Tag: italian

  • Southern Italian Fava Bean Purèe (Maccu)

    Southern Italian Fava Bean Purèe (Maccu)

    How to Make Southern Italian Fava Bean Purèe (Maccu)

    Maccu is a popular dish in Amy Riolo’s ancestral homeland of Calabria, Italy. The word calabria is derived from a Byzantine term meaning “fertile land.” This region lives up to its name with rich agricultural traditions that continue today. The word maccu comes from the dialect word for “mashed” and refers to a purée that is made of fava beans, one of the world’s oldest agricultural crops. Fresh and dried fava bean dishes are served in Calabria for St. Joseph’s Day. Serve this appetizer alone, drizzled with olive oil as a side dish, or with crackers, flatbread, or Whole-Wheat Cracker Rings with Black Pepper and Fennel Seeds. Use first cold-pressed olive oil and pecorino Crotonese—a high-quality, aged sheep-milk cheese from Calabria, if possible. This dish, like many popular Italian appetizers, can be served hot or at room temperature. Chickpeas and cannellini beans can be substituted for the fava beans.


    5 min (plus 1 hr bean-soaking time) prep time


    1 hr 5 min cook time


    6servings


    1/3 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place beans, onion, and bay leaf in a large saucepan. Cover with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until tender, approximately 1 hour.
    2. Drain beans and place in a food processor with cheese, 1 tablespoon. olive oil, and fennel seeds. Purée until smooth. Taste and season with crushed red chile flakes, salt, and pepper.
    3. Spoon onto a serving platter and smooth out the top with a spatula. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon. olive oil, and sprinkle crushed red chile flakes and fennel seed on top, if desired.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/3 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      80

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      5g

      6%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      120mg

      5%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      6g

      2%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        1g

    • Protein
      2g

    • Potassium
      90mg

      2%

    Ingredients

    peeled, dried fava beans, soaked in boiling water for 1 hour and drained
    2/3 cup

    small onion, quartered
    1

    dried bay leaf
    1

    Pecorino Romano cheese
    2

    extra virgin olive oil (preferably first cold-pressed), divided
    2 tbsp

    fennel seeds, plus extra for garnish
    1 tsp

    Crushed red chile flakes, to taste
    1

    unrefined sea salt
    1/8 tsp

    freshly ground black pepper
    1/4 tsp

  • Socca With Poached Eggs, Roasted Tomatoes, And Fresh Basil

    Socca With Poached Eggs, Roasted Tomatoes, And Fresh Basil

    How to Make Socca With Poached Eggs, Roasted Tomatoes, And Fresh Basil

    Socca, also known as farinata, is a thin chickpea flour pancake commonly found in both Italian and French cuisines. In this recipe, Katie Cavuto tops wedges of the warm chickpea crepe with roasted tomatoes, poached eggs, and fresh basil. For an easy, make-ahead brunch or weekday breakfast, make the batter and poach the eggs the night before. To store the poached eggs overnight, plunge them into an airtight container filled with cold water and place them in the fridge.


    1 hr (including batter resting time) prep time


    10 min cook time


    8servings


    1 slice of socca, 1 poached egg, 2 tablespoons roasted tomatoes, and 2 tablespoons basil

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet about 12 inches from your oven’s heating element and set the oven to “Broil.”
    2. In a small bowl, whisk together chickpea flour, cumin, and salt. Slowly stream in water, whisking quickly to eliminate lumps, then stir in 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Cover the bowl and set aside for at least 15 minutes. (Or store it in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours.) The batter should be a thin, pancake batter–like consistency.
    3. After the batter has rested, carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and pour in the socca batter. Broil for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges of the socca are browned and the center is set.
    4. Meanwhile, set a metal strainer in the bottom of a large pot, fill the pot 2/3 full with water, and add the vinegar. Crack each egg into a small prep bowl. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the vinegar and water to a simmer. Using a long-handled spoon, stir the water in a wide, circular motion to create a whirlpool. Quickly, while the whirlpool is still going, slide in the eggs, one by one. Once all the eggs are in the water, poach them without stirring until the whites are set and the yolks are no longer runny, about 4–6 minutes. Using tongs, carefully lift the strainer out of the water with the eggs.
    5. Remove socca from the oven and cut it into 8 wedges. To serve, place a socca wedge on each of 8 plates and top each serving with 1 poached egg, 2 tablespoons roasted tomatoes, and 2 tablespoons chopped basil. Season servings with pepper.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 slice of socca, 1 poached egg, 2 tablespoons roasted tomatoes, and 2 tablespoons basil


