This iconic pork and cabbage stew from Milan called cassoeula is as much a symbol of the city in its own rustic way as the more refined risotto alla milanese or a cotoletta. Cassoeula belongs to the same category of pork dishes as minestra del morti or the Soup of … Read More
Baccalà in zimino (Cod Simmered in Swiss Chard)
There is a class of dishes common to Tuscany and Liguria curiously styled “in zimino” in which the main ingredient, usually seafood, is simmered in greens, usually spinach or Swiss chard, and more often than some tomato. As regular readers may remember, in past posts we’ve looked at calamari in … Read More
Torta salata di zucca (Savory Pumpkin Pie)
Well, autumn is well and truly upon us. And there’s no vegetable that marks the new season quite like the pumpkin. Even here in the US, where food markets have almost entirely lost their sense of seasonality, you can still count on the appearance of pumpkins and other hard squashes … Read More
Tagliata di manzo al pepe nero
I’m not a big meat eater, but once in a while I really enjoy a nice juicy steak. That said, I find steak just on its own, truth be told, a bit banal. But here’s a steak with a difference, tagliata di manzo al pepe nero. A tagliata, as you … Read More
Frittata al pomodoro (Tomato Frittata)
It’s been quite a while since we last published a frittata recipe. Five years to be exact. I’m not sure why. A frittata is just the kind of carefree, quick and easy dish we like to feature around here, especially this time of year when the weather is at its … Read More
Polpo alla piastra su crema di piselli (Seared Octopus over Green Pea Purée)
A simple but elegant main course, polpo alla piastra su crema di piselli (Seared Octopus on Green Peas Purée) provides a striking contrast of colors, textures and taste, with the dark purple of the briny chewy octopus set against a backdrop of the velvety, sweet bright green of the pea … Read More
Abbacchio alla romana (Roman Style Roast Lamb)
Abbacchio alla romana, Roman Style Roast Lamb, or abbachio alla cacciatora as it is called by Romans themselves, is perhaps the most iconic main course for Easter dinner in the Eternal City. The preparation is a simple pan roast in the Italian manner, with a twist. You cut up the … Read More
Involtini di verza con merluzzo e patate (Cod and Potato Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)
It may come as a surprise to some, but Italians make stuffed cabbage. The dish, which they call involtini di verza or cabbage rolls, is especially popular in the central and northern regions of the country. If you’ve traveled to Italy as a visitor, however, you may not have come … Read More
