Italian recipe may 2020This is my Italian Recipe for this month
Antipasto Basic Polenta Tomato Bruschetta Fettucini Romano Ala Fratelli Calamari Imbottiti Focaccia Versiliese Eggplant Parmigiana Caponata Basic Italian Bread Risotto alla Parmigiana Gnocchi Alla Giordano Manicotti Torta Di Spinaci Meatballs (Polpette Alla Casalinga) Insalata Caprese Pasta Alla Caruso Pasta Dough Tiramisu Pasta E Fagioli Cavatelli Sausage With Broccoli Angel Hair With Balsamic Tomatoes Spumone Di Zabaglione Carbonara Sauce Italian Tomato Sauce Stuffed Roasted Peppers Antipasto 1/2 Pound sliced Genoa salami 1 slicing tomato 1 large white onion 2 roasted red bell peppers 1 Pound sliced provolone 2 cans black pitted olives 1 can baby corn on the cob 1 small jar of Pepperoncini peppers 2 stalks of celery 1 can of rolled anchovies extra virgin olive oil Use a long platter, and arrange in the following order: Salami, provolone, tomato, onion, red peppers, and achovies. Put the baby corns and olives in the center of tray. Take and cut in half celery sticks. Then slice each again length wise. Arrange celery sticks in between each antipasti. Sprinkle some salt lightly on everything. Then drizzle olive oil on everything. Let the antipasti sit covered in the refrigerator till ready to serve. Sitting helps enhance the flavors. Basic Polenta 9 Cups Water 1 Teaspoon Salt 3 Cups Cornmeal; coarse−grain Bring water to a boil in a large heavy pot. Add salt and reduce heat until water is simmering. Take cornmeal by the handful and add to water very slowly, controlling the flow to a thin stream through your fingers. To avoid lumps, stir quickly with a long handled wooden spoon while adding cornmeal. If necessary, stop adding cornmeal from time to time and beat mixture vigorously. Cook, stirring constantly, 20 to 30 minutes. Polenta will become very thick while cooking. It is done when it comes away cleanly from the sides of the pot. Pour polenta into a large wooden board or a large platter. Wet your hands and smooth out polenta evenly, about 2 inches thick. Let cool 5 to 10 minutes or until polenta solidifies. Cut cooled polenta into slices 1 inch wide and 6 inches long. Place slices in individual dishes. Serve hot, covered with your favorite sauce. Makes 6 to 8 servings. Variation: Fried Polenta (Polenta Fritta): Prepare polenta and let cool completely. Cut cooled polenta into slices 2 inches wide and 6 inches long. Pour oil about 1 inch deep in a large skillet. Heat oil until a 1−inch cube of bread turns golden almost immediately. Fry polenta slices on both sides until light golden. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot. It is importent to insure the oil is hot enough, otherwise the polenta will absorb oil and your polenta will be greasy and unpalatable. Tomato Bruschetta 1 Loaf Italian bread, halved lengthwise then cut crosswise diagonally, into 1−in slices 1 Garlic clove; minced 2 Tablespoon Olive oil 2 Large Tomatoes; peeled, seeded, and chopped 1/4 Teaspoon Salt 1/4 Teaspoon Pepper 1/2 Cup Chopped fresh basil Toast the bread under the broiler until lightly browned. Combine the garlic and olive oil and brush over one side of the bread. Spread the tomatoes over the bread. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Broil for about 30 seconds to heat the tomatoes. Sprinkle with basil and serve. Fettucini Romano Ala Fratelli 1 Tablespoon Olive oil 3 Cloves garlic, crushed 1/2 Cup White wine 3/4 Cup Half−and−half 1 Cup Romano cheese, grated 1 pound dry spinach fettucini, Cooked Chopped parsley for garnish Add the olive oil to a hot 10" pan. Add the garlic, and saute over high heat for about 1 minute. Add the wine and simmer for about 2 minutes. Add the half−and−half, and allow the sauce to come back to the simmer. Add the Romano cheese, and stir until smooth, about 2 minutes. To serve: Add the pasta to the pan and toss until coated. Portion onto two plates, and garnish with some chopped parsley. Calamari Imbottiti 8 small squid 1 small onion,chopped 2 tablespoons raisins 1−1/2 cups bread crumbs 1 teaspoon minced parsley 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese salt and pepper 1 egg ,well beaten 1 #2 can tomatoes 4 tablespoon olive oil 1 clove garlic Have fish dealer clean squid thoroughly, removing eyes, outside skin and intestines. Cut off heads and tentacles. Wash well, and drain. Combine remaining ingredients, and fill the cavity in each squid with stuffing. Sew squid closed, or fasten with toothpicks. Place in baking dish or pan, and cover with the following sauce: 1 #2 can tomatoes, 4 tablespoon olive oil, 1 clove garlic. Brown garlic in oil, mash tomatoes with fork, and add. Simmer for 10 minutes. Then pour over squid and bake in hot oven 400 degree for 35 minutes, or until tender. Serve whole with sauce. Focaccia Versiliese 2 Teaspoon dried yeast 1 Cup warm water 1 Tablespoon olive oil 1 Tablespoon rosemary, chopped 4 sage leaves, torn 3 1/2 Ounce olives, pitted 2 Tablespoon garlic, minced 2 Cup unbleached all−purpose flour 1 Cup corn flour 2 Teaspoon salt 2 Teaspoon olive oil Stir the yeast into a alrge mixing bowl with the water & let proof for 10 minutes. Stir in the olive oil, rosemary, sage, olives & garlic. Using a wooden spoon, mix in the flours & salt & stir until the dough is thick & smooth. Knead by hand for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is firm & elastic. Set the dough in a lightly oiled container, cover with plastic wrap & let rise until doubled. Turn the dough onto an oiled 10 1/2" X 15 1/2" baking pan & stretch it to fit. If it won't fit, let it rest for 10 minutes & try again. Cover with a towel & leave until it has half risen, about 30 minutes. 