an italian cook around the world
The Ribollita is one of the most popular Italian bread soups. This historical recipe prepared in Tuscany since the Middle Ages, and came from the necessity to reuse the stale bead mixing it with the herbs and vegetables available in the garden: the result is simply delicious! To prepare an authentic Ribollita, Tuscan bread, Lacinato kale and beans are essential ingredients: a traditionally vegan delight!
This baked tomatoes gratin recipe is a classic Italian delish, and a fun way to feed your kids with healthy ingredients! By now, this dish is typical in all the Italian regions but mainly traditional in Southern Italy. The filling may vary depending on the local cuisines and family traditions: today, I prepared an Apulian variation of baked tomatoes, but as usual, follow your taste and make your own stuffing!
Greek Pita bread is an ingredient always present in my fridge or my freezer. This recipe is very simple to prepare and easy to store and reheat. I love to pair Pita with my preferred appetizers and salads, or filling it with roasted meats, or simply seasoning with olive oil, oregano and sea salt! Whether it is breakfast, lunch or dinner, every time is Pita time!
Taralli recipe is very popular in Italy: a perfect snack along with wine or beers! They are a healthy substitution of fries and pair perfectly with cured meats, cheese, and pickled vegetables. If you desire to organize a party Italian-style, don’t miss this recipe!
The Naan bread is a recipe you can’t miss If you plan to prepare an Indian dinner! This simple flatbread is rich in history and taste, and even if the traditional method requires a Tandoor oven, Naan will be delicious also cooked in a cast iron skillet!
A Focaccia bread thick and fluffy ready in less than two hours? It is possible, and it is soo tasty! Focaccia Locatelli is a no-knead recipe, very soft Italian flatbread, and super easy to make. The classic version does not provide for any toppings, but I strongly suggest you garnish your focaccia with your favorite ingredients. Here I choose stuffed green olives, cherry tomatoes, and gorgonzola crumbles, but the only limit is your fantasy!
Chicken cacciatore, is one of the most popular Italian recipes. Named “pollo alla cacciatora”, this recipe is prepared with some little differences in almost all the regions of Italy. I like sear the chicken reduced into pieces before slowly cook it into a fresh tomatoes sauce. Garlic, rosemary and give at the meat a delicious flavor. Even if it’s possible braise the meat with white wine, I suggest baste with red wine in order to make the taste of the sauce bold!
Pesto arugula is a quick and easy recipe, very versatile. Thanks to my friend Erik and his beautiful garden, I can prepare this recipe with fresh organic arugula! I love the bitter taste of this green, balanced with the sweet and sour flavor of Parmigiano Reggiano and pine nuts. Pesto Arugula is perfect to toss pasta, but is great also as seasoning of baked or boiled vegetables and chicken or brisket salad. Try it on simply spread on toasted bread as well, it is delicious!
This cabbage soup is the kind of comfort food I prefer: tasty, greedy and rich in vitamins! Preparing this recipe I’ve been inspired by the classic French soup. Shiitake mushrooms give a particular flavor to this cabbage soup. The secret of this recipe is the onion, very smooth and caramelized. I stir fried the vegetables with clarified butter, but it’s possible use a mix of butter and extra virgin olive oil as well.
Mushrooms cheese crostini is a simple recipe, so quick and tasty! I prepare this rich in flavor recipe as appetizer for dinners or parties. Yesterday I prepared these crostini with Ciabatta bread, Italian Fontina cheese and Shiitake mushrooms, but they are great with different mushrooms, and cheese, and bread as well!
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