Italian Starter

[ethandron]

Having visitors this week and one of the evenings they’re here I’m planning on doing an Italian ish meal.
Does anyone have an Italian type starter which they really like, which is also quick and easy to do and doesn’t involve much prep or cooking?

[rockyracoon]

Cold meats with a Capresse salad and Olives etc. No cooking and barely any prep.

[dannyk13]

Ideas here:-
https://thegardeningcook.com/antipasto-platter-tips-entertaining-in-style/

[IJKLM]

I'd do something similar: good quality cold meats.

Bresaola is good. Buy pre-packed, separate the slices, squeeze of lemon, twist of black pepper and a good dollp of olive oil.
stack three or four layers and offer it with salad, good bread. ALways goes down well at our place.

Or bread with anchovy butter. MIx some concentratd anchovy paste with butter to taste, and serve with warm ciabatta.

Add a dish of olives; a couple of glasses of cold white and you're made.

Or bruschetta: toasted bread with toppings, such as tomato or olive paste

Secret to Italian is good quality, fresh food; a few simple ingredients and balanced flavours...

[pastafreak]

Figs and Parma ham.

[ethandron]

Ooh, thanks people. Hadn’t thought of something as simple as a cold platter with meats, cheese and basil leaves. Think that’s the way to go, a combination of all your suggestions. Many thanks x

[ethandron]

Can’t eat figs myself pasta, those tiny little seeds drive me mad, like eating sand.

[Tilly2]

...and the next course is...?

[Prudie]

Antipasti is the traditional Italian starter, similar to what you've decided on. Lots of suggestions online, this is Delia's
https://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/international/european/italian/antipasti

[ethandron]

Well Tilly, if I said it was oven baked.... (just don’t tell danny)

[Togo]

I always enjoy a tuna and cannelini beans, with a little dressed salad starter. Got to be good tuna. M&S Albacore tuna loins in olive oil are perfect.

[ethandron]

Thanks Prudie, lots of suggestions. Think it’s a lovely type of starter where you can all dip in to a platter of nice food.

[Tilly2]

I won't tell, Eth ;-)

We're having that tomorrow.

[Rockrose]

Good fresh tasty tomato, good quality mozzarella and basil leaves with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and of course breads and olive oils

[ethandron]

Must remember that one for another time Togo, sounds tasty.
Just made a start on my shopping list and added all those things RR.

[piggynose]

How about garlic bread?

[Togo]

Served with a glass of chilled Frascati it is a delight. Eth. Again M&S do a very respectable bottle.

[ethandron]

I’ve spent a very pleasant time browsing the aisles for all the bits and pieces for this antipasti platter, (even got the bresaola)can’t wait to try it. Also bought a bottle of frascati to have with it, and a small bottle of a delicious balsamic glaze.
Will serve it on a large platter, with a small container of the balsamic, and another of good olive oil, with ciabatta.
Thanks all, you’ve come up trumps yet again :)