30 minutes before baking, preheat oven to 400F. Just before baking, dimple the top of the dough with your fingertips & sprinkle with some extra salt & 2 ts of oil. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden. Slide off baking sheet onto a rack & let cool for a few minutes before eating warm or at room temperature. VARIATION: Focaccia Dolce. Substitute 2 oz raisins & 1 oz pine nuts for the olives, herbs & garlic. Soak the raisins in warm water for 30 minutes before using & toast the pine nuts. Eggplant Parmigiana 2 Small Eggplants; unpeeled cut into 1/4−inch rounds 2 Eggs; lightly beaten 1−1/2 Cup Bread crumbs 1/2 Teaspoon Salt 1/8 Teaspoon Pepper 1 Garlic cloves peeled and halved 3/4 Cup Olive oil 20 Ounce Tomatoes, canned 1/3 Cup Tomato paste 2 Tablespoon Minced basil 1 Teaspoon Salt 1/8 Teaspoon Pepper 1 Cup Grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 Pound Mozzarella cheese; thinly sliced Dip eggplant slices in eggs, then in bread crumbs seasoned with salt and pepper. Refrigerate 20 minutes. In a large saucepan, saute garlic in 2 tablespoons oil for 1−2 minutes. Remove garlic and add tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350F. Brown eggplant in 1/4−inch oil in a large skillet. Drain on paper towels. Put a thin layer of tomato sauce into a baking dish and layer eggplant, sauce, Parmesan and mozzarella, alternately. End with mozzarella on top. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Caponata 2 LARGE EGGPLANTS 1 Teaspoon SALT 3/4 Cup OLIVE OIL 2 CLOVES GARLIC, CRUSHED 2 ONIONS, CHOPPED 1 Pound PLUM TOMATOES, Quartered 3 CELERY STALKS, DICED 1 Pound CAN PITTED BLACK OLIVES 12 Ounce JAR OLIVE SALAD 1/4 Cup CAPERS 1/2 Cup PINE NUTS 1/4 Cup RED WINE VINEGAR 2 Teaspoon SUGAR SALT AND PEPPER TO TASTE Wash and cube unpeeled eggplant. Salt and let stand 1 hour. Squeeze dry. Saute in oil until soft. Remove. Saute onions and garlic in same oil. Add tomatoes, olives, and celery. Cook until tender−−15 minutes. Add eggplant, capers, and pine nuts. In another pan heat vinegar and sugar. When dissolved, pour over eggplant. Season to taste and cook an additional 20 minutes. Serve hot or cold as relish with dinner or with french bread rounds as a buffet or cocktail dish. Basic Italian Bread Biga: 1/2 Teas. Active Dry Yeast 1 Cup Lukewarm water 2 Cups Unbleached, All−purpose Flour Mix the yeast and water together, and then slowly start adding the flour, mixing well. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for up to 6 hours. Refrigerate overnight. Bread: 2 Cups Warm Water (about 90 degrees F.) 1 Pkg. Active Dry Yeast 5−6 Cups All−purpose, Unbleached Flour 2 Ts. Salt Place the water in a large bowl, sprinkle the yeast overtop and mix well. Let sit 10 minutes until bubbly. Add the biga, flour, and salt and stir with a wooden spoon (or mix with your hands) until everything is mixed. The dough will be fairly wet and sticky at this point. Cover and let stand in a warm spot for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours until doubled in volume. Punch down the dough, folding it over on itself two or three times, cover and let rise once more until doubled, about 1 hour. If you choose, you could refrigerate your dough at this time and leave it overnight to prepare the next day. Turn out your dough onto a floured baking sheet, and without overworking it too much shape into one large or two smaller round or oval shaped loaves, using as much extra flour as needed to keep it from sticking. Slash across the tops of the loaves with a serrated knife or razor just prior to baking. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. and place a casserole dish with boiling water on the lower oven rack. Bake your bread 30 minutes, turn the baking sheet around, and reduce the heat to 300 degrees and bake for another 30−45 minutes. At this point your bread should be golden brown and should sound hollow when you tap the bottom. Allow the bread to cool to room temperature and serve. Risotto alla Parmigiana 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 pound Arborio rice 6 cups chicken stock, hot 2 tablespoons butter 3 ounces Parmagiano Reggiano cheese, coarsely grated Heat the butter and oil in a large, straight−sided saute pan or saucepan. Add the onion, and saute until soft, without browning. Add the rice, and saute for 2 minutes until the rice is well−coated. Ladle 1/2 cup of stock into the rice, stirring constantly, until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is almost dry. Add more stock, 1/2 cup at a time, until it's all absorbed by the rice and the rice is al dente. The rice should be very moist and creamy, but not runny; the rice should be firm but tender, not crunchy. Remove from heat, and stir in the raw butter and the Parmagiano cheese. Salt to taste, and serve immediately. Gnocchi Alla Giordano 2 pounds Baking potatoes 1 cup All−purpose flour 1 Whole egg plus 1 Egg yolk, lightly beaten 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter, softened 1 teaspoon Salt Freshly grated Parmesan cheese Tomato sauce Boil the potatoes in their jackets, drain, peel and put through a ricer or food mill. While the potatoes are still warm, blend in the flour, add the egg, egg yolk, butter and salt. Place the potato mixture on a floured board and knead lightly; the dough will be soft. Roll the dough in 1" thick sticks about 10" long. Cut each roll into 3/4" pieces. Rub each pieces of dough lightly over the coarse side of a cheese grater. