an italian cook around the world
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!
Roasted bell peppers pasta sauce is so good! The smoked and sweet taste of bell peppers pairs perfectly with the salty of pancetta and Pecorino Romano. Sweet basil gives a note of freshness, but fresh mint is a great alternative. You can save a lot of time preparing peppers the day before and enjoy a great dish of Italian pasta in a few minutes!
Gnudi is a classic Tuscan recipe, simple and delicious! The particularity of these Italian dumpling is the smoothness of the dough and the intense flavor thanks to the spinach Ricotta, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Commonly, Gnudi are tossed with butter and sage and often paired with a simple, fresh tomato sauce. Try them on and let me know: they’re an authentic bite of Tuscany!
