Stuffed Bell Peppers

"Stuffed Bell Peppers"

Note: This is a hard recipe that might take from 45 minutes to 1 hour!

Ingredients:

• 4x large bell peppers (Cut top offs and remove seeds)
  
• 1 cup of Quinoa (Rinse and drained)
  
• 1 cup of Buckwheat groats
• 5 cups of Vegetable broth
• 6-8 Sun-dried Tomatoes
• 1x onion (Chopped)
  
• 3-4 cloves of garlic (chopped)
  
• Rosemary, Basil, Oregano to taste
• 1 cup of tomato puree
• 1x egg white
• Salt and pepper to taste
  

Directions:

• In a sauce pan bring to a boil 2x cups of broth, when it starts boiling throw in the quinoa and the tomatoes. Cover and let it simmer for 12 minutes
• Add Buchwheat groats to 1x egg white and mix it until the groats are fully coated. Then put the mixture in a frying pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes stirring it all very well. Add 1 1/2 of the broth, the onion, garlic and the spices. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes with the pan covered.
• Place the Quinoa in a bowl, add the buckwheat, 1x cup of tomato puree and mix it all. Spoon this mixture into the bell peppers and cover them with the pepper tops.
• In a large pot with a steamer tray, take all the left broth and add some water until it touched the bottom of the steamer. Finally place the peppers into the pot, secure lid and brin to a boil, leaving it simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Buen apetito!!

Vegetable Quinoa Salad

"Vegetable Quinoa Salad"

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of Quinoa (rinsed and drained)
• 1x tomato (chopped)
• 1/2 cup of parsley
• 1/4 cucumber (chopped)
• 1/3 cup Bell peppers (Red, green and/or yellow, chopped)
• 3x tablespoons of olive oil
• 2x tablespoons of lemon juice
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Dried Lavender flowers (optional)

Directions:

• In a large pot bring quinoa and water to a boil at medium heat. Reduce heat and boil gently for 10 to 15 minutes or until the white germ separates from the seed. Cover, remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes. Remove lid, let cool.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine tomatoes, parsley, cucumber and bell peppers. Stir in cooled quinoa.
• Prepare the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, hot pepper flakes (if using), salt, pepper and lavender.
  
• Pour vinaigrette over salad and toss to coat.

Enjoy!!

If you are having trouble cooking quinoa, here is a video that might help you out:

Italian Tuna Salad

"Italian Tuna Salad"

Ingredients:

• 1/2 red onion
• 1/2 cup of chopped scallions
• 4x cherry tomatoes (sliced)
• 1x can of tuna
• 1/2 cup of basil (chopped)
• 1/2 cup of parsley (chopped)
• 3x tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Next:

• In a bowl toss in the tuna, the scallions, tomatoes, 1/2 the onion, basil and parsley and mix all very well
• Add the salt and pepper, then add all the rest of the ingredients

Enjoy!!

(A slight variation on this recipe)

Avocado Chicken Salad

"Avocado Chicken Salad"

Ingredients:

• 1x canned chicken or cooked chicken
• 1x avocado (sliced)
  
• 1x celery sticks (chopped)
  
• 1/2 red onion (chopped)
  
• 1/2 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2x teaspoons of paprika (optional)
• 2x tablespoons of yogurt

Directions:

• Toss in the chicken in a plate and slice it up
• In a large bowl put in the chicken, the onions, the celery, the yogurt, the avocado and then mix it all
• Add the salt, pepper, lemon juice and the paprika

Buen Provecho!!

Caesar salad

"Caesar salad"

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of sliced Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 a round lettuce
• 1 cup of croutons (bread cubes)
• 3x anchovies in oil chopped (optional)
• 1x lemon or 1/4 cup of lemon juice
• 4x teaspoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2x tablespoons of Mustard (preferably Dijon)
• 1x egg yolk
• 1x garlic clove chopped
• 1/2 cup of fresh parsley (optional)

What now?

• For the dressing add in a bowl the egg yolk, mustard, anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, the olive oil and grated parmesan then mix them all very well (can be done with a blender)
• In a large bowl spread the lettuce leaves then put the sliced parmesan on top, the croutons, add the dressing and finally top it with some fresh parsley.

Buon appetito!!