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the gnocchi until they rise to the top of the water. Using a slotted spoon, remove the gnocchi to a warm bowl. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, top with tomato sauce and serve at once. Manicotti 1 lb. ricotta cheese 1 1/2 lbs. mozzarella cheese (grated), divided 1/4 cup romano cheese (grated) Salt and pepper 1/4 cup provolone cheese (grated) Parsley (chopped) 3 eggs 2−3 cups tomato sauce Combine all ingredients together, except tomato sauce. Mix well. (Use 1 lb. mozzarella cheese) Spread some tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking pan. Stuff manicotti shells and place in pan. Spread more tomato sauce in between each layer and on the top, followed by 1/2 lb. of just mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350 degrees F for 3/4 hour. Then, broil for 2−3 minutes to brown top. Torta Di Spinaci 10 oz. spinach, blanched 1 minute, drained, dried and chopped 2 cups all purpose flour, extra for kneading dough 1/2 cup unsalted butter(4 oz.) 1 egg yoke plus 3 whole eggs, beaten 3 tbs milk 1/4 cup golden raisins, soak 30 minutes in water, drain 3/4 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese salt and ground pepper 2 1/2 tbs (1 oz.) Pine nuts To make dough by hand: Pour flour into a bowl, add salt and the butter. Using fingertips, work the butter into flour until a crumbly dough forms. Add the egg yoke and milk, incorporate, and knead dough into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. Food processor dough: Combine flour and salt in the work bowl and using metal blades process briefly to mix. Add butter and process until the ingredients resemble course meal. Next add egg yoke and milk and process until dough forms a ball around the blades. Remove dough, shape to ball, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. Pre−heat oven to 350 degrees. Using 1 tbs. butter, grease a 9 inch tart pan with a removable bottom and then dust with flour. Using a lightly floured board, roll out the dough into a round shape, making it 1 inch larger than the diameter of the pan. Line the prepared pan with the pastry dough and trim. In a bowl, combine the blanched, chopped spinach, raisins, whole eggs, cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour into the pastry−lined tart pan and top with the pine nuts. Bake in oven until it is golden, about 40 minutes. Remove, let cool slightly and then transfer to a serving dish. Serve Torta luke warm or cool. Meatballs (Polpette Alla Casalinga) 2 slices Italian bread, torn into small pieces 1/2 Cup milk 2 Tblsp. finely chopped fresh Italian parsley 2 cloves finely chopped garlic 1 teaspoon salt 1 egg lightly beaten 1 pound beef chuck, ground twice 6 Tblsp. freshly grated Romano cheese 1 Tblsp. olive oil 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 Tblsp. oregano Soak the pieces of bread in 1/2 cup milk for 5 minutes, then squeeze them dry an discard the milk. In a large mixing bowl, combine the soaked bread, then beaten egg, beef and sausage with the remaining ingredients. Knead the mixture vigorously with both hands or beat with a wooden spoon until all ingredients are well blended and the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Shape the mixture into small balls about 1/1/2 inches in diameter. Lay the meatballs out in one layer on a flat tray or baking sheet, cover them with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour. Heat 1/4 cup of olive or vegetable oil in a heated, heavy 10−12 inch skillet until a light haze forms over it. Fry the meatballs 5 or 6 at a time over a moderately high heat, shaking the pan constantly to roll the balls and keep them round. In 8 − 10 minutes, the meatballs should be brown outside and show no trace of pink inside. Add more oil to the skillet as needed. Serve the meatballs hot with tomato sauce. Insalata Caprese 4 large fresh tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick 16 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 1/4 inch thick 1/3 cup packed whole leaf fresh basil 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil fine sea salt to taste freshly ground black pepper to taste 1/4 cup imported olives On a large platter, arrange tomato and mozzarella slices and basil leaves, alternating and overlapping each. Drizzle salad with olive oil; Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Garnish with imported olives. Pasta Alla Caruso 2 Tbs. Olive Oil 1 Cup Flour, seasoned with a pinch of salt & freshly ground black pepper 1 Lb. Chicken Livers, separated into individual lobes, all visible fat removed 2 