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
Supplì al Telefono
Supplì al telefono, also known as supplì alla romana, get their name from the mozzarella inside, which, when melted, forms strands.
Sushi Balls
Small, colorful, and full of flavor: these vegan sushi balls are perfect for adding a touch of cheer and freshness to your table. This is a homemade version of sushi, called temari sushi or sushi balls, often served for the Hinamatsuri, or girls' festival. I think it's a light and creative idea, ideal for summer, to be enjoyed cold for lunch or served as an alternative appetizer during a dinner with friends.
Sweet and Savory Crepes (Basic Recipe)
With the basic batter for sweet and savory crepes, you can finally prepare perfect crepes to fill as you like! Here's the recipe.
Taralli
Homemade taralli are very easy to prepare, and you can flavor them with the ingredients you prefer! Here are the ingredients and instructions for the recipe.
Tenerina cake
The Tenerina cake is a chocolate specialty from the city of Ferrara: topped with a crunchy crust and with a very soft and moist heart.
Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
This dish reimagines the classic Thai chicken satay by simmering tender chicken breast pieces directly in a rich, creamy peanut sauce. Instead of the traditional skewered grilling, the chicken bakes gently in a sauce infused with garlic, ginger, soy, lime, and a touch of heat. This method not only simplifies the process but also allows the flavors to meld deeply, creating a harmonious balance of sweet, salty, and savory notes that elevate a humble weeknight meal.
Thai Grilled Chicken (Gai Yang)
Recipe video above. This Thai Chicken recipe is an easy way to make Gai Yang at home, Thailand’s famous barbecue chicken. It uses a fragrant Thai marinade that delivers street-stall delicious – without pounding pastes, lighting coals or wrestling a whole chicken! Cook on the stove though it's especially great on the BBQ.A dipping sauce isn’t essential because the marinade already brings big flavour and keeps the chicken super juicy. But in Thailand it’s traditional, so why not? Spoon it over or dunk away!Serve with Coconut Rice and swoon!
Thai Pork and Tomato Noodles (Kanom Jeen Nam Ngiew)
Kanom Jeen Nam Ngiew is a quietly revered comfort dish from northern Thailand, showcasing rice vermicelli bathed in a delicate yet flavourful pork and tomato curry broth. This dish embodies the harmony of fresh herbs and umami-rich ingredients, delivering a satisfying and nourishing experience. Though it requires patience to simmer, the technique is straightforward, rewarding you with a broth that deepens in flavour over time.
The Best Lentil Soup (Not Watery)
Lentil soup is a cornerstone of humble, nourishing Italian cooking, where balance and respect for ingredients reign supreme. This recipe achieves the perfect harmony: the lentils remain tender yet intact, swimming in a rich, tomato-based broth that is neither too thin nor overly thick. It’s a soup that honors the ingredient’s integrity and the slow-building depth of flavor that Italian technique demands.
Til Ke Ladoo Recipe
The cold season is here, calling for heavenly winter delicacies that bring health and energy to the body. And what could be better than these protein-packed Til Ke ladoo made with sesame seeds, peanuts, and coconut, in a mouth-watering combination of jaggery and a delightful flavoring of cardamoms?
Tiramisu
Classic tiramisu is the most beloved Italian dessert in the world: an easy version with mascarpone cream and ladyfingers soaked in coffee.
Tofu Spinach Ricotta Tacos
Ricotta tacos are a fusion dinner that’s perfect for meal prep, and they're ready in under 30 minutes! Crispy tortillas stuffed with creamy tofu ricotta are so delicious dipped in marinara sauce or your dipping sauce of choice! They’re a great snack, appetizer, dinner party food, picnic food, or even a great lunch that you can pack with a side of sauce for dipping the nice, crispy tacos. (gluten-free and nut-free with soy-free option. 14 grams protein, 5 grams fiber per serving)
Tomato and Bread Soup (Pappa al Pomodoro)
Tomato and Bread Soup is a typical Tuscan first course made with stale bread, peeled tomatoes, garlic, basil, and extra virgin olive oil.
Tomato Bruschetta
Tomato bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer: toasted bread topped with tomato and basil.
Tomato Gnocchi
Have you ever tried making gnocchi without potatoes? Usually, they are made with water and flour and are called 'cavatelli'. These tomato gnocchi, however, are made with only two ingredients: flour and tomato puree. No eggs, no potatoes, no long waits. Just a dough to knead, cut directly into boiling water... and that's it!
Turkish Eggs
Turkish Eggs (plus variations!)
Tuscan Crostini with Chicken Liver Pate
Tuscan crostini with chicken liver pate is a delicious and home-style recipe. It's a traditional appetizer perfect for making at home. Discover the recipe!
Tzatziki
Recipe video above. Nobody makes Tzatziki as good as your yiayia, but just in case you want to make one using actual measurements (rather than a little bit of this and a slosh of that!), here is my recipe. Use as a dip for vegetable sticks and warm pita bread, as a sauce for Gyros, Doner kebabs and chicken skewers, and dolloping on Greek baked chicken pieces.
Ugly but good cookies
Ugly but good cookies are delicious cookies made with meringue and hazelnuts: don't be fooled by their appearance, they are delicious! Discover the recipe to prepare them at home.
Vegan Gluten-Free Morning Glory Muffins
Vegan + gluten-free morning glory muffins packed with apples, carrots, raisins, coconut, and walnuts! Tender, wholesome, satisfying, and easy to make with just 1 bowl required!
Vegan Pad Thai (Pad Mee Korat)
This vegan Pad Thai is inspired by the authentic Thai dish Pad Mee Korat, a beloved specialty from northeastern Thailand. It uses plant-based ingredients without fish sauce or eggs, embracing the iconic balance of sweet, salty, and sour flavors with fermented soybean paste and shiitake mushrooms.
Vegan Red Lentil Curry with Spinach
My Indian Red Lentil Curry is the perfect after-work recipe! Wonderfully filling, packed with red lentils, vegetables, and curry powder, and ready in 10 minutes. Bonus: You only need one pot!
Vegetable Broth
Vegetable broth is a basic recipe for flavoring risottos, soups, and many other dishes. Discover how to prepare it at home using vegetables!
Vegetable Minestrone Soup
Vegetable minestrone soup is a simple and wholesome dish, to be enjoyed hot with a variety of seasonal vegetables. Discover the recipe here!