MIXED ANTIPASTO

Mixed Antipasto image

Yield Serves 6 to 8

Number Of Ingredients 20

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For the marinade
1 large garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon crumbled dried rosemary
1 teaspoon dried basil, crumbled
1 teaspoon dried orégano, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon dried hot red pepper flakes, or to taste
1/2 cup olive oil
3 large carrots, cut diagonally into 1/4-inch-thick slices
2 small fennel bulbs (about 1 1/2 pounds), cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices (about 3 cups)
2 red bell peppers, roasted and cut into strips
2 yellow bell peppers, roasted and cut into strips
a 12-ounce jar peperoncini (pickled Tuscan peppers), rinsed and drained well
3/4 pound black or green brine-cured olives or a combination
1/4 pound sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and cut into strips
3/4 pound marinated or plain bocconcini (small mozzarella balls, available at specialty foods shops and some supermarkets)
1/2 pound pepperoni or soppressata (hard Italian sausage, available at Italian markets, some butcher shops, and, some specialty foods shops), cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices and the slices quartered
two 7-ounce jars marinated artichoke hearts, rinsed and drained well
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley leaves plus, if desired, parsley sprigs for garnish

Steps:

Make the marinade:
In a small bowl whisk together the garlic, the vinegars, the rosemary, the basil, the orégano, the red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to taste, add the oil in a stream, whisking, and whisk the marinade until it is emulsified.
In a large saucepan of boiling water blanch the carrots and the fennel for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender, drain them, and plunge them into a bowl of ice and cold water. Let the vegetables cool and drain them well. In a large bowl toss together the carrots, the fennel, the roasted peppers, the peperoncini, the olives, the sun-dried tomatoes, the bocconcini, the pepperoni, the artichoke hearts, the marinade, the minced parsley until the antipasto is combined well and chill the antipasto, covered, for at least 4 hours or overnight. Transfer the antipasto to a platter, garnish it with the parsley sprigs, and serve it at room temperature.