How to Make Italy’s Best Mezes from Scratch

Italy is known for its rich culinary heritage, and one of the best ways to experience this is through the delightful spread of mezes or antipasti. These small dishes can be a perfect start to any meal, showcasing the diverse flavors of Italian cuisine. In this guide, we'll explore how to make Italy’s best mezes from scratch, providing you with delicious recipes that will impress your guests.

1. Bruschetta al Pomodoro

Bruschetta is a classic Italian starter that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. To make traditional Bruschetta al Pomodoro:

  • Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, black pepper, and crusty bread.

Instructions:

  1. Dice fresh tomatoes and mix them with minced garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  2. Slice the bread, toast it until golden, and then top with the tomato mixture.
  3. Serve immediately and enjoy every bite!

2. Carpaccio di Manzo

Carpaccio di Manzo is a dish made with thinly sliced raw beef, typically served with a drizzle of olive oil, lemon, and parmesan cheese.

  • Ingredients: High-quality beef tenderloin, lemon juice, olive oil, arugula, parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.

Instructions:

  1. Freeze the beef for about an hour to make it easier to slice thinly.
  2. Slice the beef into paper-thin slices and arrange them on a plate.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Top with arugula and shavings of parmesan before serving.

3. Olive Ascolane

Olive Ascolane are stuffed olives that are fried to perfection. They make for a scrumptious meze that everyone will love.

  • Ingredients: Ascoli green olives, ground meat (beef and pork), breadcrumbs, eggs, flour, and seasonings.

Instructions:

  1. De-pit the olives, creating a cavity for the filling.
  2. Prepare the filling by cooking the ground meat with onions and spices until browned. Let it cool and fill each olive.
  3. Coat each stuffed olive in flour, dipped in beaten egg, and then rolled in breadcrumbs.
  4. Fry the olives until they are golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

4. Caprese Skewers

Caprese skewers are fresh, colorful, and incredibly simple to make. They are perfect for serving as part of a meze platter.

  • Ingredients: Mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, balsamic glaze, salt, and skewers.

Instructions:

  1. On each skewer, thread a mozzarella ball, a cherry tomato, and a basil leaf.
  2. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
  3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with salt just before serving.

5. Frittata di Verdure

A frittata is a versatile Italian omelet that can be filled with various vegetables. It's excellent served warm or at room temperature as a meze.

  • Ingredients: Eggs, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, parmesan cheese, salt, and olive oil.

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Sauté the vegetables in olive oil until soft.
  3. Whisk the eggs with cheese, salt, and the sautéed vegetables, then pour into a greased baking dish.
  4. Bake until the frittata is set and golden on top.

Creating Italy's best mezes from scratch is not only a rewarding