an italian cook around the world
The Salmon en Papillote is a quick and easy way to cook and serve healthy fish! The Papillote technique is very ancient and popular in various parts of the world. The food is wrapped and steamed in the oven preserving the flavors and the taste: delicious!
Greek Fasolakia is a typical peasant dish rich in vegetables, and traditionally vegan! These stir-fried vegetables are part of the ancient tradition of Greek braised vegetables called Lathera, and served as the main dish of a light lunch, or among other small plates during the Greek Mezes. Here the recipe of Fasolakia!
Mustard greens are one of my preferred greens, thanks to their spicy and particular taste! I love them cooked in several ways, but probably the recipe I prefer is braised with potatoes and caramelized onions! This vegan and healthy recipe can be served over toasted bread slices as an appetizer or paired with grilled sausages: delicious!
Baccalà salad is a classic appetizer into several Italian regional cuisines, particularly in the Central-Southern areas. Yesterday I made a delicious and healthy Sicilian inspired cod salad with all the traditional flavors of the famous Italian Island! The sweet and sour “Agrodolce” sauce taste pairs perfectly with the typical briny flavor of Baccalà; green olives, pistachios, raisins, and sweet peppers enriched my salad: so different flavors! Furthermore, this recipe is very easy to make and delicious all year long, especially after a day spent on the beach, or as an appetizer during the main festivities!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
