Although they’re available year round, peppers are indubitably at their best during their traditional summer season. Italian cookery has embraced this New World import with a passion only exceeded perhaps by the tomato. It includes an almost infinite number of recipes for the pepper: fried, pickled, gratinéed, or paired with … Read More
Carne cruda all’albese
It might be controversial in some circles, but I absolutely love Steak Tartare. There’s something about raw meat that scratches a primal culinary itch every now and again. Italians have their own take on the dish from the region of Piemonte called carne cruda (meaning simply “raw meat”), which is … Read More
Insalata pantesca
When temperatures reach astronomical highs as they have done lately, I often turn to salads for sustenance. To me, they’re the ideal hot weather food. Not only do you general serve them chilled or at room temperature, but they’re generally quickly thrown together and don’t involve turning on an oven … Read More
Frittelle di fiori di zucca (Zucchini Blossom Pancakes)
I love zucchini blossoms. But they might just be the most elusive of any summer produce. In the seventeen years I’ve lived in my current area, I’ve never found them in any local supermarket. Not once. But they occasionally—very occasionally—make an appearance at farm markets. So when I recently got … Read More
Timballo di pasta con melanzane
If you like pasta—and who doesn’t?—and if you like cake—and again, who doesn’t?—then you’re sure to like timballo di pasta, pasta baked in a mold then served as a kind of pasta cake. Italian cookery has some quite elaborate timballi di pasta, dating back to the days of the monzù, … Read More
Tiramisù alle fragole (Strawberry Tiramisu)
Tiramisù is one of those desserts everybody’s tried, and it seems just about everyone loves. But did you know that there are seasonal riffs on the classic recipe? Tiramisù alle fragole, or Strawberry Tiramisù, makes that iconic springtime fruit the star of your dessert. The technique is just like the … Read More
Zucchine a fiammifero (Zucchini Matchsticks)
As everyone knows, zucchini (aka courgettes) are a staple of modern Italian cookery. Italians have come up with a nearly endless variety of recipes for their beloved cucurbita pepo: They can be sautéed in garlic and olive oil, stewed in tomato sauce, stuffed, fried then marinated in vinegar, napped with … Read More
Piccata di pollo (Chicken Piccata)
Scaloppine dishes are some of the most quintessential everyday secondi piatti in the Italian repertoire. Thin slices of meat are lightly floured then quickly sautéed in a skillet, which is deglazed with wine to form a quick and tasty sauce. Lightening fast but also super-tasty, with a touch of elegance, … Read More