Tbs. Unsalted Butter 1 Lb. assorted mushrooms, Shiitake (stems removed), Portobello, Crimini, White button, sliced thinly 1 Cup dry red wine 1 28 Oz. Can, peeled Tomatoes 2 Tbs. Flat−leafed Italian Parsley, finely chopped Salt & freshly ground black pepper 1 Lb. Spaghetti or Perciatelli Heat a saute pan over high heat, then add the olive oil. Flour the chicken livers, shaking off any excess and add to the pan. Saute until they are slightly browned and firm. Remove livers and set aside. Pour off the olive oil, then add the two tablespoons of butter. When the butter has foamed and the foam begins to subside, add the mushrooms, tossing to coat with the butter. Cook for four or five minutes, until the mushrooms begin to give off some of their juices. Add the wine all at once, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any caramelized bits of liver and mushroom from the bottom. Continue, cooking over high heat until the wine has reduced by about half. Lower the heat, puree the tomatoes through a food mill, or in a food processor, then add to the mushrooms and wine. Adjust the heat so the mixture barely simmers. Slice the chicken livers crosswise into half−inch rounds and add them, with any of their accumulated juices, to the tomato sauce. Taste for seasoning, add salt and pepper if necessary, then cook over low heat for about thirty minutes, or until the extraneous juices have evaporated. In the meantime, bring a large pot with about six quarts of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta, divide into four plates, top with the sauce, garnish with the chopped parsley. Pasta Dough 8 eggs 2 tsp. salt 4 cups all purpose flour In a large bowl, combine eggs & salt. Beat well. Add flour, 1 cup at a time until dough sticks together but is still soft. Spread flour on a board, knead dough for 15−20 minutes. Cover and let stand in a warm place for about 1 hour. Knead for another 5 minutes. Flatten small amounts of dough to form a 2" x 2" square. Coat square in flour and repeatedly run through pasta machine until desired thickness is obtained, or use rolling pin. Cut paste shape using pasta machine or slice desired shape by hand. Lay out cut pasta on table covered with a table cloth until dry. Pack in plastic bags and store in a cool place. Cook pasta in boiling salted water until tender. Homemade pasta usually takes less time to cook. Top with your favorite sauce. Tiramisu 4 tablespoons espresso coffee 1 tablespoon Grappa 3 eggs, separated 1/2 cup sugar 8 ounces Marscapone cheese 24 Savoiardi biscuits 1 ounce sweet chocolate, grated In a small bowl, combine the coffee and grappa; set aside In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff; set aside. In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks together with the sugar until thick and lemon−colored. Add the marscapone and blend. Gently fold the egg whites into the cheese mixture. Place half of the biscuits in the bottom of a 10−inch square baking dish or larger serving plate. Sprinkle with half of the coffee mixture. Cover with half of the cheese mixture, and repeat process. Refrigerate tiramisu for 4 hours before serving with grated chocolate. Pasta E Fagioli 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 6 cloves garlic, minced 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, undrained 2 teaspoons dry basil leaves 3−4 cups boiling water, divided usage 2 cups beef broth 1/3 cup dry red wine 12 ounces ditalini, elbow macaroni, or any short tubular pasta Salt and pepper to taste Parmesan cheese, freshly grated Chopped fresh basil leaves, optional 1. Place olive oil and garlic in a large saucepot (6 quart). Cook over medium heat just until golden. Add tomato paste and cook 3−4 minutes stirring occasionally. 2. Puree 1 can of beans in food processor or blender; add to saucepot with remaining beans. Cook 2 minutes; stir in basil. Add 2 cups boiling water, broth, wine, salt and pepper. Increase heat and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add pasta. Cook about 8 minutes or until al dente, adding remaining hot water, if needed and stirring occasionally. 3. Serve hot topped with Parmesan and fresh basil, if desired. Cavatelli Sausage With Broccoli 1/2 lb. or 2 cups dried Cavatelli or other small shell−shaped Italian pasta 1/2 lb. or 3 links sweet Italian Sausage 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 bunch broccoli 1 1/4 cup low−salt chicken broth 1/4 cup raisins 1 tbls. unsalted butter Parmesan cheese Squeeze sausage from casings and saute in a heavy skillet or cast iron frying pan. Stir until no longer pink and sausage has broken down into small chunks. Remove sausage with slotted spoon leaving juices in pan. Cut broccoli into 1 inch pieces and saute in juices or drippings from the sausage. Stir gently til it begins to brown. Add garlic and saute 1 minute more. Add broth and raisins and simmer until the broccoli is tender, about 3 minutes. Do not over cook. Finally, add butter and stir to melt. Add, with sausage, to cooked pasta and serve with parmesan cheese. Angel Hair With Balsamic Tomatoes 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 teaspoon olive oil 5 to 6 Roma tomatoes, chopped, (28−ounce. can plum tomatoes) 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar