an italian cook around the world
Ajvar is a traditional relish, originating of the Balkans, created to preserve the peppers. The sweet and sour taste of Ajvar pairs perfectly with grilled meats and bread slices. The peppers and eggplants are roasted, then minced and cooked slowly: delicious!
Acqua Pazza is a classic Italian recipe, healthy and tasty! This cooking method is originating of Southern-Italy and commonly attributed to the Neapolitan cuisine. The traditional recipe wants the fish cooked whole with simple ingredients, whereas the contemporary way prefers to stew fillets of fish along with a delicious fish stock prepared with the bones and the head of the fish. Here both recipes and the origin of Acqua Pazza!
Panelle is one of the most Iconic Sicilian street food recipes! These chickpeas flour fritters are simple to make, rich in history and taste. Panelle are traditionally fried then served into a Sesame roll, a typical scene in the Markets of the city of Palermo! Born as a food for poor people, Pannelle have been conquered the palate of all the social classes: from the poorest to the noblest! Here the traditional recipe and the origin of Panelle!
Probably, the Greek dolmades are the most worldwide famous stuffed grape leaves rolls! These delicious roulades filled with a traditionally vegan mix of rice, onions, and herbs, are popular, with some variations, not only in Greece, but also in several other regions of the Middle Eastern, Turkic, and Balkans areas. I love to serve Dolmades as an appetizer, or into a selection of small plates for my parties. Here the recipe and the history of Dolmades!
Shish Tawook are the popular chicken skewers typical into several cuisines of the Turkic and Levantine area. The meat is diced, then marinated into yogurt and spices, and baked or grilled: delicious!
Zucchine alla Scapece derives from one of the most ancient food preservation techniques: the Escabeche. This delicious side dish is a classic of the Neapolitan cuisine. The zucchini are previously fried, then marinated into a mixture of garlic, vinegar, and fresh mint. Here the recipe and the history!
Penne alla Vodka is one of the most iconic recipes of the 80s. The origin of this popular dish is uncertain and controversial: Italy and the United States claim both its creation. Besides the origin of Penne alla Vodka, if you never tasted this recipe, it’s time to give it a try. The pasta is tossed into a creamy Vodka sauce composed by pancetta, tomato puree, and heavy cream. Parmigiano Reggiano, black pepper and fresh parsley complete this delicious dish. Here the recipe and the history!
The Sole Meuniere is the French recipe I remember most in my childhood. This simple recipe is a wonderful way to introduce fish into your kid’s diet! Sole Meuniere is also rich in history: its origin is dated at least at the time of King Louis XIV, and likely more ancient! The sole is floured then pan-fried into butter flavored with lemon, then garnished with fresh parsley and pepper: delicious!
Zeppole are one of the most popular Italian sweet snacks: a delicious bite to taste walking around the downtown of Naples! This recipe is incredibly ancient and comes directly from the Roman Empire cuisine. Here the recipe and the history of these Italian doughnuts!
Pasta Fazool (called in Naples Pasta e Fasul) is a pillar of the Neapolitan cuisine. This recipe, created to feed the poorest part of the population, is incredibly rich in flavors and history: Its origin is ancient and comes from the Roman Empire, then modified during the centuries with new ingredients imported from Asia and Americas . In Naples, every family has its own recipe, with some changes, and the differences can cause some disputes.! Here the history of Neapolitan Pasta e Fasul, and two different versions: one with Cannellini Beans and fresh tomatoes, another one with brown beans and tomato puree.