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      170

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      11g

      14%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.4g

        12%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      185mg

      62%

    • Sodium
      220mg

      10%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      9g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        2g

        7%
      • Total Sugars
        3g

    • Protein
      9g

    • Potassium
      290mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    chickpea flour
    1 cup

    cumin
    1/2 tsp

    fine sea salt
    1/4 tsp

    warm water
    1 cup

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil (divided)
    2 tbsp

    white wine vinegar
    1 tbsp

    large eggs
    8

    fire-roasted tomatoes
    1 cup

    fresh basil (chopped)
    1 cup

    freshly ground black pepper
    1/4 tsp

  • Sicilian Swordfish And Eggplant Bundles

    Sicilian Swordfish And Eggplant Bundles

    How to Make Sicilian Swordfish And Eggplant Bundles

    Swordfish and eggplant are culinary ingredients that Sicilians inherited when they were under Arab rule. Before the arrival of the Arabs, swordfish was not eaten because of its reputation as being extremely difficult to catch. Sicilian fisherman learned how to catch swordfish from the Arabs. Even today, Sicilian fisherman use Arabic words instead of Italian ones when fishing. Serve this delightful dish with Baby Artichokes with Herb Sauce


    4servings


    1 bundle

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat broiler. Place eggplant slices on a baking sheet. Brush with 1 Tbsp olive oil, and bake for a few minutes until tender and cooked through. Remove from oven, and set aside.
    2. Heat remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, and cook until it releases its aroma. Do not let garlic turn brown. Stir in chopped and strained tomatoes, basil, pine nuts, 1/4 tsp salt, pepper, and pepper flakes. Stir and cover. Reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5 minutes.
    3. Meanwhile, place a large piece of wax paper on a work surface. Place fish fillets on wax paper, and cover with another piece. Use a flat-edged meat hammer to pound fish until they are very thin, about 1/4 inch. Check under the wax paper from time to time to make sure that fish is not tearing. Cut each piece in half to make 4 pieces.
    4. Top each piece of fish with thin layers of the eggplant slices. (If you have extra eggplant slices, reserve them as a garnish). Starting at the wide end, roll up fish, completely encasing eggplant. Use toothpicks or skewers to secure the rolls. Slowly remove lid from tomato sauce, and add rolls to simmering sauce. Cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning once, or until fish is cooked through.
    5. Transfer fish to a serving platter, remove skewers, and top with remaining sauce. Season with remaining 1/4 tsp salt, if desired. Serve remaining eggplant slices along the sides of the dish.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 bundle


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      250

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      13g

      17%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.1g

        11%

    • Cholesterol
      35mg

      12%

    • Sodium
      405mg

      18%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      14g

      5%

      • Dietary Fiber
        4g

        14%
      • Total Sugars
        7g

    • Protein
      19g

    Ingredients

    medium eggplant (sliced lengthwise into paper-thin slices)
    1

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil (divided)
    2 tbsp

    garlic (minced)
    2 clove

    boxed tomatoes (chopped)
    1 cup

    boxed tomatoes (strained)
    1 cup

    basil (freshly chopped)
    2 tbsp

    pine nuts
    2 tbsp

    sea salt (divided)
    1/2 tsp

    pepper (freshly grated)
    1/8 tsp

    crushed red pepper flakes
    1 pinch

    swordfish fillets (boneless, divided into 2 filets)
    12 oz

  • Shrimp with Creamy Arugula Pesto

    Shrimp with Creamy Arugula Pesto

    How to Make Shrimp with Creamy Arugula Pesto

    Greek yogurt and cashews make for a deliciously creamy pesto to top poached shrimp or fish fillets.


