The variety of pesto recipes is incredible. The absolute must for traditional pesto is : a bunch of fresh basil, a handful of pine nuts, 1-2 garlic cloves, a few table spoons of parmigiano and olive oil. Don’t make the pesto too salty (like ready- made- ones are). Against the holy rule, save your handpower … More The lovely smell of fresh basil
While babo Michel has some quality time with his daughter in Siena, I spend some quality time with my family in Belgium. He doesn’t like pasta or rice. Last visit in Siena he discovered gnocchi and he is a fan. Apart from gnocchi alla Romana I have a really bad experience making them. It ‘s … More Babo in Tuscan = daddy
On a hot summer evening I keep it, even for guests. -Blanch 250 grams of spinach and drain thoroughly. Cut and mix with 170 grams of chopped grilled artichokes out of a can. Add 2 chopped garlic cloves, 2 eggs, 2 table spoons of grated parmigiano, 100 grams of cubes of mozzarella, pepper and salt. … More Little dinner for friends
Try to remember to put an entire ball of garlic and a drizzle of olive oil in some aluminium foil in the oven the evening before this recipe (to save energy! I bake our own bread and so often I need the oven, for the dinner and/or for the bread) and leave it there until … More Cookies of sweet potato
For 2p chop 4 garlic cloves and 1 spicy little pepper. Fry and add 2 table spoons of dried raisins, 3 table spoons of pine nuts and 8 pickled anchovies. Stir. Add ½ glas of red wine and 4 table spoons of tomato puree, OR, add 2 table spoons of red wine vinegar and 5 … More Old Sicilian recipe, originally called ‘pasta for poor people’
For 1 p slice eggplant, put in a colander with salt, rinse, dry and prebake in the oven as explained several times before. Use the eggplant immediately or store in the fridge. Take a small springform and cover with baking paper. Chop 4 garlic cloves, 1 red onion and a handful of fresh basil. Add … More Easy version of the famous Parmigiana
Summersquash or zucchini/courgette is a delicious ingredient. By exploring the cuisines of the different continents you will be surprised by the incredible varieties of preparation. Today we go for a recipe of filled courgettes from the Middle East. The round courgette is probably the easiest to fill, but the long variety is perfect alternative and … More Courgette in English, Zucchini in American
Calamari, breadcrumb, garlic, lemon, tomato…the smell of summer! For 2 p clean 500 grams of fresh squid. Fry 1 chopped spicy pepper, 6 chopped garlic cloves and 2 handful of old breadcrumb in a good drizzle of olive oil. Add pepper and salt. Bake until crispy and golden brown. Put the mixture on kitchen paper … More The hottest day in Italy since the start of the measurments.
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’
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
Doc V's Healthy Kitchen 