Cacciucco di ceci – chickpea and chard stew
Cacciucco di ceci – chickpea and chard stew The “cacciucco” of chickpeas is an ancient Tuscan recipe. In Tuscan dialect “cacciucco” means mixture. This particular recipe is a mixture of chickpeas, chard, potatoes, and tomato. The result is a savoury vegetable stew – a perfect comfort food – that can be served as a single…
Tuscan style bean soup
After gorging ourselves a bit too much during the Christmas holidays, it is time to detox. Nothing is better for this than a great soup. In Italy, this means a bean soup! Let’s choose our ingredients; in winter the best fresh vegetables are greens such as kale, cabbage, spinach, and cauliflower, along with potatoes of…
Roast braised in white wine
Roast braised in white wine Nothing says “holiday dinner” like a juicy, tender, and aromatic roast. This week’s recipe is a classic Italian roast invented by Anna Moroni. Born in Rome, she was for many years known for her frequent appearances as a chef on national television. The recipe is simple to prepare, requiring only…
Mushroom and ham lasagna – (lasagna goccia d’oro)
Mushroom and ham lasagna – (lasagna goccia d’oro) Lasagna “goccia d’oro” is part of the traditional Emilian gastronomy and is prepared for special occasions when you want to impress your guests with a delicate, tasty, and elegant dish. “Goccia d’oro” means golden drop, and you will immediately understand why the dish has this name when you…
Roasted eggplant and courgettes with tomato sauce, herbs, capers, and olives
Roasted eggplant and courgettes with tomato sauce, herbs, capers, and olives (also called “alla cafona“). If you love rich flavours, this recipe is for you. It is really quick and easy to prepare and you need just a few ingredients. This dish is similar to aubergine parmigiana, and just as tasty, but much lighter. The…
Caprese cake (flourless cake)
Caprese cake (flourless cake) The Caprese cake is a chocolate cake with a soft heart and a light crust outside. Made with almond flour, eggs, dark chocolate, and a little more, the Caprese is a traditional dessert from Capri Island. Naturally gluten-free, this cake is easy and quick to prepare. Ingredients almond flour 250 gm. dark chocolate…
Orecchiette with Savoy cabbage and gorgonzola
Orecchiette with Savoy cabbage and gorgonzola Does the hustle and bustle of the holiday season-shopping for Christmas gifts, running errands, writing cards- leave you with no time for cooking? This recipe is for you. Pass by Franco’s stall and buy his wonderful pasta. While you are there, you will surely find another local selling fresh cabbage,…
Roasted cod with potatoes
Roasted cod with potatoes Baked cod with potatoes is a simple and refined dish. This second course can be prepared in 30 minutes by using simple ingredients. Just choose fresh fish, excellent potatoes, and quality extra virgin olive oil. Also suitable for children, this recipe is gluten free. Ingredients 3 medium potatoes, peeled and thinly…
Zuppa imperiale
Zuppa imperiale The imperial soup is a classic Bolognese soup made with cubes of baked semolina and Parmesan, then served in a rich broth. Zuppa imperiale means “Emperor’s soup” and is similar to Krinofel – an Austrian soup prepared with similar ingredients. The legend says it was Marie Louise, Duchess of Parma and the first…
Saltimbocca alla Romana with roasted potatoes
Saltimbocca alla Romana with roasted potatoes The literal translation of saltimbocca is “jump in the mouth”. Roman saltimbocca veal escalopes are famous all over the world. Why all the fuss over such a simple and quick recipe? Because although the dish is simple to prepare, saltimbocca is incredibly flavourful, a perfect combination of meat, ham, wine, and…
