an italian cook around the world
Ricotta gnocchi, is one of the classic Italian gnocchi recipes, along with potato gnocchi and squash gnocchi. These simple and delicious little dumplings can be made “white” just with flour and cheese or enriched with minced greens. I particularly love the spinach and ricotta variation: here the recipe!
Ajvar is a traditional relish, originating of the Balkans, created to preserve the peppers. The sweet and sour taste of Ajvar pairs perfectly with grilled meats and bread slices. The peppers and eggplants are roasted, then minced and cooked slowly: delicious!
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!
Muhammara is a classic Levantine dip, made with walnuts, bell peppers, and spices. This recipe originating of the Syrian city of Aleppo, is incredibly popular in the Middle East, healthy and traditionally vegan. I love it paired with grilled meats, or just spread on toasted bread slices!
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!
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!
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!
These Chinese glazed chicken steaks are easy to prepare and so tasty! The meat is dry-brined with a spice mixture, then quickly seared and enriched with a sweet and sour glaze. Delicious!
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!
Basil pesto is a must of Genovese cuisine (click here to read the recipe and history). People from Genoa are very proud of this tasty recipe and admit just a few variation. The most famous recipe with basil pesto is “Pesto Avvantaggiato” also called simply “Pesto Alla Genovese”. The pasta, commonly Linguine or Trofie, is cooked along with green beans and diced potatoes, then tossed with basil pesto. It’s critical do not re-heat basil pesto and add a few tbsp of water to obtain a creamy sauce. Easy and tasty!
