Italy, being a rather slender peninsula, is a country where the sea is rarely too far away. And, of course, the products of the sea play a major role in its cuisine. And so it is not surprising that zuppa di pesce, or fish soup, is a dish that you … Read More
Céléri rémoulade
I normally like my salads with a simple oil and vinegar dressing in the typical Italian manner, but once and a while I get the urge for one of those rich and creamy salads like cole slaw or Russian salad … or this French classic: céléri rémoulade, shredded celery root … Read More
Cotolette alla milanese (Milanese Veal Chops)
One of the pillars of Milanese cuisine, cotoletta alla milanese is nothing more than a breaded veal chop browned in butter. It’s so typical, in fact, of the cooking of Milan that if you just ask for ‘una milanese’ in a restaurant in Italy, this is what you’ll be served. Simple … 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
Risi e bisi (Venetian Rice and Peas)
Sweet, fresh peas in their pods can be hard to find, but when I spotted some in a local market I grabbed them up to make a delicious Springtime dish from the Veneto: risi e bisi, or rice and peas in Venetian dialect. Although it resembles a risotto, the technique … Read More
Piselli alla romana (Roman-Style Peas)
Now piselli alla romana may be the shortest post I ever write, as this tasty and elegant side dish is about as simple as a recipe can get, short of boiling water. Ingredients Serves 4-6 as a side dish 1 large bag (approx. 450g/16 oz) of frozen peas, or the equivalent … Read More
Saltimbocca alla romana (Roman-Style Veal Scallops)
One of the most famous of all meat dishes in the Roman culinary repertoire, these veal scaloppini known as saltimbocca typify Roman cooking in their simple, lusty deliciousness. The name, as many of you probably already know, means ‘leap into the mouth’, a reference to how very good they really … Read More
