Main course facts for kids
The main course is the most important dish in a meal that has several parts. It's usually the biggest and most exciting part of the meal! Think of it as the "star" of the dinner.
In many places, like Europe, the main course is served after a smaller dish called an entrée (which might be a starter). But in the United States, people often call the main course itself the "entrée." It can be a little confusing, but just remember it's the central dish!
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What is a Main Course?
The main course is designed to be the most satisfying and filling part of your meal. It's often the dish that gives the meal its main flavor or theme. For example, if you're having a chicken dinner, the roasted chicken would be the main course.
The Star of the Meal
This dish is usually larger than the other courses and often features a main ingredient like meat, fish, poultry, or a hearty vegetarian option. It's meant to make you feel full and happy. The main course is often served with side dishes like vegetables, potatoes, rice, or pasta to make it a complete meal.
Main Courses Around the World
Different cultures have their own ideas of what makes a great main course.
- In Italy, a main course might be a delicious pasta dish or a roasted meat like arrosti.
- In Japan, it could be a fresh sushi platter or a bowl of ramen.
- In India, a main course might be a flavorful curry served with naan bread or rice.
- In the United States, popular main courses include steak, hamburgers, pizza, or roast chicken.
No matter where you are, the main course is usually the dish that everyone looks forward to the most!
What Comes Before and After?
A main course usually fits into a bigger meal plan.
- Before: You might start with a lighter dish called an appetizer, like a small salad, a bowl of soup, or some bread with dips. These are meant to get your appetite ready for the main event.
- After: Once you've enjoyed your main course, it's often followed by a dessert. This could be something sweet like cake, ice cream, or fruit, which helps to finish the meal on a sweet note.
So, the main course is the delicious heart of a multi-course meal, making sure you leave the table feeling satisfied!
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