Korean Potato Salad

Korean Potato Salad

Ingredients:

• 3-5x large potatoes (chopped)
  
• 1x apple (sliced)
  
• 1x pear (sliced)
  
• 1x celery stick (chopped)
  
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
• 1 cup of mayonnaise
• 2x tablespoons of brown sugar

Next:

• Boil water in a large pan and cook the potatoes 8-10 minutes, then drain them and let them cool (in the refrigerator for 10 minutes).
• In a large bowl mix the mayonnaise and the sugar for dressing. Then add all the ingredients to the bowl and mix them all very well, finally garnish with sesame seeds.
  

잘 먹겠습니다!!

Greek Salad

"Greek Salad"

Ingredients:

• Lettuce
• 1/2 onion (green or red)
• 1x tomato
• 1x cucumber
• 1/3 cup kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup feta cheese

Directions:

• Wash all the vegetables, then chop the onion and slice the tomato and cucumber into small cubes.
• Put the lettuce in a large bowl then add the tomato, cucumber, olives and onion. Mix them all very well then finally crumble the feta cheese and put it on top.

Καλή όρεξη!

Brocoli Salad

"Brocoli Salad"

Ingredients:

• 1x head of broccoli
• 1/2 onion (chopped)
  
• 1 cup of crumbled bacon
  
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
  
• 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
• 3x teaspoons of sugar
• 1x tablespoons of vinegar
  

Next step:

• Chop 3-5 slices of bacon into small squares, then fry them in a frying pan.
• (optional) Cook the broccoli in boiled water.
• In a large bowl toss in the broccoli, onion, bacon and cheddar cheese then mix everything together.
• For the dressing pour the mayonnaise, the sugar and the vinegar in a small bowl and mix them well. Then pour it all over the salad.

Enjoy!!

Bean Salad

"Bean Salad"

Ingredients:

• 2x cans of beans (black, white or red)
  
• 1x celery stick
• 1/2 a bell pepper (green or red)
• 1x tomato
• 1x corn
  
• 2x tablespoons of olive oil
• 2x teaspoons of oregano
• Salt to taste
  

What now?

• Drain and clean the beans with water, then put them in a large bowl. Chop the celery stick, pepper and the tomato, mix them all together with the beans.
• The corn can be either cooked in boiled water or grilled. With a knife spread the corn on top of the salad. Finally add the olive oil and the oregano.
  

Bon appetit!!

Tomato Salad

"Tomato Salad"

Ingredients:

• 1x tomato
• 2x teaspoons of balsamic vinegar
• 4x teaspoons of olive oil
• 1/2 cup of feta cheese or mozzarella
• 1/3 cup of fresh basil leaves
• variety of salad green vegetables (lettuce, parsley, cabbage, etc.)
• 
  
• Salt to taste

Directions:

• Spread the greens on a large plate and slice the tomato and put them on top.
• Crumble the feta cheese or slice the mozzarella and mix them over the plate
• In a bowl mix the vinegar, olive oil and salt, add the mixture to the salad and finally chop the basil and spread it over the salad. (You might want to add some herbs such as thyme or oregano)

Have a good appetite!!

Cumin grilled chicken

"Cumin Grilled Chicken"

Ingredients

• 2x boneless chicken breast
• 2x teaspoons of olive oil
• 1x teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

What next?!

• Combine the cumin, olive oil, salt and pepper in a bowl, mix them all well and then apply the mixture on each side of the chicken breasts.
• Pre-heat the grilling pan on high heat for 2 minutes, grill the chicken for about 4-5 minutes each side.
• Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.

Eat up!

If you are having trouble grilling check out this video!!

Sweet Chicken Bacon Wraps

"Sweet Chicken Bacon Wraps"

Ingredients:

• 2x boneless chicken breasts
  
• 3x slices of bacon
  
• 1/3 cup of brown sugar
  
• 2 tablespoons chili powder

Next:

• Preheat oven to 350F.
  
• Cut the chicken breasts in 6 small cubes and slice the bacon pieces into half, then wrap each chicken cube with the bacon (secure each piece with a wooden pick)
• In a large bowl mix the chili powder and sugar. Toss in the chicken pieces into the bowl.
  
• Spray some nonstick cooking spray on a baking pan (if you don't have cooking spray then just put a sheet of aluminum on the bottom of the pan), then place the chicken on the rack in broiler pan. Let it cook in the oven for 30-35 minutes at 350F.
  

Relish!!

