main dish
Meal's starring course
The main dish is the central, most substantial part of a meal—the course around which everything else is organized.
Side dishes, appetizers, and desserts support it.
In American meals, this is typically a protein: What's the main dish tonight?
Also called the main course or entrée.
Slow-simmered meat dish
- casseroleSlow-cooked oven dish
- pot roastSlow-braised beef entrée
- meatloafBaked ground beef dish
- lasagnaBaked layered pasta dish
shepherd's pie · chili · goulash · paella · jambalaya · biryani · curry · feijoada
Large flat serving dish
- presentationFormal display to viewers
- showpiecePrized display item
- feastElaborate ceremonial meal
- banquetFormal celebratory meal
roast · turkey · ham · prime rib · whole fish · rack of lamb · suckling pig · Peking duck
Bodily use of food
- proteinFolded amino chain
- sustenanceMeans of living
- balancedIn a state of equilibrium
- wholesomeConducive to well-being
nutritious · calories · energy · satiety · fulfilling · dietary · vitamins · minerals
stew
Slow-simmered meat dish
lasagna · shepherd's pie · chili · goulash · paella · jambalaya · biryani · curry · feijoada · tamales
chicken
Domestic fowl for eating
lamb · tofu · seafood · poultry · steak · salmon · shrimp · duck · turkey · tempeh
platter
Large flat serving dish
- presentationFormal display to viewers
- showpiecePrized display item
- feastElaborate ceremonial meal
banquet · roast · turkey · ham · prime rib · whole fish · rack of lamb · suckling pig · Peking duck · tandoori chicken
nutrition
Bodily use of food
- proteinFolded amino chain
- sustenanceMeans of living
- balancedIn a state of equilibrium
wholesome · nutritious · calories · energy · satiety · fulfilling · dietary · vitamins · minerals · fortifying
umami
Fifth taste sensation
marinade · roasted · grilled · baked · braised · sauteed · flavorful · aromatic · garlicky · peppery
- "Main" phrases
- Potluckcasseroles, green bean casserole, baked beans, fried chicken, mac and cheese
- teishokumiso soup, rice bowl, pickles, tray, tonkatsu
- coursegolf course, obstacle course, crash course, first course, correspondence course
- fine diningchef, gourmet meal, tasting menu, haute cuisine, gourmet
- spotlightspotlight, center stage, limelight, star attraction, focal point
main dishappetizer
Light dish preceding main
starter · dessert · hors d'oeuvre · first course · side dish
main dishside dish
Secondary food portion
accompaniment · side order · garnish · condiment · small plate