We tried this recipe: https://www.thekitchn.com/easy-pasta-and-beans-257210 This recipe calls for chicken broth, but if you use vegetable broth, it easily could be vegetarian. Our modifications: first, we halved the recipe. Second, based on our pantry we used 1/2 tsp dried basil instead of fresh, and we added it just before simmering the orzo in sauce. We…… Continue reading Orzo with chick pea in tomato sauce (pasta e ceci)
Tag: italian
Tuscan bean soup (ribollita)
We craved a plant-forward soup with beans and leafy greens, so we made this: https://www.feastingathome.com/ribollita-recipe/ We followed the recipe pretty closely, and this was very tasty. We omitted the bacon / pancetta, but we used chicken broth (4 cups unsalted, 2 cups Better Than Bouillon). For the white wine, we estimated a "splash" to be… Continue reading Tuscan bean soup (ribollita)
Orzo with cherry tomatoes and slivered almonds
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
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)
Cooking Adventures 