Chicken Pot Pie

"Chicken Pot Pie"

Ingredients:

• Refrigerated Pie Crust
• 1/3 cup of butter
• 1/2 onion
• 1/3 cup of flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1/2 cup of chicken broth
• 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken
• 2 cups of frozen vegetables

Recipe :

• Pre-heat the Oven at 425F
  

• Melt the butter in a large tall pan at medium / high heat, then put in the onion and stir it for 2 minutes. Then add the flour, salt and pepper cook it for 3 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and milk. When the sauce is thickened toss in the chicken and finally the vegetables, mix it all very well. Remove the pan from the heat.
  
• In a pie plate, roll out the pie crust and spread the sauce in it, then cover it with another pie crust. At the top of the crust cut some strips and tuck the edges.
• Put it in the oven for 30-45 minutes

Enjoy!!

Roasted Chicken

"Roasted Chicken"

Note that this recipe takes at least 1hour and a half to do and it is to be served for 4 people.

Ingredients :

• A Whole small chicken
• 3x lemons (sliced in half each)
  
• A few branches of Rosemary and Thyme
• 4x cloves of garlic (crushed)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 onion (chopped)
  
• 3x tablespoons of olive oil

Follow this

• In a large bowl throw in the herbs, salt, pepper, lemons (pour the lemon sauce over the bowl) and the garlic. Mix them all well then toss in the chicken, scrub the sauce over the chicken then stuff everything inside the chicken.
  
• In a Oven Pyrex, spread the chopped onions over it then put the chicken on top, pour the remaining sauce on the bowl and the olive oil over the chicken.
• Pre-heat the oven on 400F, if possible tie up the chicken with a butcher sting. Cook the chicken for approximately 1 hour.

Bon appetit!!

Soy sauce Chicken

"Soy Sauce Chicken"

Ingredients:

• 2x large chicken drumsticks (chopped)
• 2x tablespoons of oil
• 4x tablespoons of shallots or 1/2 onion
• 2x tablespoons of Dark Soy sauce or 4x tablespoons of normal Soy sauce
  
• 2x teaspoons of seasoning sauce (optional)

And next?

• Pre-heat a frying pan on high heat, then add the oil. Put in the shallots / onion and fry it for 2-3 minutes until it is evenly browned, then add the chicken piece, the soy sauce and seasoning sauce. Let it all cook for 3 minutes, add 300ml of water and bring it to a boil. Cover the pan and simmer the chicken for 5-7 minutes.

享受!!

Sticky Lemon Chicken

"Sticky Lemon Chicken"

Ingredients :

• 1x pack of chicken legs / thighs
  
• 5x teaspoons olive oil
• 4x teaspoons of soy sauce
• 2x teaspoons of sherry or balsamic vinegar (optional)
  
• 1x lemon (sliced)
  
• 3x cloves of garlic
• 1x tablespoon of honey
  
• 2x teaspoons of thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Handful of fresh parsley (optional)
  

What now?

• Heat the olive oil at high heat in a pan, add the chicken then season it with salt and pepper. Put in the soy sauce and the vinegar. Cook for 2 minutes, add the slices of lemon, pour some of the lemon juice in the pan and add 1/2 of water.
• Mix it all well, leave it on medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Add the thyme, the honey and parsley. Simmer the chicken for 5-8 minutes until it is cooked and the sauce sticky.

Savourer!!

Butter Chicken

"Butter Chicken"

Ingredients:

• 300g of Chopped chicken breast
• 3x teaspoons of oil
• 4x teaspoons of butter
• 1/2 onion chopped
• 2x teaspoons cinnamon (optional)
• 2x cloves of crushed garlic
• 2x teaspoons ground turmeric (optional)
• 1x teaspoon of chili powder
• 2x tablespoons ground almonds (optional)
• 1x tomato
• 1x tablespoon of tomato sauce
• 1x tablespoon heavy cream
• Handful of fresh coriander
• Salt and pepper to taste

Next

• Heat the oil in a Saute pan at high heat and add the chicken, spice it with salt and pepper. Fry it for 3-4 minutes, then remove it.
• Cook the Onion with cinnamon in the pan with butter. When it turns brown, add the rest of the ingredients, stir it all very well. Cook it for 4-5 minutes, season to taste with salt and pepper then put the chicken in.

Enjoy your meal!!

