an italian cook around the world
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!
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!
Pico de Gallo is one of the most simple and popular Mexican sauces. This “salsa” is a must-to-serve dish over the tables of the Mexican restaurants, along with Nachos, Salsa Picante, and Salsa Tomatillo. Called also Salsa Bandera (flag sauce) because of the same colors of the Mexican Flag, Pico de Gallo is made with simple and healthy ingredients, without any fat adding: it’s vegan, and it’s delicious! Here the whole history and the traditional recipe!
The Mozzarella in Carrozza one of the simplest and tastiest Italian snacks; worldwide popular, and with an interesting and smart history. Originally, the idea behind the Mozzarella in Carrozza has been prompted from the needs to reuse stale bead and old mozzarella. Nowadays, this appetizer is made with white bread slices, and mozzarella, and optionally other toppings like anchovies or ham. Here the recipe and the history!
Aguachile is an ancient Mexican marinating technique for fish and seafood. This salad enhances incredibly the taste of the seafood, particularly the shrimp. The best way to serve Shrimp Aguacile is over Tostadas along with mashed avocados: spicy, fresh and tasty!
Melitzanosalata is a tasty Greek appetizer traditionally served aside meats, pita bread, and other sauces. This eggplant salad is a delicious and healthy starter, but it also a perfect ingredient for a sandwich or a Pita Gyro. I love preparing this vegan small plate along with Tzatziki sauce, Souvlaki, and Greek salad. This kind of meal remembers me my days in Greece: closing my eyes, and breathing deeply, I can still feel the flavors of the olive groves and Mediterranean sea!
White anchovies salad is a recipe I love to serve all year long! The savory and sour taste of the anchovies pairs greatly with the sweetness of baked eggplants. And the best thing is the healthiness of this dish, rich in Omega-3 and vitamins!
Roasted carrots with balsamic and arugula pesto is an healthy vegetarian salad. I love the sweet taste of the carrots glazed with balsamic vinegar paired the bitter of arugula. To obtain a perfect balance between these strong flavors a very good quality balsamic vinegar is mandatory, otherwise the taste will be too sour!
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!
Shrimp rice salad is one of my preferred recipes for summertime. Rice pilaf tossed with steamed shrimp, fresh coriander and spices is a thing that remembers me seaside and vacation. This is the perfect recipe to prepare in advance for a picnic on the beach! Even if it is possible serve this shrimp rice salad hot, I prefer taste it at room temperature or cold. Basmati is the rice I prefer for this recipe, but Arborio, Jasmine, brown or wild will work great as well, just remember to adjust time and cook technique depending the kind of rice.
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