salt & pepper to taste 1/4 Cup chopped fresh basil 1/2 Pound angel hair pasta, (uncooked) Saute the garlic in olive oil until lightly browned. Do this in a skillet large enough to hold the tomatoes later. Leave garlic in skillet. Place tomatoes, salt & pepper, basil and balsamic vinegar in a non−reactive bowl and set aside for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Boil water for pasta. Just before you put the pasta in the water, drain tomatoes and reserve the juice that runs off. (I usually set my colander on a dinner plate). Put the angel hair pasta in the water to cook for the recommended amount of time. Heat your garlic skillet and toss drained tomatoes briefly JUST to heat. They should retain their shape. The pasta should finish cooking (usually no more than 5 minutes for angel hair) at the same time the tomatoes are ready. Toss the pasta and tomato mixture together and serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Spumone Di Zabaglione 6 eggs 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 tsp. nutmeg 1/2 cup marsala 3 tbsp. dark rum 1−1/2 cup heavy cream Separate the eggs and place the yolks in the top part of a double boiler. Place the whites in a stainless steel bowl at room temperature. Add sugar and nutmeg to eggs and beat, off the heat, until it forms ribbons. Add marsala and rum and place over double boiler. Beat until frothy and foamy and quite firm, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove to ice bath and cool while whisking. Beat the cream to soft peaks and fold egg mixture into whites. Place into ice cream machine and chill according to manufacturer's instructions. Place in freezer, well covered. When ready to serve, scoop into balls and garnish with crushed amaretti cookies. Carbonara Sauce 4 Tablespoon Butter 8 Slice Bacon; cut in 1/4" strips 2 Eggs 2 Egg yolks 1 Teaspoon Red pepper flakes 1 Cup Parmesan cheese 1/2 Cup Heavy cream 1 Teaspoon Salt Black pepper 1 Pound Spaghetti 8 Quarts water Cream soft butter. In another bowl, beat eggs & yolks and whisk until blended, add 1/2 cup cheese. Heat large casserole dish in 200F oven. Bring water & salt to boil in large pot. Meanwhile, fry bacon in skillet over med heat until crisp. Pour off half of fat and stir in red pepper flakes and cream. Bring cream mixture to simmer and keep warm until spaghetti is done. Transfer cooked spaghetti to heated serving bowl and stir in creamed butter. Coat well. Stir in hot bacon & cream mixture and finally the beaten eggs and cheese. The heat of the pasta will cook the raw eggs. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve with remaining grated cheese. Italian Tomato Sauce 2 − 28 ounce cans diced or ground tomatoes or whole tomatoes NOT packed in puree or sauce 3 tablespoons high−quality olive oil 1 large, thick pork chop or 1−1/2 pounds beef chuck, steak preferred 1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped 1 medium carrot, peeled and finely chopped 4 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 1/2 cup red wine 1−1/2 teaspoons salt 3 tablespoons fresh basil or Italian parsley, chopped Freshly ground black pepper to taste If using whole tomatoes, drain them, reserving the liquid and chop. Reserve tomatoes and juice in a bowl. In a nonreactive Dutch oven, heat the olive oil. Season the chop with salt and pepper and brown over medium−high heat on both sides, about 8 minutes total. Remove meat and set aside. Reduce heat to medium−low, add the onion and carrot and saute until softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute. Return the meat and any accumulated juices to the pot and add the wine. Bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 3 minutes. Add the reserved tomatoes (if using crushed or minced tomatoes, just add them directly from the can) and the salt and bring back to a simmer. Reduce heat to low to maintain a slow simmer, partially cover, and cook until the meat is tender, about 45 to 55 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat. Remove meat and keep warm. Raise heat to medium and continue cooking sauce for about 5 minutes, or until sauce has thickened. Stir in the basil and/or parsley and add freshly ground black pepper to taste (the sauce will be salty at this point; it will taste fine once added to pasta). Slice the meat and serve with pasta and sauce. Stuffed Roasted Peppers 4 − 7 oz. cans roasted peppers 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs 8 oz. shredded fontina cheese 3 cloves minced garlic 1/4 cup imported grated romano cheese A few sprigs of fresh parsley, chopped fine Salt and pepper Flour and beaten eggs (enough to dredge peppers in) Olive oil to fry peppers in Drain peppers and rinse with water. Open peppers, splitting in one side, so that they lay flat on counter. Sprinkle with small amount of breadcrumbs, reserving most to coat peppers with. Add minced garlic, shredded fontina cheese, parsley, and grated romano cheese. Roll up peppers, keeping as much filling inside as possible, then dredge in flour, egg, then seasoned bread crumbs and set aside. Heat olive oil on medium−high heat in frypan. When hot, fry peppers until golden, turning once to brown evenly. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve.
