Some readers may remember last winter’s post on brasato al vino rosso, the wonderful red wine pot roast from northern Italy. Well, today we turn our attention to central Italy to present Tuscan Pot Roast. This dish, more specifically from Florence, is called ‘stracotto’, which literally means ‘overcooked’. Like a brasato, red wine goes … Read More
Crema di cannellini (Tuscan White Bean Soup)
Here’s a quick and easy weeknight supper for you, Tuscan White Bean Soup: a purée of cannellini beans, seasoned with garlic and rosemary, and thinned out with water or broth to create a soup. Nothing could be simpler or more satisfying. And if you are using canned beans—which you can, why … Read More
Panzanella (Tuscan Bread Salad)
Panzanella, a Tuscan bread salad, is a great way to use old bread and avoid cooking in hot weather at the same time. And it is so simple to make, too. Ingredients Day old bread (see Notes) Fresh, ripe tomatoes, chopped Red onion, peeled and sliced A few fresh basil … Read More
Pollo fritto alla toscana (Tuscan Fried Chicken)
Is there anyone who doesn’t like fried chicken? Nice and crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside… I can get hungry just thinking about it! Tuscan Fried Chicken is a particularly savory and simple version of this classic international dish. Ingredients Serves 4-6 1 young frying chicken Flour, … Read More
Maiale Ubriaco (Drunken Pork)
They don’t make pork like they used to. Modern pork is raised lean for health reasons but in the process a lot of flavor got lost. But there are ways to make up for the lack of intrinsic flavor, like this simple Tuscan method for making pork chops called maiale … Read More
Bistecca alla fiorentina (Steak Florentine)
People don’t always associate steak with Italian cooking, but in fact, one of the glories of Tuscan cuisine is a simply prepared Porterhouse steak, grilled rare, over a wood fire: bistecca alla fiorentina, or literally Steak Florentine. The dish is so typical that if you ask for a fiorentina in a restaurant … Read More
Pinzimonio (Tuscan Crudités)
When things are really hectic at work, as they are now, even a hardcore food fanatic like myself doesn’t always feel like cooking. Or perhaps you’ve had a heavy lunch or midday dinner and feel like a light dinner. Or you’re looking for something to serve an easy and convivial … Read More
Pollo alla diavola (“Devil’s Style” Grilled Chicken)
Pollo alla diavola, or Devil’s Style Grilled Chicken, is a simple and deliciously spicy way to grill chicken. Ingredients Serves 4-6 1 chicken, preferably free-range Olive oil Salt Red pepper flakes The juice of 1/2 lemon Directions Begin by butterflying a young chicken: cut away the chicken’s back bone with … Read More
