Preheat oven to 450, with sheet pan in the oven. Cut 2 lb of zucchini (5-6 zucchini) into 1-inch cubes, then toss in 1-2 Tbsp olive oil and about 1 tsp salt. Pour onto the heated sheet and roast until browned and tender (about 30 mins), tossing a few times to brown evenly. Separately, heat… Continue reading Rigatoni with oven-roasted zucchini
Tag: italian
Italian bucatini with chicken sausage and bell peppers
We tried this recipe: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/bucatini-with-sausage-and-peppers-56389445 We used spicy chicken sausage instead of sweet turkey. At first, we found the sauce a bit too thin, but we later realized that this is intentional so that the bucatini can soak up the sauce. We also recommend preparing the sauce in a Dutch oven, since the cooked pasta… Continue reading Italian bucatini with chicken sausage and bell peppers
Italian-style eggplant bolognese
We tried this healthier take on bolognese, which uses a combination of minced beef and cubed eggplant. Recipe here: http://www.myrecipes.com/m/recipe/eggplant-bolognese. We found the favor a bit flat, so we added a dash of fruit-infused white balsamic vinegar at the end. (Aug. 2016)
Italian-style scalloped tomatoes
We followed this recipe: https://food52.com/recipes/18941-sarah-leah-chase-s-scalloped-tomatoes, but we used ciabatta bread (about ¼ loaf) instead of a baguette. After baking at 350 for 35 mins, we broiled it on high (about 8 inches from the flames) for a few mins. The recipe calls for bacon fat or olive oil, so it can be vegetarian if you… Continue reading Italian-style scalloped tomatoes
Pasta alla Norma
Pasta alla Norma is rigatoni with eggplant, tomatoes, and ricotta salata. Preheat oven to 450. Cut 2 lb eggplant (about 2 medium) into ¾ inch cubes, toss in about 2 Tbsp olive oil, a little salt and black pepper, place in a single layer on a sheet pan, and oven-roast for 30 mins, tossing midway.… Continue reading Pasta alla Norma
Spaghetti carbonara with kale
We tried this one-skillet recipe: http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2013/09/spaghettie-carbonara-with-kale-recipe.html. Our modifications: reduced bacon to 4 oz (from 8 oz), increased chicken broth to 4 cups (from 3 ½ cups, gradually over time), reduced Parmesan to ¾ cup, and omitted any additional salt. (June 2016)
Italian eggs in purgatory
We had half a baguette leftover, so I tried using it in lieu of Italian bread. Turns out a baguette is too narrow to nest an egg. To make the sauce, heat a small pot and add 1 tsp olive oil. Sauté 1 minced shallot; when fragrant, add a few cloves minced garlic and 1… Continue reading Italian eggs in purgatory
Italian-style pasta with roasted eggplant and crispy garlic
We tried this recipe from Aida Mollenkamp: http://saltandwind.com/recipes/38-late-summer-roasted-eggplant-pasta-recipe. Our modifications: to avoid having unused ingredients, we increased the spaghetti to 1 lb (16 oz), tomato purée to 20 oz, balsamic vinegar to 1 ½ Tbsp, and sugar (we used white sugar) to 1 ½ tsp. We also used a mix of fresh thyme and fresh… Continue reading Italian-style pasta with roasted eggplant and crispy garlic
Italian-style lemon polenta cake
We tried this almond and corn meal recipe from Nigella Lawson: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/nigella-lawson/lemon-polenta-cake-recipe.html. The lemon glaze is a nice touch. Our cake was a little grainy due to the cornmeal texture; we recommend using a fine-grain meal. (Mar. 2016)
Bucatini with bacon sauce and meatballs
This is a Beau Macmillan recipe that I have been meaning to try for a few years. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bucatini-with-bacon-sauce-and-meatballs-recipe.html. It is a great recipe, but it does not specify how much salt or pepper to add to either the sauce or meatball mixture. I added a touch of sugar to offset the acidity of the sauce.… Continue reading Bucatini with bacon sauce and meatballs