appetizers - philosokitchen

PANZANELLA SALAD RECIPE AND HISTORY - Traditional bread salad

PANZANELLA SALAD RECIPE AND HISTORY – Traditional bread salad

SANTORINI FAVA RECIPE - Greek split pea puree - all you need to know!

SANTORINI FAVA RECIPE – Greek split pea puree – all you need to know!

ASPARAGUS FRITTATA with goat cheese - Italian recipe

ASPARAGUS FRITTATA with goat cheese – Italian recipe

CALAMARI SALAD with fresh herbs Salmoriglio - Healthy and Tasty!

CALAMARI SALAD with mixed herbs Salmoriglio – Healthy & Tasty!

SPRITZ VENEZIANO RECIPES & HISTORY - the ritual of Aperitivo in Venice

SPRITZ VENEZIANO RECIPES & HISTORY – the ritual of Aperitivo in Venice

TRADITIONAL EGGS IN PURGATORY RECIPE - All you need to know!

TRADITIONAL EGGS IN PURGATORY RECIPE – All you need to know!

FASOLAKIA - Traditional Greek braised green beans - all you need to know!

FASOLAKIA – Traditional Greek braised green beans – all you need to know!

GNOCCO FRITTO RECIPE AND HISTORY: all you need to know!

GNOCCO FRITTO RECIPE AND HISTORY: all you need to know!

SAUTEED MUSTARD GREENS with potatoes and leeks

BRAISED MUSTARD GREENS with potatoes and leeks

GEMISTA RECIPE - Greek stuffed vegetables: all you need to know!

GEMISTA RECIPE – Greek stuffed vegetables: all you need to know!

BACCALÀ SALAD SICILIAN WAY RECIPE with olives and sweet peppers

BACCALÀ SALAD SICILIAN WAY RECIPE with olives and sweet peppers

AJVAR RECIPE: Balkan bell peppers dip - all you need to know!

AJVAR RECIPE: Balkan bell peppers dip – all you need to know!

ACQUA PAZZA STYLE STEWED FISH - traditional Italian recipe and history

ACQUA PAZZA STYLE STEWED FISH – traditional Italian recipe and history

PANELLE – Sicilian chickpea fritters recipe & history – all you need to know!

DOLMADES RECIPE: Greek stuffed grape leaves - all you need to know!

GREEK DOLMADES RECIPE: stuffed grape leaves – all you need to know!

MUHAMMARA RECIPE: Levantine bell pepper dip - all you need to know!

MUHAMMARA RECIPE: Levantine bell pepper dip – all you need to know!

ZUCCHINE ALLA SCAPECE – Italian fried zucchini marinated in vinegar

ALOO MATAR RECIPE: peas and potatoes Punjabi curry - all you need to know!

ALOO MATAR RECIPE: potatoes and peas Punjabi curry – all you need to know!

CARCIOFI ALLA ROMANA: ROMAN ARTICHOKES RECIPE & HISTORY

CARCIOFI ALLA ROMANA: ROMAN ARTICHOKES RECIPE & HISTORY

Bagna Cauda recipe and history - all you need to know!

BAGNA CAUDA recipe and history – all you need to know!

DAUPHINOISE POTATOES RECIPE: French potatoes au gratin – all you need to know!

PICO DE GALLO RECIPE & HISTORY - Traditional Mexican salsa!

PICO DE GALLO RECIPE & HISTORY – Traditional Mexican salsa!

RIBOLLITA - Tuscan bread soup recipe & history - all you need to know!

RIBOLLITA – Tuscan bread soup recipe & history – all you need to know!

VICHYSSOISE RECIPE & HISTORY – all you need to know about the French leeks soup!

MOZZARELLA IN CARROZZA RECIPE - traditional Neapolitan fried cheese and bread

MOZZARELLA IN CARROZZA RECIPE & HISTORY – traditional Neapolotan fried cheese sandwich

ALOO GOBI RECIPE - Indian stir-fry potatoes and cauliflower

ALOO GOBI RECIPE – Indian stir-fry potatoes and cauliflower

NEAPOLITAN FAVA BEAN SOUP with pancetta and fresh herbs

NEAPOLITAN FAVA BEAN SOUP with pancetta and fresh herbs

BAKED TOMATOES GRATIN ITALIAN-STYLE: authentic Mediterranean!

BAKED TOMATOES GRATIN ITALIAN-STYLE: authentic Mediterranean taste!

AGUACHILE RECIPE AND HISTORY - Mexican marinated shrimp salad

AGUACHILE RECIPE AND HISTORY – Mexican marinated shrimp salad

SFINCIONE: SICILIAN PIZZA RECIPE & HISTORY - all you need to know!