(Jamie and Maunika have a recipe with a bit of a twist, check it out!)

Chicken Marsala

"Chicken Marsala" an italian dish cooked with Marsala wine, a wine produced in the region surrounding the Italian city of Marsala in Sicily.

Ingredients:

• 300g Boneless chicken breast
• 1/2 cup of Butter / Margarine
  
• 3x teaspoons for olive oil
  
• 3/4 cup of flour
• 1x tablespoon of oregano
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 1 and 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup of Marsala wine / 1/2 cup of Sherry wine (Optional either use one or both)
  

Directions

• Spread the flour in a large plate, spice with pepper, salt and oregano. Mix it all well. Cover each side of the chicken breast pieces with the flour. (make sure each side is well covered)
  
• In a large pan heat the olive oil and butter at high heat, when the pan is completely covered with oil / butter toss in the chicken and brown each side for about 5 minutes.
• Add the mushrooms, the cups of wine, cover the pan and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Buon Appetito!!!

Thai Green Curry Chicken

"Thai Green Curry Chicken"

This recipe might take from 30 to 45 minutes!!
Ingredients:

• 300g of boneless chicken breast (cut into small pieces)
  
• 2-3x tablespoons of green curry paste
• 1/2 can of coconut milk
• 1/2 a green bell pepper (chopped)
  
• 1/2 a red bell pepper (chopped)
  
• 1/2 carrot (finely sliced)
  
• 1/2 an onion (chopped)
  
• 1/2 cup of Eggplant (optional)
• 1/3 cup of Ginger (optional)
• 1x tablespoon of sugar
• 1x teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of fresh basil (optional)

Next?

• Add half of the coconut milk into a large pot at medium heat for 2-3 minutes, then add the curry paste. Stir it all for 2 minutes and add 2x cups of water while doing it.
• Turn it to high heat, when it starts boiling add the chicken. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, then when it's fully cooked add all the vegetables except the basil.
• The vegetables should take 7-10 minutes to cook, put in sugar and salt and stir for 2 minutes. Finally add the basil.
  

Chicken Teriyaki

"Chicken Teriyaki", the word teriyaki derives from the noun teri which refers to a shine or luster given by the sugar content in the tare, and yaki which refers to the cooking method of grilling or broiling.

Ingredients :

• 300g of Boneless chicken breast
• 4-5x teaspoons of oil (if you're frying)
• 5-6x tablespoons of Soy Sauce
• 3x teaspoons of ground Cinnamon
• 1/4 cup of Japanese Rice Alcohol
• 2x tablespoons of sugar
• 1 cup of flour
• (Optional garnish: toasted sesame seeds, spring onions and mayonnaise)

Note: If you do not have the right ingredients for the sauce, just use a pre-made sauce!!

And now?

• In a sauce pan add the soy sauce, cinnamon, sake and sugar at low heat for about 5 minutes, until all the sugar is dissolved.
• Flour the chicken breast, make sure both sides are fully covered.
• Heat the oil in a large pan at high heat for about 2 minutes, then toss in the chicken. Cook each side until it's golden brown then add some of the sauce and let it simmer for a 2-3 minutes. You can also grill the chicken, just follow the same steps but don't put any oil.
• Pour the rest of the sauce in your plate.

どうぞ食べてください !! (douzo tabete kudasai)

Pasta alla Norma

"Pasta alla Norma" a classic scicilian pasta named after Vincenzo Bellini's opera "Norma" which was a huge success and the word "norma" became synonymous to something good.

Ingredients:

• Spaghetti
• 1x Aubergine / Eggplant (chopped)
• 1x chopped tomato
• 3x cloves of garlic (sliced, crushed with a pinch of salt)
• 2x teaspoons of chili
• 4x teaspoons of olive oil
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• Feta cheese
• 3x basil leaves

Follow the next step

• Boil water in a large pan with a bit of oil and salt and cook the pasta for 8 minutes.
• Before cooking the sauce, cover the aubergine in salt and envelop them in a piece of cloth shaking them well for a few minutes.
• In a sauce pan heat olive oil in high heat, toss in the aubergine cook it for 4 minutes and then set it aside in a plate (do not throw the oil away!).
• With the same oil, fry the garlic and the tomatoes spiced with pepper, salt and chili. After 4 minutes add some bits of feta cheese and basil.

Kali Orexi!!