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Impasto pizza napoletanadal Libro L’arte della pizza, Mondadori. A cura di Rossopomodoro
Per fare la pizza napoletana si possono usare farine di tipo “00” o “0”, ricavate dalla macinazione di grano tenero. La “00” è sicuramente più comoda da lavorare. Un tempo le pizze preparate con le farine integrali, ricche di fibre e proteine, ma con l’avvento delle farine raffinate, più semplici da impastare, questo utilizzo cadde in disuso. Oggi, però, molti pizzaioli le prediligono riscoprendo la tradizione. Che siano raffinate o integrali, una proprietà di cui tenere sempre conto per la scelta della farina è il buon contenuto proteico, che favorisce la formazione di un impasto forte, compatto ed elastico. I pizzaioli napoletani scelgono soprattutto quella del Molino Caputo. Un’azienda, giunta alla terza generazione di mugnai, che nasce nel 1924, quando Carmine Caputo torna dagli Stati Uniti per sposarsi e poi fonda un mulino e un pastificio a Capua. Dopo la sua morte, il figlio Antimo nel 1939 acquista il mulino di San Giovanni a Teduccio, sede dell’attuale impianto di produzione, oggi guidato dai figli Eugenio e Carmine, e dal nipote Antimo. “Semplicità” è il segreto del mulino. Nella scelta e nella miscelazione dei grani prima di tutto, per ottenere farine naturali al 100%, senza aggiunta di additivi. Poi nella macinazione, eseguita lentamente affinché sia sempre estratta solo la parte migliore di ogni chicco di grano. Al Molino Caputo i pizzaioli vanno in prima persona per conoscere la produzione di quella materia prima che nelle loro mani diventerà presto un’autentica pizza napoletana. E pensare che nel 1924, quando Carmine Caputo tornò in Italia, il suo unico pensiero era prendere in moglie la sua promessa sposa. Fece molto di più, ma sempre per amore. ___________ Lievito di birra Questo è il lievito da usare per fare le vostre pizze napoletane in casa. E’ chiamato così perché ricavato dalla lavorazione della birra: oggi si ottiene dalla barbabietola da zucchero. In pizzeria i pizzaioli usano anche il lievito madre, un impasto fermentato (quello realizzato il giorno prima per esempio) in cui si sviluppano microrganismi e fermenti lattici che favoriscono la lievitazione naturale. _____ Acqua Sembra banale parlare di acqua, invece è un ingrediente fondamentale perché è dal suo perfetto contatto con farina e lievito che nascerà un ottimo impasto. Deve essere moderatamente dura, quindi valutate se usare quella dei vostri rubinetti o prediligere acqua in bottiglia, più adatta. ____ Sale Il sale, oltre ovviamente alla sua caratteristica di sapidità, agisce come inibitore del lievito e rafforza l’impasto. Optate per un sale iodato e scioglietelo sempre bene nell’acqua prima di iniziare a impastare. _____________ Glossario Lievitazione Si intende l’aumento di volume dell’impasto provocato dall’azione fermentativa del lievito che produce anidride carbonica, la quale a sua volta rimane intrappolata nella pasta grazie alla struttura della maglia glutinica. Maglia glutinica Durante la lavorazione dell’impasto, il glutine contenuto nella farina a contatto con l’acqua e grazie al movimento deciso ma delicato allo stesso tempo delle vostre mani creerà una fitta rete elastica, forte e compatta, che appunto si definisce maglia glutinica. Maturazione o riposo E’ un insieme di processi che vanno nella direzione opposta rispetto a quello che accade durante la lavorazione, ossia le strutture più complesse dell’impasto, proteine, amidi e grassi vengono scomposti in elementi più semplici indebolendo la struttura che diventa così più estensibile in fase di stesura e quindi più leggera e digeribile. Punto di pasta Ogni pizzaiolo conosce bene il suo punto di pasta, che altro non è che il giusto equilibrio tra gli ingredienti dell’impasto in lavorazione. Ve ne accorgerete anche voi quando nelle vostre mani sentirete l’impasto elastico, morbido e non più appiccicoso. Ingredienti
Quindi sbriciolate il lievito nella farina. Cominciate pian piano a impastare il tutto con le mani e mescolate con forza per evitare che si formino grumi. Versate la farina rimasta e continuate a lavorare con le mani fino a raggiungere il cosiddetto "punto di pasta". Ora mettete l'impasto sul piano di lavoro e continuate a impastare molto energicamente per 10 minuti fino a quando avrà formato una "maglia glutinica" di buona consistenza. Realizzate un unico grande panetto tondo e liscio e riponetelo a risposare nel contenitore o nella madia per 30 minuti. Questo tipo di impasto può essere realizzato anche con la tecnica della luna lievitazione a 7-8 ore, diminuendo il lievito di birra a 1,5 g. Con questo genere di lievitazione otterrete una pizza ancora più fragrante e assai più digeribile. Formatura o stagliatura Con un coltello dividere l'impasto ottenuto in 6 panetti di circa 230 g ciascuno. Arrotondateli lavorandoli bene con le mani e facendo fuoriuscire l'aria. Poneteli ben distanziati in un contenitore per alimenti con coperchio e lasciateli lievitare e maturare per un'ora in un luogo fresco. In alternativa poneteli sul piano di lavoro coperti con un panno. Stesura