an italian cook around the world
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!
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!
Pasta Fagioli recipe is very popular in Italy, and every region owns its local variation. The Venetian version of the bean soup is one of the most ancient and rich in history. Traditionally the Venetian Pasta Fagioli is strongly linked with the annual ritual of the slaughter of the pigs. For centuries Pasta Fagioli has fed the farmers families, reusing the cheap cuts of pork. Nowadays, the Venetian Pasta a Fagioli is considered a classic of the Italian cuisine either in its traditional recipe and reinvented by famous contemporary Chefs. Here the recipe and history, don’t miss it!
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a traditional Neapolitan dish become a symbol of the Italian cuisine, thanks to its simplicity and deliciousness! This recipe is a poor variation of the classic Linguine with clams and was the only option for who couldn’t afford to buy richer ingredients. Beyond its modest origin, Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a temptation to try: easy to make and tasty!
The Hungarian goulash recipe is one of the most typical dishes of East Europe. About goulash I have a precise view, the first time I went in Hungary. It was the December of 1992, and I was traveling along with my parents. I remember distinctly two things: the freezing cold that wrapped Budapest in the Christmas time, and a hot, flavorful, hearty, stew came to my rescue! The goulash recipe has an ancient and fascinating story, started with the migration of the cows between the Hungarian steppe and the main East-European markets. A country recipe become a masterpiece of the comfort food culture! Here the history and the recipe.
Pumpkin gnocchi is a recipe I love to prepare in this season. They are easy to make in advance and freeze, so perfect to plan a dinner even with several people: a feast for friends! I like so much the mild sweetness of these gnocchi and pair them with butter and sage, but also with meat sauces or melted blue cheeses: so yummy!
Sardines pasta is a traditional Sicilian delicacy, and, as usual for many Italian recipes, is the protagonist of a legend and a historical fact. The ingredients of this dish are typical of Sicily but also inspired by the foreign occupations of the island into the centuries. Here the history and the recipe of this legendary dish!
