A colorful vegetarian antipasto plate will excite the senses.
Antipasto traditionally is served as an appetizer during an Italian meal. The name comes from the Italian word "anti," which means before, and "pasto," which means food. More than just a first course, it is a colorful spread meant to inspire the palate. The ingredients that make up an antipasto dish often depend on who is preparing it. If you are looking for ways to appeal to vegetarians, there are traditional and modern plays on this classic dish.
Breads
Breads are a vegetarian-friendly addition to any antipasto plate. Look for thick-crusted breads with soft, spongy insides, perfect for dipping in warm, seasoned oils. You also can make creamy spreads featuring olives, pimentos or fresh herbs to serve with the bread. Cut a variety of breads into small pieces for diners to share and taste.
Olives
No antipasto plate would be complete with olives. Alone or as part of a dish, they add a refreshing salty and savory flavor that excites the taste buds. Serve pickled green and black olives stacked on a toothpick in the center of a piece of baked bread or sauteed in butter or wine. Along with olives, pepperoncinis and banana peppers will add color and bursts of flavor to the spread.
Fruits and Vegetables
Seared vegetables are a favorite for this dish. Choose vegetables favored by Mediterranean cuisine, including eggplant, artichokes, zucchini, squash, green pepper, carrots, fennel, broccoli, cauliflower and onion. These can be served alone or atop slices of toasted Italian bread and seasoned with oils. For fruit, grilled figs and tomato seasoned with balsamic vinegar or wine can offer a rich burst of flavor to eat alone or with bread.
Cheeses
Italian food often includes rich and robust cheeses as topping, as part of a spread or as a standalone food bite. Cubes of mozzarella, soft and spongy, often are served alone. Mozzarella can also be shredded and baked onto bread with tomato and fresh herbs to make bruschetta. Other favorite cheeses for antipasto are Parmesan, feta, goat cheese and baked ricotta.
Dipping Sauces and Oils
Combinations of olive oil and freshly chopped herbs are both vegetarian-friendly and delicious. These are perfect for seasoning and as a dip for breads and vegetables. Some antipasto dishes recommend using Worcestershire sauce for seasoning vegetables and developing sauces. However this ingredient is not vegetarian-friendly. It contains anchovies, which contributes to the briny flavor. Instead of Worcestershire, choose a combination of fresh garlic, soy sauce and lemon juice. Pickled olives and sun-dried tomatoes also will help mirror the briny quality of this traditional sauce.
Vegan Options
Vegans are strict vegetarians who avoid all animal products, including cheeses. In many grocery stores, soy or nut-based artificial cheeses are available, which can be substituted for traditional cheeses on an antipasto plate. However, they can be difficult to find and not as flavorful. Instead, you can instead use chunks of pan-seared tofu, seasoned with olive oil, nutritional yeast or chopped pistachio or cashews to create a rich flavor and beautiful color to an antipasto dish. Many Italian breads also use egg wash or dairy products in their loaves, which is not vegan-friendly. Look for breads that do not include these ingredients.
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