Tomatoes in Italy are so delicious. Semi-ovendried their flavor will be even more intense. I always have tomatoes in stock, and sometimes too much. Rescue them on time : half them, put on baking sheet, add pepper, salt, a pinch of sugar, some dried oregan and put in the oven for 20 mins at 180° … More Tomato risotto
The preperation of a buffet is often a lot of work in advance, but so lovely to serve several little dishes, even for 2-4p. Kuku, garden bean spread, baba banoush of courgettes (instead of eggplant), rocket salad with red onions will be more than enough. Leftovers are perfect the following day. Preheat the oven at … More Weekend : mezze buffet, inspired by Ottolenghi’s ‘Plenty more’
I’m a collector of recipes, cooking magazines and cooking books since I became 25 (before that period I was already cooking, but didn’t have the money;-)) . It’s amazing how the eating/cooking style has changed since then. ‘Avocado filled with Northsea shrimps’ was really adventerous 30 years ago. Today, avocado is known by everybody (although … More Gaucamole in pasta!
Polpette di sarde is a traditional dish in Sicily. I’m sure the Sicilians will not disapprove the variant based on mackerel. For 3p mix 600 grams of mackerel filets(with skin), 1 onion, 4 garlic cloves, 50 grams of bread crumb, salt, pepper, a handful fresh parsley and some mint leaves in a blender (roughly). Add … More Mackerel balls joined by a little salad
-Eggplant can be served in many variations. Repeat the procedure of 21/7. The marinade today is olive oil, 1 table spoon of sumak, 1 table spoon of dried basil, pepper and salt. Spread the marinade on the predrained eggplant slices (3 small eggplant for 3 persons as appetizer). Bake in the oven as explained on … More Kisir and eggplant in another variation
Some greens and cheese hidden in a crispy dough is called ‘erbazzone’ in Italy. Instead of pancetta, I used smoked salmon for a vegetarian version. For 2-3 persons blanch 500 grams of fresh spinach (or similar vegetable)and drain thoroughly. Fry 4 chopped 4 garlic cloves, 2 chopped spring onions and 1 chopped small spicy little … More Erbazzone, a recipe from Emilia Romagna
Buy good quality chicken, with skin. Chop a handful of fresh parsley and a few mint leaves. Mix with lemon zeste. Put the herbal mixture just in between the skin and the meat of the chicken, but fold the skin back on the meat. Add pepper and salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Bake … More Crispy chicken and beet root couscous
Most ingredients in Italy are of a superb quality, and this includes the meat. Certain days I really crave for a piece of perfect meat. The’ pick of today’ is ‘suino italiano’, italian pork. This succulent piece of meat is perfect in combination with a pasta in Greek style. Chop 1 red onion, 4 garlic … More Lucious pork and Greek pasta salad
Slice 2 medium sized eggplants and put the slices in a colander with salt. After 30-60 mins, rinse the eggplant, and dry. In the meanwhile mix 2 table spoons of chopped fresh mint, 2 finely chopped garlic cloves, pepper, salt and some olive oil. Put the slices eggplant on baking paper. Marinate the eggplant in … More Outside temperature around 35°, oven temperature 180°, that’s hot!
I have a confession to make : certain days I would prefer not to cook but, never ever, I would decide not to eat a warm meal in the evening ;-). This recipe is an ideal ‘in between’. Start by heating the oven at 160°. Put 250 grams halved cherry tomatoes on baking paper. Add … More Pasta caprese
Doc V's Healthy Kitchen 