giovedì 28 gennaio 2016

Pesce spada alla catanese - Swordfish from Catania


I know that the swordfish season would be on late spring and summer, but yesterday my fishmonger had such a fresh one on display that I couldn't help buying two thick slices, beautifully pink and shining.
Few friend from Catania gave me this recipe, with plenty of variations, as it always happens in the Italian cuisine. Still, everybody agreed that he secret of this Sicilian recipe is baking the swordfish on low temperature (150°C), to keep its delicate flavour and the moist texture of its firm and meaty flesh. The thicker the slices, the better the outcome.

giovedì 21 gennaio 2016

Insalata tiepida d’orzo con cavolo riccio e feta - Pearl Barley Salad with kale and feta cheese


Today I felt like having a simple grain salad for lunch. It is a light and fulfilling meal, which I always enjoy to prepare by combining the ingredients I have in the pantry. 

domenica 17 gennaio 2016

Pere al vino rosso - Poached Pears in Red Wine


This is a fruit pudding I like to serve after any winter meal. It is a plain but generous dish. Easy to make, it infuses its aroma over the house - better than any scented candle -, it  enchants the eyes with its warm red and delights the palate with its delicate sweetness. The vanilla ice cream would enhance the deep colour and the smooth syrup of the dish. 

venerdì 8 gennaio 2016

Orecchiette con cime di rapa


This is one of the most well-known dish from Bari (Apulia). Traditionally prepared with homemade orecchiette, it is a good example of pasta dressed with vegetables, which is so popular in the south of Italy. 

Here I propose  a quicker version of the recipe,  using the dried orecchiette. 
Cime di rapa are similar to the English turnip tops, but softener. Broccoli could work as well but with a slightly different result, both in terms of flavour and texture.