We loosely followed this recipe: https://www.seriouseats.com/orzo-with-cherry-tomatoes-capers-lemon-recipe Our modifications: first, we started cooking the orzo in unsalted chicken broth (which we lightly salted). Second, for aromatics we sauteed 3 garlic cloves (sliced), 4 anchovies, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper in 2 Tbsp olive oil. (We did this instead of the capers, thyme, and single garlic…… Continue reading Orzo with cherry tomatoes and slivered almonds
Tag: italian
Mafaldine pasta with roasted eggplant
I love the curly edges of lasagna sheets, so mafaldine pasta piqued my curiosity. We decided to try this recipe: https://www.acouplecooks.com/mafaldine-pasta-with-eggplant/ Our modifications: first, we halved the recipe, using 1/2 lb of mafaldine pasta. We used a low-walled Dutch oven to cook the pasta. Second, as a shortcut we used 15.5 oz Rao’s marinara sauce…… Continue reading Mafaldine pasta with roasted eggplant
White beans with rosemary, tomato, and olive oil
This is a delicious and easy dish with Mediterranean flavors: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023775-rosemary-white-beans-with-frizzled-onions-and-tomato?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share Our modifications: first, we increased the onion to one medium and one small, which we sliced along the grain. We cooked the onions in 2 Tbsp olive oil until caramelized, and we set aside 1/3 of them for garnish. Second, we used no-salt canned… Continue reading White beans with rosemary, tomato, and olive oil
Sicilian-style pasta with zucchini chunks
We unexpectedly had an abundance of zucchini, including 4 smaller ones. We tried this recipe: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/08/23/lifestyle/recipe-this-unusual-method-cooking-zucchini-with-anchovies-becomes-sauce-pasta/ At the end of cooking, we added lemon juice (about 1/3 lemon) for brightness. This dish was decent, but we prefer a pasta with cauliflower that has a similar flavor base (garlic, anchovy, olive oil). (Jan. 2023)
Sicilian-style pasta with roasted cauliflower and crispy capers
We tried this recipe with Sicilian flavors, and it was delicious. https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/pasta-roasted-cauliflower-and-crispy-capers Because its flavor base includes anchovy filets in addition to lemon zest, capers, and pecorino, this recipe is not vegetarian. (Dec. 2022) Note: Instead of 4 anchovy filets, you can use 2 tsp anchovy paste (1/2 tsp paste = 1 filet).
Swiss chard and chickpea minestrone soup
We had a craving for a plant-forward soup with Swiss chard, and we tried this recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1013539-swiss-chard-and-chickpea-minestrone?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share The parmesan rind is essential. For the 1/2 cup of soup pasta, we used ditalini. Our minor modifications: first, we did not de-stem the chard; we love its crunchy texture and tartness. Instead, we used slightly more than… Continue reading Swiss chard and chickpea minestrone soup
Roasted eggplant pasta
We had one medium eggplant and one zucchini, so we tried this recipe: https://asimplepalate.com/blog/roasted-eggplant-pasta/ We cut the eggplant and zucchini into 1" dice, then separately tossed in enough canola to coat, and placed on separate baking sheets (because zucchini leaks more liquid). We roasted at 450 for 20 mins, tossing midway (and we broiled the… Continue reading Roasted eggplant pasta
Low-fat parmesan sauce
We searched for a low-fat alternative to parmesan sauce: https://www.modernhoney.com/skinny-fettuccine-alfredo/ We used this as the parmesan sauce topping for baked pasta with store-bought marinara sauce. (May 2022)
Baked pasta with store-bought marinara
We tried this recipe: https://www.seriouseats.com/best-baked-ziti-parmesan-cream-recipe Our modifications: first, we used 1 lb (not 1.5 lb) whole wheat penne, 24 oz Rao's marinara sauce mixed with 8 oz no-salt tomato sauce, 8 oz shredded low-fat mozzarella, and 4 oz diced Monterey Jack cheese. Finding the parmesan sauce too fatty (heavy cream + parmesan), we tried a… Continue reading Baked pasta with store-bought marinara
Quick bolognese with store-bought marinara
We found this recipe that uses store-bought marinara as a base: https://themodernproper.com/easy-bolognese Our modifications: first, for meat we used 1 lb minced beef and 1 lb minced chicken. We also used 24 oz Rao's marinara sauce. Second, instead of heavy cream, we added 2 Tbsp unsalted butter at the end. Finally, we found the sauce… Continue reading Quick bolognese with store-bought marinara
Cooking Adventures 