What are *Contorni* served as, relative to the *Secondi* course of meat or fish?

Answer

Vegetable side dishes on a separate plate

Within the formal structure of an Italian *cena*, the *Secondi* course focuses on the primary protein, which is meat or fish. *Contorni* are designated as the vegetable side dishes that accompany the *Secondi*. A key detail in navigating this meal structure is that *Contorni* are served on a separate plate from the meat or fish itself, indicating they are complementary elements rather than integrated components of the main dish, distinguishing them from the heavier *Primi* course.

What are *Contorni* served as, relative to the *Secondi* course of meat or fish?
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