Summer is the season of warm, vibrant, and sunny weather, where scores of people go outside to enjoy quality time. There are few activities that say “quality time” as much as sitting down and indulging in your favorite summertime food and drink – whether indoors or outdoors. Here at Strega North End, we are in the business of serving delicious Italian food and drink, and as such, we’ll be looking at the quintessential Italian dishes for summer. To learn more information, keep reading below!
Antipasto Salad
Antipasto – literally meaning “the dish before the meal” has been a staple of Italian dining for generations. Though we would know them as perhaps ‘small bites’ or ‘appetizers’, antipasto consists of light food such as prosciutto, salami, grapes, olives, and the likes. While antipasto is just as good on its own, many recipes for antipasto salad have emerged in recent years – because who doesn’t like to indulge in a delicious salad in the summertime?
Antipasto salad is what you’d expect: antipasto foods reappropriated into a tasteful salad form. You can begin with a base of mixed greens – namely radicchio and escarole – though romaine works just as well. From there, add roasted red peppers and artichoke hearts for added bursts of flavor. Then, what antipasto dish would be complete without meats and cheeses? Salami, cubed mozzarella, and soppressata cheeses are all suitable for this salad, though you can also incorporate prosciutto and provolone if you like. You can finish the salad with olives, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes, and an Italian dressing for added moisture.
Bruschetta
Bruschetta represents what makes Italian cooking resonate with so many people, both in Italy and the world alike: it is relatively simple but, above all, delicious. The fundamental ingredient of this dish, tomatoes, become especially ripe and robust during the summer months, making this a dish that is truly fit for the warmer months! If you’re looking to prepare a dish without having to spend much time or money on ingredients – then bruschetta might be the right choice!
In its purest form, for bruschetta, you will need tomatoes, salt, EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), and Italian bread. Start by dicing the tomatoes and seasoning them with a dash of salt – continue by mixing it with plenty of EVOO. Simply serve the mixture over toasted Italian bread and there you have it – bruschetta in its most basic incarnation. Should you want a more sophisticated, perhaps flavorful version, there are countless recipes that call for the addition of basil, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and others – just look for yourself!
Looking For Quality Italian Food in Boston’s North End? Visit us at Strega!
Whether you’re in the city’s North End for a day, or perhaps in the city for a weekend, we’d love to see you here at Strega. Offering a delicious selection of Italian food and drink, Strega is located on historic Hanover Street right here in the North End! Call us at 617-523-8481 to make a reservation today!
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