The traditional tuscan necci are a type of crepe made with chestnut flour, typical of that Italian region. What makes them unique is that they are prepared without eggs or milk and can even be made without sugar, as the chestnut flour is naturally sweet. However, honey is always added to taste as a final touch.
Tag: italy
Rice with boletus, an irresistible autumn recipe
Rice with boletus (risotto ai funghi porcini in Italian) is an absolute star recipe in autumn, since boletus edulis are probably the most appreciated mushrooms, thanks to their flavor, texture and aroma. They are very versatile and are usually consumed in soups, pastas, risottos or as a garnish or side-dish for meat.
Exquisite “pesto rosso” (sun-dried tomato pesto)
Italian “pesto rosso” is a delicious variant of the famous pesto Genovese (basil pesto). In this case, the main ingredient is no longer basil but (dehydrated) sun-dried tomatoes. After grinding them together with the rest of the ingredients, you obtain a pesto that is perfect both for seasoning a short pasta and for spreading on bread or “bruschetta”.
Pumpkin Schiacciata, a recipe with Tuscan air
This pumpkin schiacciata (Schiacciata alla zucca) is a recipe based on a traditional bread typical of Tuscany, which translation would be “flattened” (it derives from the verb “schiacciare”, which means “press” or “flatten”). It is a very thin and crispy bread, baked with extra virgin olive oil, similar to the typical Ligurian Focaccia. In this recipe, the dough is enriched with pumpkin pulp, resulting in a very tasty bread.
Zucchini parmigiana (parmigiana di zucchine) with datterino tomato
Zucchini parmigiana is an alternative variant to the traditional “parmigiana di melanzane”. In this case, instead of using eggplant, tomato and mozzarella, the recipe is based on zucchini (also called courgette). This vegetable has a more delicate flavor than eggplant, so we can combine it with datterino tomatoes, a type of yellow tomato with a more subtle flavor, and a cheese that can be provola, scamorza, or a mixture of both.
How to make a traditional Milanese ossobuco (ossobuco alla milanese)
Milanese ossobuco (ossobuco alla milanese) is a famous recipe of Lombard cuisine. Although ossobuco is not one of the so-called “noble” cuts, it can be tasty and tender thanks to the cooking method described here. Accompanied by a Milanese risotto, it is an unmissable dish from North Italy, which is actually not difficult at all to prepare at home.
Milanese risotto recipe (saffron risotto)
Milanese risotto (risotto alla milanese) is one of the most emblematic dishes of Lombard cuisine. It is also known as “saffron risotto” (risotto allo zafferano) due to this key ingredient, or also “yellow risotto” (risotto giallo), thanks to the unequivocal golden color that saffron gives to the rice.
Italian-style cod, a concentrate of Mediterranean flavors
Cod is a very popular fish throughout the Mediterranean, and there are countless recipes to enjoy it. In this Italian-style cod recipe, a large number of flavors and ingredients typical of that country are combined to achieve a maximum flavor.
Sicilian peperonata, a very tasty and easy recipe
Sicilian peperonata or “peperonata siciliana” is a traditional vegetarian recipe based on peppers. It is a very versatile preparation that can be served cold on a bruschetta, or hot as a garnish to accompany a meat or fish dish.
Pumpkin, gorgonzola and walnuts, a perfect combination
Pumpkin is a star ingredient of autumn. There are countless recipes where we can use it, be it in pasta, bread and even in desserts. It is especially common as a side-dish or garnish, and in this case, I want to suggest a combination that is always a guaranteed success: pumpkin, gorgonzola and walnuts.
