Spaghetti with shrimp and cherry tomatoes is a tasty summer dish easy to cook in just under 30 minutes. There are those who prefer to use pre-peeled shrimp to avoid having to clean them, but the secret of this pasta lies precisely in the sauce obtained with their shell. As nonna often says: “Nothing should go to waste.” If cleaning the heads disgusts you, you can use shrimps only with their tails. Even if it takes a little longer to prepare, trust me, it’s all worth it.
Author: gabrielsalvatore
Passion is often what brings people to work in the wine business. I would add that curiosity is also a strong incentive that drags people like me to get interested by such an interesting subject.
My love for geography, geology, the environment, history, arts, architecture, economy and culture in general are all elements that naturally led me towards becoming so fond about wine.
My Italian origin and my many trips to the Belpaese have also greatly contributed to nurture my passion for wine.
This blog focuses on Italian wine and the culture that surrounds it.
Lasagna Bolognese
You can’t go wrong with lasagna alla Bolognese, a traditional dish from Emilia-Romagna that includes egg pasta, creamy béchamel and Bolognese sauce. Perfect for a large dinner with family or friends, it can be conveniently prepared in advance and baked later. Although mozzarella is not included in the original recipe, cheese lovers can add some in for a gooier dish.
Minestrone Soup
What could be better than a hot bowl of delicious minestrone to warm you up during the cold winter months? Chock-full of beans and assorted veggies, this meatless meal will fill you up without weighing you down. It can be prepared with pasta or simply paired with crusty bread. No matter how you serve it, this soup will surely become a family favourite.
Supplì Rice Croquettes
Often used as street food, supplì al telefono are a Roman specialty in the form of rice croquettes. The basic recipe uses carnaroli or arborio rice cooked and enhanced with meat sauce and pecorino. The rice is left to rest before making the rice balls, which are then breaded and fried. The term supplì comes from the French word surprise (surprise in English), referring to the stringy mozzarella in the centre of the fried treat. When bitten or cut open, the mozzarella strings resemble telephone cords—from the days before cell phones, of course!
Pea Pesto Pasta with Egg and Cheese
Looking for a quick fix for tonight’s dinner? This easy pea pesto sauce will be ready in about the time it takes to boil some dried pasta. The key to this dish’s success is using pasta water in the pesto mix. The starch content will add a silky richness to your sauce and the addition of egg and cheese will give it an extra creamy texture, making it simply irresistible.
Fennel and Orange Sicilian Salad
This orange and fennel salad is a fresh, colourful starter perfect for hot summer months. The mix of soft and crunchy textures and sweet and sour flavours of this dish are really what make it so attractive. Add a few black olives for an additional briny taste and a few drops of white balsamic vinegar to liven up the fennel’s licorice flavour. As with every simple recipe, success lies in the details. Carefully slice your ingredients, making sure to balance them out in the plate for a nice presentation. This salad also makes an interesting main course when combined with ricotta salata or a beautiful side dish with some seared tuna.
Gabi's Italian Food Blog 