The Pre-meal Meal

Appetizers are, in my opinion, pretty much the best idea ever. A small amount of food before a larger amount of food? Genius. Appetizers are particularly useful when you want to sample a new kind of dish.  You can avoid the anxiety of committing to an entire meal before you know that you will enjoy it, and at the same time, you have the opportunity to discover a new favorite food. International foods can be especially intimidating, so I feel that if you do want to take a risk with a new foreign dish, it should definitely be in the form of an appetizer.

Though they were originally created in Galicia, Spain, empanadas are also an extremely popular Latin dish. Spanish settlers brought empanadas to the Western world, and they have been prevalent in Latin America ever since.  These are pastries made from flour and baking soda that can be stuffed with a variety of things, including but not limited to meat, spinach, peas, potatoes, pumpkin and beans.  They are particularly adored in Chile and Argentina. These pies are the perfect example of finger foods, and I imagine that they would be even better as an appetizer if you are feeling a little unsure about them.

In India, samosas are referred to as chaat, or a snack food. They certainly could also be made into an appetizer. Similar to empanadas, samosas are pastry pockets made from flour that can be stuffed with anything you desire. The most popular filling, however, is simply spiced potato and peas. In eastern Africa and South Africa, variations of samosas are made, but here they are called samoosas. No matter where they come from, the dish is regarded as delicious and should definitely be considered a suitable appetizer.

The next dish I am going to include originated in Italy. The dish is simple, and incredibly easy to make as a snack or an appetizer. Olives are popular all around the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, and when marinated in olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, herbs, and seasonings, they make the perfect pre-meal meal. This dish complements any Spanish, Italian, North African, Greek or Provençal meal, and either green olives or black olives can be used, depending on your preferences. From my experience, olives tend to be regarded by many as not that great, but when they are dipped in marinade, a whole new flavor is created- a flavor that should definitely be considered.

The meals I have mentioned definitely do not complete the list of possible appetizers, but they are very popular dishes that can be sampled if you feel a little bit antsy about diving right in to a brand new meal. It has always been difficult for me to broaden my horizons when it comes to food, as I already feel very passionately about the dishes I already enjoy, but usually when I do choose to try something new, it is for the best. And these appetizers sound great, right?

 

3 Comments on The Pre-meal Meal

  1. mgc5166
    October 30, 2015 at 6:41 pm (8 years ago)

    I like how appetizers are sometimes seen as an experimental dish. I agree that they have a fantastic effect on expanding people’s palates, and it is indeed genius. I really like how certain foods across various cultures can emanate from the same concept, such as empanadas, samosas, and samoosas. I think I’ll have to try olives soon, because I have yet to ever taste one!

  2. kvl5406
    October 30, 2015 at 11:17 am (8 years ago)

    Honestly, forget actual pregaming because I am all for pregaming a meal with more food. I usually do the classic “eat a snack while my food is cooking haha so healthy” thing, but these appetizers sound so much better! Somehow this blog is making me hungry even though I am eating right now as I’m typing this. I also think it’s an interesting and really helpful perspective to see appetizers as a way to test out food you’re unsure of!

  3. aft5105
    October 26, 2015 at 7:43 pm (8 years ago)

    Mmmm sign me up for chaat. I have been especially craving potatoes lately and would really kill for one in some dough. Literally there are so any good appetizers around the world. I love foreign food and especially appetizers! But thats a good idea, have an appetizer in a foreign country to get acquainted with the food!

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