We followed this NYT recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/6609-manicotti-with-cheese-filling-and-bolognese-sauce?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share As a shortcut, we used 2 ½ cups of premade bolognese sauce (24 oz Rao’s bolognese sauce). To reduce sodium, we used 1 oz finely chopped prosciutto (down from 2 oz). We also used 12 jumbo shells, which we parboiled for 10 mins; the 12 stuffed shells filled a… Continue reading Stuffed shells with bolognese sauce
Tag: italian
Stracciatella with spinach
We tried this NYT recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1012899-stracciatella-with-spinach?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share We left the spinach leaves whole. Prior to adding the spinach to the simmering broth, we added 1/3 cup tiny star pasta (pastina) and let it simmer for a few mins. Then we added the spinach, followed by the egg-parmesan-semolina mixture. We also added ½ tsp crushed red pepper… Continue reading Stracciatella with spinach
Eggs poached in marinara sauce and topped with mozzarella
We tried this recipe with leftover marinara sauce: https://www.theironyou.com/2016/05/eggs-poached-in-marinara-sauce.html Our modifications: we started on the stovetop, sprinkled with 2 Tbsp freshly shredded mozzarella, and then moved it to a 375 oven until the eggs were set (5 mins). We browned under a broiler (on high) until the cheese was browned. (Oct. 2019)
Spinach lasagna
We tried this Mark Bittman NYT recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/9616-spinach-lasagna?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share We used 4 cups of Rao’s marinara sauce (see Note 1 below), 1 ¼ lb fresh spinach, and twelve 6-inch long dried lasagna sheets. To parboil the spinach and lasagna, we boiled water in a low-walled Dutch oven, then first parboiled the spinach (one bunch at a… Continue reading Spinach lasagna
Cheesy white bean tomato casserole
We tried this recipe: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019681-cheesy-white-bean-tomato-bake?smid=ck-recipe-iOS-share Our modifications: first, we sauteed 4 garlic cloves and 2 small diced shallots in a 10-inch cast iron pan. Second, we increased the tomato paste (from 3 oz to 4-5 oz) and added 1 small fresh hothouse tomato (diced). Third, instead of water we added ½ cup chicken broth (but… Continue reading Cheesy white bean tomato casserole
Pasta and rice frittata with Italian flavors
We tried this recipe to use up our leftover cooked penne: https://www.thekitchn.com/pasta-frittata-267636 We used Rao’s marinara sauce. Because we had only 2 cups pasta, we supplemented with 1.5 cups cooked jasmine rice. We also had 2 Tbsp cherry tomatoes, so we added 1 medium hothouse tomato, diced. For the cheese, we used ½ cup shredded… Continue reading Pasta and rice frittata with Italian flavors
Scamorza alla pizzaiola
We tried this recipe: https://food52.com/recipes/75578-scamorza-alla-pizzaiola Our modifications: first, instead of tomato puree, we used meat sauce from a local Italian establishment. Second, we used smoked scamorza. We served this on toasted baguette halves. (Aug. 2019)
Giada’s meatballs (sort of)
We made meatballs generally following this recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/classic-italian-turkey-meatballs-recipe-3381279 Our modifications: instead of 1 lb ground dark turkey plus 1 lb turkey sausage, we used 1 1/3 lb ground veal, pork, and beef (aka meatloaf mix) plus 2/3 lb (2 raw links) Italian chicken sausage (1 link spicy, the other link sweet), removed from their sausage… Continue reading Giada’s meatballs (sort of)
Vegetable antipasti
We marinated four bell peppers (½" vertical slices) and 1 lb cremini mushrooms (halved). Only the roasted mushrooms are pictured. Details here: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/grilled-vegetable-antipasti-recipe-1911133. Note: We used balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar. (July 2019)
Caramelized turnips tossed with capers, lemon, and parsley
We tried this recipe, which has piccata-like flavors: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1013926-caramelized-turnips-with-capers-lemon-and-parsley We sauteed the turnips in a large wok instead of a cast-iron pan. (May 2019)
Cooking Adventures 