SFINCIONE: SICILIAN PIZZA RECIPE & HISTORY – all you need to know!

SICILIAN CAPONATA: history and 4 traditional recipes - all you need to know!

SICILIAN CAPONATA: history and 4 traditional recipes – all you need to know!

MEDITERRANEAN STEAK TARTARE with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh parsley

STIR-FRY SHIITAKE CHINESE-STYLE with soy sauce and sesame seeds

LYONNAISE POTATOES: French roasted potatoes with caramelized onion

LYONNAISE POTATOES – French roasted potatoes with caramelized onions

SPANAKOPITA RECIPE & HISTORY - Traditional Greek spinach pie

SPANAKOPITA RECIPE & HISTORY – Traditional Greek spinach pie

TORTILLA DE PATATAS (spanish omelette) recipe & history - all you need to know!

TORTILLA DE PATATAS (spanish omelette) recipe & history – all you need to know!

PALERMITAN CAPONATA - traditional Sicilian appetizer

PALERMITAN CAPONATA RECIPE – traditional Sicilian appetizer

CAPONATA CATANESE – Sicilian appetizer with eggplants and bell peppers

PORTUGUESE CLAMS STEW RECIPE with chorizo and white wine sauce

SAGANAKI CHEESE with Feta and seared bell peppers

SAGANAKI CHEESE RECIPE with Feta and seared bell peppers

SPANAKORIZO - Traditional Greek spinach rice with lemon and dill

SPANAKORIZO – Traditional Greek spinach rice with lemon and dill

CAPONATA AGRIGENTINA - sweet and sour Sicilian appetizer

CAPONATA AGRIGENTINA – sweet and sour Sicilian appetizer

PIEDMONTESE BEEF STEAK TARTARE (Battuta di Manzo alla Piemontese)

TZATZIKI SAUCE RECIPE with cucumber and Greek yogurt

TZATZIKI SAUCE RECIPE & HISTORY – all you need to know!

GREEK PITA BREAD RECIPE – easy and tasty!

CAPONATA MESSINESE - Sicilian appetizer with chopped tomatoes and eggplants

CAPONATA MESSINESE – Sicilian appetizer with chopped tomatoes and eggplants

BUTTERCUP SQUASH PUFFS Duchess potatoes style with blue cheese

BUTTERCUP SQUASH PUFFS Duchess potatoes style with blue cheese

BUTTERCUP SQUASH "PUMPKIN" PUREE with blue cheese

BUTTERCUP SQUASH “PUMPKIN” PUREE with blue cheese

HOMEMADE FRENCH FRIES – legend and recipe

MELITZANOSALATA - traditional Greek eggplant salad recipe

MELITZANOSALATA – traditional Greek eggplant salad recipe

SPICY STEAK TARTARE with ginger juice, pomegranate and poppy seeds

POMEGRANATE STEAK TARTARE with ginger juice and poppy seeds

FRIED GNUDI - spinach and ricotta croquettes

FRIED GNUDI – Italian spinach and cheese croquettes

BEER BATTER RECIPE perfect to fry vegetables and seafood!

FRIED SAGE WITH BEER BATTER simple and tasty vegan appetizer!

FRENCH STEAK TARTARE RECIPE AND HISTORY - with mustard and pickled cucumber

FRENCH STEAK TARTARE RECIPE AND HISTORY – with mustard and pickled cucumber

MUSSELS IN WHITE WINE SAUCE Italian recipe (impepata di cozze)

MUSSELS IN WHITE WINE SAUCE Italian recipe (impepata di cozze)

GIARDINIERA RECIPE: the Italian pickled vegetables appetizer!

PEAS AND PANCETTA SIDE DISH with mini bell peppers and parsley

CHARRED OKRA AND TOMATOES STEW with smoked paprika and mint

ROASTED BELL PEPPERS HUMMUS with goat cheese and mint

TARALLI RECIPE - Traditional Italian bread snacks for aperitif and party

TARALLI RECIPE – Traditional Italian bread snacks for aperitifs and parties!

STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS with pork ragù and mashed potatoes

STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS with pork ragù and mashed potatoes

GAI LAN (CHINESE BROCCOLI) STIR FRY with Sichuan pepper and garlic

GAI LAN (CHINESE BROCCOLI) STIR FRY with Sichuan pepper and garlic

BASIC CREPES RECIPE & HISTORY - all you need to know!

BASIC CREPES RECIPE & HISTORY – all you need to know!