Linguini with capers and olives

"Linguine with capers and olives"



Ingredients:

• Linguine (or Spaghetti)
• 5x teaspoons of olive oil
• 1x onion chopped
• 3x cloves of garlic sliced
• 1x red chili chopped
• Handful of black olives and capers
• 5 cherry tomatoes (or 2x chopped normal tomato)
• 3x sliced anchovies (optional)
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 4 fresh basil leaves choped

Putting it together

• In a large pan boil water, season it with salt and cook the pasta for 8 minutes.
• Use a saucepan with the olive oil, throw in the onions, garlic and chili and let them cook for 3 minutes. Then add the tomatoes, the capers and the olives, mix them all very well. After cooking for 2 more minutes, add the anchovies and the basil.

Smacznego!!

Penne Pasta with Peas and Prosciutto

"Penne pasta with peas and Prosciutto" a very different and cheap recipe from the other pastas since it's all done in the same pan and the ingredients used are inexpensive.

Ingredients:

• 3x teaspoons of Olive oil
• Penne pasta
  
• 1x onion slices
• 2x slices of Prosciutto ham (diced)
• 2x cloves of garlic (sliced)
  
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 3x teaspoons of Thyme
• 2x tablespoons of Tomato sauce
• 1/2 a can of white beans
• 250g grams of peas
• Grated Parmesan Cheese

So what now?

• In a Large pan heat the olive oil in medium / high heat, add the onion. When it's evenly brown put the ham in and stir for 1 minute then add the garlic. Turn the heat to medium.
  
• Season it with salt, pepper and thyme. Add 5-7 cups of hot water in the pan, while mixing it add in the tomato sauce, beans, peas and the penne, let it boil for 7-8 minutes.
  
• Turn off the heat, thrown in the grated parmesan and cover the pan for 3 minutes.

Geniessen Sie!!

Pasta Tuna Zucchini

"Pasta Tuna Zucchini" a delicious recipe that combines the flavours of tomato sauce with zucchini and some Italian herbs.

Ingredients:

• Any kind of pasta
• 1/2 a zucchini (chopped up in small slices)
• 3x teaspoons of olive oil
• 2x cloves of garlic
• 2x teaspoon of Thyme, Rosemary and Oregano (optional, you can put only one of the herbs)
  
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 or 3x tablespoons of Tomato Sauce
• 1 or 2x cans of tuna
  

Next:

• Sauté the garlic with the oil in a pan at medium heat, 2 mins after (don't let it brown) add the zucchini. After 5 mins add the herbs, the salt and the pepper.
  
• In a Large pan boil water, salt it and cook the pasta for 8 minutes. Drain it well.
  
• In the sauce pan, add the tomato sauce and the tuna, mix it with the zucchini. Then put the pasta in the pan and leave it on low heat for 5 mins.

Enjoy!!

Pasta Fettucine Alfredo shrimp

"Pasta Alfredo" one of the easiest pasta recipes invented by di Lelio at his restaurant Alfredo alla Scrofa in 1914.

Ingredients :

• Fettucine pasta
• 1/4 cup butter / margarine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 250 g of shrimp
• 3 teaspoons of grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and Black pepper to taste
• Handful of Freshly chopped Parsley

Following step:

• In a pan heat in low heat butter and cream and let them melt together, spice the sauce with salt, pepper and parmesan then whisk the sauce.
• Boil water and add a pinch of salt then add the fettucine pasta for about 8 minutes.
• Clean your shrimp under cold running water, then add them to your sauce in low/medium heat and the parsley. Let them cook for 5-8 minutes and always stir the sauce well.
• When the pasta is done, drain it and mix it with the sauce.

Follow the video for instructions : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scDw1ASGzg0

Bom apetite!!

Pasta Primavera

"Pasta Primavera" is an Italian-American dish that consists of pasta and fresh vegetables. A meat such as chicken, sausage or shrimp may be added, but the focus of primavera is the vegetables themselves.

Ingredients:

• Any pasta will do (preferably penne or farfalle)
• 4 teaspoons of olive oil
• 7-8 fresh asparagus
• 3-4 sliced mushrooms (regular)
• 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• Handful of fresh parsley
• 1 shallots or onions
• Salt and Black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Pre-heat in a pan the olive oil over high heat, put the shallot / onion and the garlic for 2 minutes, then add the red pepper.
2. While doing the sauce, boil water with some salt and put in the pasta. Cook it until it's "al dente" then drain the water out and leave the pasta in the pot.
3. In the pan add the mushrooms and asparagus and saute for 3-4 minutes. Add salt, pepper and the parsley, stir it well and finally the pasta. On plate sprinkle some fresh parsley

Buen provecho!!

