an italian cook around the world
Pastitsio is one of the most worldwide popular and controversial Greek recipes. The origin of this delicious Greek baked ziti is probably Italian, then revisited by the famous chef Nikolaos Tselementes under the influence of the French cuisine. Here the traditional recipe and the history of Pastitsio!
Ricotta gnocchi, is one of the classic Italian gnocchi recipes, along with potato gnocchi and squash gnocchi. These simple and delicious little dumplings can be made “white” just with flour and cheese or enriched with minced greens. I particularly love the spinach and ricotta variation: here the recipe!
Calamarata is one of the most loved Neapolitan shapes of pasta. These big Maccheroni are often paired with fish and seafood, and particularly with squids and tomatoes sauce that take its name from the pasta. Here the classic recipe of Neapolitan Calamarata!
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!
Pomarola is the recipe of my childhood. An everyday sauce tossed with pasta that had been waiting for me back from school. Simple and delicious, with Tuscany roots like my mom’s family. Sauteed vegetables, blended with fresh tomatoes and basil leaves: easy, quick, and tasty!
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.
Pasta alla Norma is a classic pasta originating from the Sicilian city of Catania. A recipe simple in ingredients, eggplants, tomatoes, basil, garlic and Ricotta Salata, but so tasty and rich in history. The eggplants are deep fried, then tossed into a fresh tomato sauce along with the pasta and cheese. Here the recipe and legend of Pasta alla Norma!
Arrabbiata sauce is one of the most popular Italian recipes, in Italy as well as abroad. The dish is very simple and tasty, but I can bet the Ada Boni version is little know also at the majority of Italians. As the traditional Arrabbiata pasta is vegan, this historical version of Arrabbiata is for meat lovers. Diced prosciutto and tomato sauce match tastefully with the fresh taste of raw chili peppers. Abundant Pecorino cheese complete this Arrabbiata: a must to try!
The mozzarella and eggplant sauce pasta is a delicious Italian recipe made with traditional ingredients. The mozzarella is reduced into a creamy dip, then blended with a healthy baked eggplant sauce: delicious! This sauce is also great to season a tasty pasta salad: perfect for your lunchbox!
Arrabbiata sauce pasta (penne all’arrabbiata) is one of the simplest Roman recipes, and so delicious! The secret of Arrabbiata is the balance between the freshness taste of tomatoes and parsley, and the extreme spiciness of Chili peppers. Even if traditional shape of pasta is Penne, this sauce pairs perfectly with almost all the kind of pasta. Penne all’Arrabbiata is excellent just cooked, but also yummy served at room temperature like a pasta salad. Here all the secrets of this classic dish and the traditional recipe!