    15 min prep time


    6 min cook time


    6servings


    Heaping 1/3 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Bring water and salt-free seasoning to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to just barely a simmer and add shrimp. Cook 6 minutes or until shrimp are pink and just cooked through.
    2. While shrimp is cooking, add the arugula, yogurt, garlic, olive oil, cashews, Parmesan cheese and black pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
    3. Drain shrimp and toss with the pesto while shrimp are still hot.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      Heaping 1/3 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      130

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      6g

      8%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.2g

        6%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      115mg

      38%

    • Sodium
      100mg

      4%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      3g

      1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        1g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      17g

    • Potassium
      280mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    water
    3 cup

    salt-free seasoning such as Salt-Free Spike or Mrs. Dash
    1 tbsp

    medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
    1 1/4 lbs

    arugula
    4 cup

    Plain Nonfat Greek yogurt
    1/4 cup

    garlic
    2 clove

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    unsalted cashews
    1/4 cup

    Parmesan cheese (shredded)
    1/4 cup

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

  • Seared Tuna with Pesto Sauce

    Seared Tuna with Pesto Sauce

    How to Make Seared Tuna with Pesto Sauce

    Fish is diabetes superfood, especially those that are packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, like tuna and salmon. Studies have repeatedly shown that people who dine regularly on these fatty fish have lower rates of diabetes and heart disease. It’s no wonder it’s recommended that nearly everyone eat at least 2 servings of fish every week. The problem? Many people think that preparing fish is complicated or expensive or both. This super-simple diabetes friendly seared tuna recipe proves that cooking fish is both easy and delicious. It’s just 3 ingredients and is on the table in 10 minutes! It’s perfect for beginner or learning cooks, but still bursting with Mediterranean-style flavor. Pair it with roasted broccoli and cauliflower rice for a complete meal that’s low in carb and high in fiber. If you’re planning meals on a budget, keep an eye out at your local grocery store—tuna often goes on sale and you can grab a cut of this heart-healthy ingredient for a fraction of the normal price.


    5 min prep time


    8 min cook time


    4servings


    1 tuna fillet

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
    2. Lay the tuna fillets in the hot oil and sear for 3-4 minutes on one side. Flip the tuna and apply 1 Tbsp. pesto sauce to each filet. Cook for additional 3-4 minutes.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 tuna fillet


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      255

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      15g

      19%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.9g

        15%

    • Cholesterol
      45mg

      15%

    • Sodium
      185mg

      8%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      1g

      <1%

      • Dietary Fiber
        0g

        0%
      • Total Sugars
        0g

    • Protein
      28g

    • Potassium
      325mg

      7%

    Ingredients

    olive oil
    1 tbsp

    tuna filets (divided into 4 4-oz portions)
    1 lbs

    jarred pesto sauce
    4 tbsp

  • Sausage and Fresh Basil Fast Frittata

    Sausage and Fresh Basil Fast Frittata

    How to Make Sausage and Fresh Basil Fast Frittata

    Frittatas are great breakfast options that can be cooked in bulk so that you can make several servings and spread them out throughout the week.


    10 min prep time


    5 min cook time


    4servings


    1/4 frittata wedge

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook for 3 minutes or until beginning to brown, stirring occasionally.

    2. Pour the egg substitute evenly over the sausage and cook for 1 minute. Do not stir. Then, gently lift to allow the uncooked egg to flow under. Remove from heat. 

    3. Sprinkle the cheese, green onions, tomatoes, and basil evenly over all. 

    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/4 frittata wedge


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      170

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      7g

      9%

      • Saturated Fat
        2g

        10%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      40mg

      13%

    • Sodium
      460mg

      20%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      7g

      3%

      • Dietary Fiber
        1g

        4%
      • Total Sugars
        5g
      • Added Sugars
        0g

        0%

    • Protein
      19g

    • Potassium
      359mg

      8%

    Ingredients

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    2 tsp

    sun-dried tomato chicken sausage (diced)
    8 oz

    egg substitute
    1 1/2 cup

    part-skim mozzarella cheese (shredded)
    3/4 oz

    green onion (scallion) (finely chopped)
    1/2 cup

    tomato(es) (diced)
    1 cup

    fresh basil (chopped)
    1/4 cup

  • Salmon Quinoa Risotto

    Salmon Quinoa Risotto

    How to Make Salmon Quinoa Risotto

    Author Robyn Webb says, “Quinoa is not the usual grain in risotto, but this protein-packed, tiny grain cooks quickly and results in a wonderfully fragrant risotto-like dish.”


