an italian cook around the world
Penne alla Vodka is one of the most iconic recipes of the 80s. The origin of this popular dish is uncertain and controversial: Italy and the United States claim both its creation. Besides the origin of Penne alla Vodka, if you never tasted this recipe, it’s time to give it a try. The pasta is tossed into a creamy Vodka sauce composed by pancetta, tomato puree, and heavy cream. Parmigiano Reggiano, black pepper and fresh parsley complete this delicious dish. Here the recipe and the history!
The Italian pork shoulder stew is a classic Italian Spezzatino (diced and slow cooked meat). This tasty recipe requires a several-hours-cooking but it’s pretty easy to make. The potatoes and peas pair perfectly with the pork, and form a whole meal in a single dish! In this case, I used the pork shoulder, but you can prefer your favorite meat: in Italy, it is very common make stews using beef or lamb, or mixing different types of meats. The stew will be delicious just cooked, but even better one or two days after!
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!
These beer braised sausages are so good and extra juicy, and absolutely easy to make! The only things you need are your preferred sausages and beer, and a probe thermometer. The sausages are slowly baked, then re-hydrated into a beer infusion. Simple and tasty!
Barcelona is a city where I wish to live! I visited the Catalan Capitol for the first time in 1989, and since that journey, it was love at first sight, or better at first bite. Sun, sea, historical monuments and delicious food: I wouldn’t have it any other way! This city is magic, and I try to go back there whenever it’s possible. Here a short list of the best Catalan dishes and where I ate them during my last visit in Barcelona: enjoy!
Stuffed zucchini boats is a delicious and merry recipe, perfect as appetizer or entrée! They can be stuffed with various filling either vegetarian or with meat or fish: today I decided to fill my zucchini a tasty pork ragù combined with mashed potatoes and Pecorino Romano cheese!
Homemade tortellini is one of the most important recipes of my hometown, Bologna! Along with Bolognese ragù and Lasagne, this recipe is an authentic icon of the Emilian culinary tradition. Here I’m telling you the history, the legend, and the traditional way to make tortellini. Not really easy to prepare, but a masterpiece of the Italian culture!
This sausage skewers recipe is an excellent idea to fan your parties! The peculiarity of these skewers is that are composed with meatballs stuffed with blue cheese. At this time, I choose breakfast sausages, but I like to prepare it with Italian or hot bulk as well. Roasted baby potatoes flavored with rosemary and garlic complete this tasty appetizer. An easy recipe for kids and their parents!
This BBQ pork fajitas recipe is great for a feast with friends! I love this easy dish, it does at your barbeque a South American touch. Just marinate the meat a few hours in advance with lime juice, Mexican amber beer, herbs and spices. When the time comes, bring with you marinated pork in a cooler and grill it along with mixed bell peppers!
The Ragù alla Bolognese is one of the most important recipes of my own city, perhaps the most famous Italian dish in the world. Unfortunately, it is also the most mangling Italian recipe! For the Bologna’s people, ragù is a very serious matter, more than can be expected! The preparation of this great recipe is very easy but needs time, right ingredients and a very good thick-bottomed heavy pot. So, take your time and be prepared to taste something different than the ordinary international “Bolognese sauce”.