EGG MUFFINS ITALIAN STYLE with mushrooms, asparagus and Pancetta

GRILLED EGGPLANT MARINATED WITH SALMORIGLIO (lemon and oil sauce)

GRILLED EGGPLANTS MARINATED WITH SALMORIGLIO (lemon and olive oil sauce)

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP with Beluga lentils - vegan and detox recipe

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP with Beluga lentils – vegan and detox recipe

SKORDALIA RECIPE - Greek garlic mashed potatoes

SKORDALIA RECIPE – Greek garlic mashed potatoes

RATATOUILLE RECIPE - dtraditional French appetizer and side dish

RATATOUILLE RECIPE & HISTORY – traditional French appetizer and side dish

SWEETBREAD RECIPE breaded and fried Italian style

SWEETBREADS RECIPE breaded and fried Italian style

SERVING CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP After 1 hour, add the half and half and stir well, then let reach slowly the simmering point. Depending on your preference, blend all the cream of mushroom soup, just half, or not at all. Finish the soup adding minced fresh mint and grated Havarti, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve hot with bread crostini or boiled potatoes aside.

CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP with Havarti cheese

ITALIAN SALSA VERDE (parsley green sauce recipe)

ITALIAN SALSA VERDE (parsley green sauce recipe)

SMOKED SALMON TARTINE with asparagus butter and crumbled almonds

SMOKED SALMON TARTINE with asparagus butter and crumbled almonds

FOCACCIA BREAD LOCATELLI: quick and easy Italian flatbread!

FOCACCIA BREAD LOCATELLI: quick and easy Italian flatbread!

WHITE ANCHOVIES SALAD with eggplants and tomatillos

WHITE ANCHOVIES SALAD with eggplants and tomatillos

Italian frittata with caramelized onions

ITALIAN FRITTATA with caramelized onions

SAUSAGE SKEWERS with baby potatoes and blue cheese

SAUSAGE SKEWERS with baby potatoes and blue cheese

PAPPA AL POMODORO - Tuscan tomato and bread soup

PAPPA AL POMODORO HISTORY AND RECIPE – Tuscan tomato and bread soup

ROASTED MIXED VEGETABLES with provencal herbs and cheese

ROASTED MIXED VEGETABLES with provencal herbs and cheese

PEPERONATA RECIPE authentic Italian pan fried bell peppers

PEPERONATA RECIPE authentic Italian pan fried bell peppers

ROASTED CARROTS with balsamic and arugula pesto

ROASTED CARROTS with balsamic and arugula pesto

FRITTATA RECIPE with spinach, goat cheese and pecorino crust

FRITTATA RECIPE with spinach, goat cheese and pecorino crust

ASPARAGUS DIP with Dijon mustard and white pepper

ASPARAGUS DIP with Dijon mustard and white pepper

MARBLED CHINESE TEA EGGS RECIPE

MARBLED CHINESE TEA EGGS – HISTORY AND RECIPE

STUFFED MUSHROOMS with Gruyere cheese

MOIST & TENDER CHICKEN SALAD with sun-dried tomatoes pesto

MOIST & TENDER CHICKEN SALAD with sun-dried tomatoes pesto

STUFFED JALAPENOS with potatoes, sausage and cheese

STUFFED JALAPENOS with potatoes, sausage and cheese

CROSTINI POLENTA RECIPE, great with cheese and meats

CROSTINI POLENTA RECIPE, great with cheese and meats

ROSEMARY FLATBREAD with olive oil (Italian focaccia)

ROSEMARY FLATBREAD with olive oil (Italian focaccia)

ARTICHOKES DIP with garlic, fresh mint and lemon zeists

ARTICHOKES DIP with garlic, fresh mint and lemon zest

FARRO SALAD with roasted vegetables and feta

FARRO SALAD with roasted vegetables and feta

GREEN CABBAGE SOUP with caramelized onions, mushrooms and cheese

GREEN CABBAGE SOUP with caramelized onions, mushrooms and cheese

FRIED BABY ARTICHOKES (carciofi alla giudia)

FRIED ARTICHOKES (carciofi alla giudia)

OVEN ROASTED OCTOPUS with potatoes and oregano

OVEN ROASTED OCTOPUS with potatoes and oregano

STIR FRIED DANDERLION AND POTATOES with Pecorino Romano cheese

STIR FRIED DANDELIONS AND POTATOES with cheese

COCONUT CREAM SOUP with romanesco and roasted tofu

COCONUT CREAM SOUP with romanesco and roasted tofu

ARTICHOKES SALAD with green olives and sweet garlic

ARTICHOKES SALAD with green olives and sweet garlic

MUSHROOMS CHEESE CROSTINI with shiitake and Italian fontina

SAUTEED CHAYOTE SQUASH AND POTATOES with shallots and mint

INDIAN RED LENTILS DAL (masoor dal)

INDIAN RED LENTILS DAL (masoor dal)

