Patate alla pizzaiola – Potatoes pizzaiola 

In classic Italian cookery, when something is cooked  “alla pizzaiola” (pizza-style),  it means it has tomatoes and origano (sometimes garlic too),  as in the most basic topping for pizza.

Patate alla pizzaiola belongs to that army of homely dishes that are the backbone, almost the unsung heroes,  of Italian cookery:  simple affairs, often vegetarian, quickly assembled, generally rather economical and immensely satisfying.

This is not “a recipe”, just, I would say, “a way with” potatoes – once you understand the idea, you can really play with it. Continue reading “Patate alla pizzaiola – Potatoes pizzaiola “

Pomodori ripieni con pangrattato, capperi e acciughe – roasted tomatoes stuffed with breadcrumbs, capers and anchovies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another classic way for stuffing tomatoes. I only marginally adapted this recipes from one by Ada Boni’s Il Talismano della Felicità (1929) Again, as in the previous post, a long and  slow roast is recommended.
Now that is super hot even in London, I tend to cook this sort of dishes early morning, to be then eaten in the evening. The nutmeg is not a personal touch, but, surprisingly, recommended in the original recipe. Continue reading “Pomodori ripieni con pangrattato, capperi e acciughe – roasted tomatoes stuffed with breadcrumbs, capers and anchovies”

Sancrau (braised cabbage with anchovies and garlic, from Piemonte and Liguria)

“Sancrau”, the assonance with “sauerkraut” is clear and this is indeed a cabbage dish: Savoy cabbage cooked with garlic, anchovies and vinegar.
I have not been able to ascertain whether this is the Italian version of sauerkraut (as some sources claim) or if the name is just a coincidence – however, a savoury, robust dish this is for sure.  Continue reading “Sancrau (braised cabbage with anchovies and garlic, from Piemonte and Liguria)”

Patate, piselli e fave a spezzatino – Potatoes, peas and broad beans veal stew-style (vegan)

 

Spezzatino con patate e piselli is a hallmark of Italian cucina casalinga: a comforting stew of veal, peas and potatoes, beloved by kids and adults alike. When I saw bags of fresh British peas still on sale (it is now the end of August), I thought I would like to try a vegan version of the dish: the same ingredients, minus the veal. Continue reading “Patate, piselli e fave a spezzatino – Potatoes, peas and broad beans veal stew-style (vegan)”