Pasta Mushrooms and Minced Beef

"Pasta Mushrooms and Minced Beef" for this recipe I would suggest fresh mushrooms such as porcini or champignong (regular ones).














Ingredients:

• Spaghetti Pasta
  
• 3 teaspoons of olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 300g of minced beef
• 4-5 small mushrooms, finely cut
• 1 regular tomato (chop it and cut off the seeds)
• 3 teaspoons of tomato sauce (optional)
• 2 teaspoons of thyme (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

What now?

1. Heat the olive oil in a saute pan on high heat, cook the garlic and the onion until evenly brown. Add beef and stir it well for 2 minutes, then put in the mushrooms, the tomato and switch the heat to medium for 8-10 minutes.
2. Boil water adding a pinch of salt, drop in the pasta and cook it for about 8 minutes. Drain and leave it in the pot.
3. When the beef is evenly brown, spice up with pepper, salt and thyme then add the tomato sauce. Stir it all in low heat and add the pasta.

Buon appetito!!

Pasta Bacon and Zuchini / Courgette

"Pasta Bacon and Zucchini" one of my favorite pasta dishes, the zucchini adds a special flavor to this meal. I hope you guys like it!

Ingredients:

• Penne Pasta
• 3 teaspoons of olive oil (1-2 if bacon is too fatty)
  
• 1/2 of an average sized zucchini, cut in stripes (resembling the penne)
  
• 250g of bacon, cut in stripes
• 1/2 of a green bell pepper
• 2 teaspoons of rosemary (optional)
  
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 heavy cream or 1/2 cup of milk
  

How to cook it?

1. In a sauce pan heat the olive oil over high heat. Add the bacon, cook until it's evenly brown then put in the zucchini and the green bell pepper. Add pepper and salt to taste, stir for about 8 minutes then turn the heat to low.
   
2. Boil water with a pinch of salt with the penne for about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta.
   
3. Pour the cream / milk in the sauce pan, stir for 2 minutes in low heat then add pasta.

Dig in!!

Pasta Carbonara

"Pasta Carbonara" a dish created in the 20th century, its origins are obscure existing many legends around it, one being that it was a hearty meal for italian charcoal workers since "Carbonara" means Charcoal in italian.

Ingredients:

• 3 teaspoons olive oil (use 1-2 if bacon is too fatty)
• 300g of bacon cut into stripes (pancetta if available)
• Fettuccine / Spaghetti pasta
• 1 egg (per person)
• 2 teaspoons of grated Pecorino / Parmesan cheese (optional to use both)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• salt and black pepper to taste

Next step

1. Heat olive oil in a Saute pan over medium/high heat. Add the bacon stipes and cook until it's evenly browned, then turn off the heat.
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Put in the pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until "al dente". Drain pasta.
3. In a bowl whisk together the eggs, grated cheese and cream. While stirring add pepper and salt. Mix the sauce with the bacon in the saucepan over very low heat and finally add pasta.

Enjoy your meal!!

Check out Antonio Carluccio's authentic recipe:

Pasta Pomodoro

As a first post, we decided to put a very simple and easy pasta recipe which I'm sure you will all love!

"Pasta Pomodoro", in Italian Pomodoro means tomato and It is intended to be a very light and quick meal.
Ingredients :

• Angel hair or Spaghetti
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (small) fresh tomatoes
• Ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped basil
• 2 tablespoons of Tomato Sauce (optional)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

What next?

1. Boil Water and lightly salt it. Add pasta and cook for 8 minutes or until "al dente" and then drain.
2. Pour olive oil in a skillet and heat it on high. Saute onions and garlic until lightly browned. Reduce heat to medium-high and add tomatoes and vinegar, then simmer for about 8 minutes.
3. I love adding a pinch of sugar to counter-balance the acidity of the tomatoes (optional)
4. Add the ground black pepper (to taste), basil and tomato sauce.
5. Turn off the heat and toss in the cooked pasta mixing it well with the sauce, add grated Parmesan cheese in the plate.

Bon appetit!!