccafico" style are a delicious second course of Sicilian origin; a particularly tasty and delicious dish, definitely worth trying.