The rainbow chard cream soup a recipe that give me a lot of satisfaction. It is simple, tasty and healthy. A colorful and kid friendly way to eat the vegetables! To save time, I prepare the rainbow chard cream in advance, baking the stem dices just before serving. Pecorino Romano pair perfectly with this soup, but ricotta salata is great as well. RAINBOW CHARD CREAM SOUP 16 rainbow chard leaves 1 Lb (450 g) golden potatoes 3 cup (450 g) white onions chopped 2 cloves of garlic 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp white vinegar 2 tbsp Pecorino Romano 1 dash black pepper to taste table salt RAINBOW CHARD CREAM SOUP ONIONS AND POTATOES First, preheat the oven on 400° F, then pour 4 tbsp of olive oil into a pot (Dutch oven is my choice) and heat over medium flame. Peel and slice coarsely the onion. Pour the onions and peeled cloves of garlic into the pot. Stir-fry onions and garlic until extremely soft. Now, ad the potatoes peeled and chopped. Cook 15 minutes, stirring frequently. RAINBOW CHARD CREAM SOUP RAINBOW CHARD LEAVES Meanwhile onions and potatoes are cooking, rinse the Rainbow chard leaves. Trim the leaves and reduce them into pieces. Save the stems. Pour the leaves pieces into the pot and stir-fry 10 minutes, the add hot water, enough to just cover the vegetables. Bring the soup to gently simmer, then cover the pot with a lid and cook 30 minutes. RAINBOW CHARD CREAM SOUP ROASTED STEMS While the rainbow soup is cooking, reduce the chard stems into small dices. Pour a quart of water to boil, add 1 tbsp of salt and 1 tsp of white vinegar, and boil the chard stems 5 minute. Drain and place the dices over a dripping pan covered with a sheet of parchment paper. Season the chard dices with 1 tbsp of olive oil and bake 10 minutes at 400° F, then broil until golden. RAINBOW CHARD CREAM SOUP RAINBOW CHARD CREAM SOUP When the soup is cooked, blend and sift with a metal strainer sieve. Serve the rainbow chard cream soup with stems dices and a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano.

RAINBOW CHARD CREAM SOUP

SAUTEED SHRIMPS with basil and ginger pesto

SAUTEED SHRIMPS with basil and ginger pesto

SAUTEED CREAMY MUSHROOMS with milk and mustard sauce

SAUTEED CREAMY MUSHROOMS with milk and mustard

SAUTEED ARTICHOKES with bacon and garlic

SAUTEED ARTICHOKES with bacon and garlic

VENETIAN SALTED COD (Baccalà mantecato)

VENETIAN SALTED COD (Baccalà Mantecato)

STUFFED SQUID RECIPE with broccoli and potatoes

STUFFED SQUID with potatoes and broccoli

CIPOLLINI ONIONS braised in red wine

CIPOLLINI ONIONS braised in red wine

SAUSAGE STRACCHINO CHEESE CROSTINI

SAUSAGE CHEESE CROSTINI Tuscan recipe

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SPREAD with smoked paprika and goat cheese

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SPREAD with smoked paprika and goat cheese

HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN CHILI with black beans

HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN CHILI with black beans

Italian rice and bean soup

ITALIAN RICE AND BEANS SOUP – a fall delight!

HOMEMADE FRESH CHEESE ready in a few hours!

HOMEMADE ITALIAN FRESH CHEESE “GIUNCATA” ready in a few hours!

HOMEMADE SUN-DRIED TOMATOES preserved in olive oil

HOMEMADE SUN-DRIED TOMATOES preserved in olive oil

FIG JAM perfect as appetizer with cheese

FIG JAM perfect as appetizer with cheese

Tomatillo guacamole

TOMATILLO GUACAMOLE with red onions

Pan fried mini bell peppers, marinated with garlic and basil

PAN FRIED SWEET MINI PEPPERS with basil leaves and balsamic vinegar

roasted cauliflower dip

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER DIP

Italian chicken livers croutons

ITALIAN CHICKEN LIVERS CROUTONS

traditional hummus

TRADITIONAL HUMMUS RECIPE

lentils and peas soup with diced toasted bread

LENTIL AND GREEN PEA SOUP with bread croutons

cabbage vegetable cream

WHERE THE WILD VEGETABLES ARE: Hippy vegetable cream

TOMATOES PARMIGIANA with smoked mozzarella, eggplant and sun-dried tomatoes

RED WINE BRAISED OCTOPUS with potatos and Concord grape sauce

RED WINE BRAISED OCTOPUS with potatos and Concord grape sauce

INDIVIA BELGA RIPIENA di mozzarella affumicata stagionata

STUFFED BELGIAN ENDIVES with smoked grated mozzarella

tartare di salmone con funghi freschi, sedano e semi di papavero

SALMON TARTARE with champignon mushroom, celery and poppy seeds