an italian cook around the world
Aloo gobi is true Indian comfort food. This recipe is a classic of the Northern regions of the Subcontinent, particularly the Punjab, but it is also prevalent in Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. The potatoes and cauliflower florets are previously fried, then combined with a flavorful mix of spices and vegetables: delicious!
Kung Pao Chicken: one of the most popular and distorted Chinese recipes! This dish, available in the Chinese restaurant and chains from over the world, is frequently served into several variations, because of the difficult to find the traditional ingredients. But, since currently is ever easier to find traditional Chinese goods, now is the right time to try the original Kung Pao chicken! Here the history of this tasty dish, and the recipe of Sichuan and Western versions: the choice is yours!
Chicken cacciatore, is one of the most popular Italian recipes. Named “pollo alla cacciatora”, this recipe is prepared with some little differences in almost all the regions of Italy. I like sear the chicken reduced into pieces before slowly cook it into a fresh tomatoes sauce. Garlic, rosemary and give at the meat a delicious flavor. Even if it’s possible braise the meat with white wine, I suggest baste with red wine in order to make the taste of the sauce bold!
Eggplant pasta with prosciutto dices is a quick and tasty Italian recipe. I love serve this sauce along with any kind of short pasta, but the shape I prefer is Garganelli: an Emilian kind of maccheroni very traditional in Bologna, my birth city. Deep fried eggplants give a characteristic flavor, but if you prefer an healthier choice you can bake them, considering that the taste will be good but not the same. I like complete this eggplant pasta with Ricotta Salata cheese, but Pecorino is perfect as well!
Today vegetarian Carbonara! I love traditional Carbonara, but sometimes I opt for a more light and healthy version. Zucchini pair greatly with eggs and Pecorino Romano cheese. Grated lemon skin give a tasty touch of freshness. Zucchini have to be chopped big enough to be cooked until golden brown but not mushy. The main question is: creamy or not creamy? For Italian people there is an only question: creamy. If the yolks coagulate, for us sounds like a disaster! For this reason I suggest to use only trusted, super fresh eggs, or pasteurized.
Stir fried dandelions and potatoes is a quick and tasty Italian classic. Commonly, it is served as a hot salad for appetizer, or aside meats, eggs, or salty fish, like anchovies or sardines. I really love stir fried dandelions, they are very healthy greens! Their bitter taste pairs perfectly with the sweet of golden potatoes and the salty flavor of Pecorino Romano cheese. When the weather permits to grill outside my house, the stir fried dandelions are a must-to-eat aside steaks and sausages!