Con l'aiuto di una spatola prendete un panetto, passatelo velocemente nella farina e adagiatelo sul piano di lavoro. Con le mani vicine, stendete l'impasto con le dita dal centro verso l'esterno, in modo che i gas si concentrino nel bordo formando un bel cornicione. Allargate la pizza con un movimento rotatorio delle mani, avendo l'accortezza di non schiacciare il bordo. Proseguite con la ricetta che avete scelto. Cottura nel forno di casa Riscaldate il forno, in cui avrete già disposto la pietra refrattaria, per almeno mezz'ora a 250-300 °C. "Tirate" la pizza sulla pala o su un tagliere e con un movimento deciso fatela scivolare sulla pietra, poi fatela cuocere nel forno per 4-5 minuti circa alla stessa temperatura. In alternativa alla pietra refrattaria, potete utilizzare una teglia unta di circa 30 cm di diametro. Cottura tradizionale nel forno a legna La pizza napoletana si cuoce sempre nel forno a legna. Questo tipo di cottura dona alla pizza i suoi caratteristici colori, odori e fragranza. Il classico forno a legna è costitutito da una cupola fatta di mattoni di pietra refrattaria e da un piano di cottura realizzato con pietra di Sorrento (detta biscotto). La temperatura, alimentata dalla brace e dalla fiamma, arriva oltre i 450 °C. I pizzaioli, dopo aver steso e guarnito la pizza, la "tirano" sulla pala con un movimento rotatorio e poi la infornano facendola scivolare sul piano con un deciso movimento di polso. La cottura dura da 60 a 90 secondi durante i quali la pizza viene girata per far arrivare il calore su ogni lato. Per le pizze ripiene la cottura è più lenta e avviene a bocca di forno. Fonte Luciano Pignataro Neapolitan pizza doughNeapolitan pizza dough is the simplest thing in the world- it only contains four ingredients! Below is a recipe to give you a great start on making a basic Neapolitan pizza dough, but you can experiment with mixing, proofing and fermentation times to really give YOUR dough a unique flavour and finish.
Ingredients
There are a great number of techniques that can be utilised for making Neapolitan dough- some people believe it’s best to ball the dough immediately from the mixer, whilst others will ferment at room temperature and some will do a mix. This technique tends to work best for the home pizza chef as the dough is bulk fermented for an extended period, negating the need to try and store balled dough in your fridge! To begin, mix the flour with 90% of the water in a mixer with the dough hook attachment. As soon as it’s combined, turn the mixer off, and leave the dough for half an hour to hydrate the flour. When the time is up, mix the salt with the remaining water and add to your bowl. Mix for 30seconds before adding the yeast. Once you’ve added the yeast, mix on the lowest speed for 10 minutes, then turn the mixer off and leave your dough to sit for 10 minutes. Next add in the oil, if using, and mix for further 5 minutes. Transfer the dough to a large container and cover loosely with a tea towel and leave at room temperature for 30minutes. Finally, cling film the container and transfer to the fridge for 2 days. When the day comes to cook the pizzas, divide the dough into 270g chunks and shape into smooth balls. Leave the dough balls at room temperature for around 2 hours before opening into a pizza skin and cooking. Top Tip: When cooking pizzas in your wood fired oven; remember that you will need a large rolling flame and your oven roaring hot to get that 90 second cook time! The pizza pie is an ubiquitous symbol of both Italian cookingPizza
The pizza pie is an ubiquitous symbol of both Italian cooking and Americana. Oven-baked, thin-crust or deep-dish, round or square, it is a common favorite throughout the United States, with a wide number of regional variations. The most traditional pie is the pizza Napolitano, or Neapolitan pizza. Made of strong flour, the dough is often kneaded by hand and then rolled flat and thin without a rolling pin. The pizza is cooked in an extremely hot wood-fired stone oven for only sixty to ninety seconds, and is removed when it is soft and fragrant. Common varieties of Neapolitan pizza include marinara, made with tomato, olive oil, oregano, and garlic, and margherita, made with tomato, olive oil, fresh basil leaves, and mozzarella cheese. New York was home to the first pizza parlor in the United States, opened in Little Italy in 1905 by Gennaro Lombardi. It is not surprising, then, that New York-style pizza dominates in the Northeastern part of the country. It is thin-crusted, and made with a thin layer of sauce and grated cheese. The dough is hand-tossed, making the pie large and thin. As a result, it is served cut into slices, traditionally eight, which are often eaten folded in half. It can be served with any number of toppings, including pepperoni, the most popular topping in the United States, or as a white pizza, which includes no tomato sauce and is made with a variety of cheeses, such as mozzarella and ricotta. Chicago is also home to a major variety of pizza.The Chicago-style pizza is deep dish, meaning it is made in a pan with the crust formed up the sides, or even with two crusts and sauce between, a so-called stuffed pizza. The ingredients are reversed in a Chicago pizza, with cheese going in first, and then sauce on top. This particular form of pizza was invented in 1943 at Unos Pizzeria in the River North neighborhood of Chicago. The Midwest also plays host to the St. Louis style pizza. This thin-crust delicacy is made using local provel cheese instead of mozzarella, and is very crispy. Heavily seasoned with oregano and other spices, with a slightly sweet sauce, it is difficult to fold because of the crust and is often cut into squares, instead of served in slices. A Hawaiian pizza is an American invention that has nothing to do with Hawaii save that one of the main ingredients is pineapple. The pineapple is put atop the pizza, along with Canadian bacon, giving a rather sweet taste very different from pizzas closer to the Italian original. Hawaiian pizza is very common in the Western United States. In fact, a number of esoteric pizzas are common on the West coast, and gourmet pizza is often referred to as California-style pizza. This is an example of fusion cuisine, and many of the pizzas go far beyond the common tomato sauce and cheese. Thai pizza, for example, can include bean sprouts and peanut sauce, while breakfast pizza, as the name implies, may be topped with bacon and scrambled eggs. As a gourmet food, California pizzas are often individual sized, serving two people at most, and are not cut in slices like other common types of pizza pie. Pizza is as diverse as America itself, with almost infinite variations all of them delicious. Rediscovering Grilled PizzaRediscovering Grilled Pizza
Americas favorite food has long been the pizza cooked in a traditional oven but is that about to change? While most Americans have probably never indulged in a grilled pizza, the origins of pizza are making a big comeback. There is no denying that we love our traditional backyard barbeque but rarely, if ever has the barbeque included grilling a pizza. Despite the seemingly odd combination of grill and pizza, the grill is the ideal tool for cooking pizza and in fact is deep in the origin of pizza making. The high, dry heat is ideal for a nice crisp crust and the flavor provided from your grill will on a whole new world of backyard grilling. Before the word pizza was ever used, Greeks and Romans used wood-fired brick ovens to prepare the original version of pizza flatbread. In ancient times each diner was given a piece of flat bread along with a piece of meat on the bread. This food was eaten with the fingers with an occasional knife to cut the meat. Little did they know that this would eventually spark the creation one of the Americas favorite foods. Grilled Pizza Techniques: Ingredients: 1 teaspoon dried yeast 1 tablespoon soy oil 1 teaspoon sugar ½ cup warm water (110°F) 1 ½ cup bread flour 1 tablespoon soy flour 1 teaspoon salt Instructions: Combine yeast, sugar and ½ cup very warm water in bowl, let sit for five minutes. Combine flour and salt in bowl. Mix yeast mixture with bowl containing dry ingredients. Add a little extra flour if dough is sticky. Knead for a good 10 minutes. Put into a greased bowl and let rise for 60 minutes until it doubles in size. Turn out onto a floured surface then knead lightly until smooth. Roll out into a ¼" thick, 12" diameter circle. The thinner the dough is rolled, the better. Before placing your crust on the grill, be sure that your grill is both clean and well oiled. This will help prevent the dough from sticking to the grill. You will need something large enough to transport your dough to the grill. A pizza spatula is highly recommended for this task. Brush an even coat of extra virgin olive oil on the side that will be facing down first. The oil will introduce flavor and help to keep the dough from sticking to the grill as well as giving the crust a nice crisp finish. Before placing your pizza on the grill, you may want to remove the top rack of your grill to make it easier to flip your pizza. Cook the first side from 1-3 minutes before flipping depending on the heat of your grill. During this time you will need to brush olive oil on the side that is facing up. While cooking the first side, peak under the edge of the crust to monitor its finish. Cook until you are satisfied with the finish and then flip your crust over. After flipping, immediately apply any topping that you would like. Its highly recommended that you keep the topping very light, as they will not have a chance to cook on the grill without burning the crust. You may consider precooking certain ingredients such as meats and thick vegetables. Be sure to lower the lid as soon as possible to trap the heat in and finish cooking the toppings. Cook the pizza for an additional 2-3 minutes or until you are satisfied with the crusts finish. You are now ready to experience one great pizza with deep tradition. Cut your pizza into triangle shaped slices or try cutting them into 1 wide strips. This shape is great for a party snacks! |
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April 2024
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