    25 min prep time


    40 min cook time


    4servings


    3/4 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. To poach salmon—Fill a 4-quart saucepan with water and put salmon filet into the water. Place saucepan over high heat until water boils. Once water boils, remove pan from heat and let sit for 10 minutes. Remove fish from water and flake. Set aside.
    2. In a 4-quart saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. When oil is shimmering, add diced onion. Sauté onion until transparent. Add quinoa to onion mixture and stir—to toast—for 2 minutes.
    3. Add 1 cup of vegetable stock to quinoa and onion. Stir until stock is absorbed. Once stock is absorbed, add another 1 cup of stock. Continue stirring until stock is absorbed. Add remaining stock in 1/2-cup intervals, stirring until all stock is absorbed. Remove from heat.
    4. While preparing the onion quinoa mixture, heat 1/2 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat in a sauté pan with chopped garlic. Once garlic is sizzling, add chopped kale to the pan. Turn kale to coat with oil and garlic. Turn kale mixture until fragrant, approximately 2 minutes. Remove kale mixture from heat.
    5. Once quinoa is complete, add kale and salmon. Stir to combine and add salt and pepper to taste.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    4 Servings



    • Serving Size

      3/4 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      390

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      13g

      17%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.2g

        11%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      40mg

      13%

    • Sodium
      195mg

      8%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      39g

      14%

      • Dietary Fiber
        5g

        18%
      • Total Sugars
        5g

    • Protein
      27g

    Ingredients

    tablespoons olive oil (divided)
    1 1/2 tbsp

    medium onion (diced)
    1

    quinoa
    1 cup

    organic vegetable stock (divided)
    4 cup

    garlic (finely chopped)
    4 clove

    leaves of kale (stems removed and cut into ribbons)
    7

    salmon (poached and flaked)
    10 oz

    salt, to taste
    1

    pepper, to taste
    1

  • Roasted Veggie Strata

    Roasted Veggie Strata

    How to Make Roasted Veggie Strata

    This egg-based entrée is great any time of the day and the leftovers can be an easy grab-and-go lunch for the next day.


    20 min prep time


    8servings


    1/8 of strata

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
    2. Toss all of the vegetables together and spread evenly on the baking sheet. Spray the vegetables with 5-6 sprays of cooking spray and season with salt-free Spike seasoning.
    3. Roast the vegetables for 30 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
    4. Whisk together the eggs, egg whites, dried mustard, sage, salt (optional), and black pepper.
    5. Coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Tear four pieces of the whole wheat bread into pieces and layer them on the bottom of the casserole dish. Top with 1/2 the roasted vegetables and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Pour half the egg mixture over the bread, vegetables, and cheese.
    6. Repeat the layering process with the remaining torn bread, vegetables, cheese, and egg mixture. Press down on the casserole with a spatula to ensure all of the bread soaks in the egg mixture. Let the strata sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
    7. Bake the strata for 30 minutes.
    8. To serve, cut the strata down the middle lengthwise, then cut down the middle width-wise. Cut each half down the middle width-wise again to make 8 equal servings.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1/8 of strata


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      180

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      4g

      5%

      • Saturated Fat
        1.2g

        6%

    • Cholesterol
      50mg

      17%

    • Sodium
      290mg

      13%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      26g

      9%

      • Dietary Fiber
        4g

        14%
      • Total Sugars
        5g

    • Protein
      11g

    • Potassium
      384mg

      8%

    Ingredients

    nonstick cooking spray
    1

    white (button) mushrooms (8-ounce, sliced)
    1 package

    medium sweet potato (6-ounce, peeled and diced)
    1

    medium onion (diced)
    1

    medium red bell pepper (seeded and diced)
    1

    Spike seasoning (salt-free)
    1/2 tsp

    eggs
    2

    egg whites
    4

    mustard (dried)
    1 tsp

    fresh sage (chopped)
    2 tbsp

    salt (optional)
    1/2 tsp

    black pepper
    1/2 tsp

    whole wheat bread (1.5 ounce each )
    8 slice

    Parmesan cheese (shredded, divided)
    1/2 cup

  • Roasted Pepper Pizza

    Roasted Pepper Pizza

    How to Make Roasted Pepper Pizza

    Use fresh summer bell peppers to top this quick and easy homemade pizza, a much better choice than ordering out. If you have leftovers, wrap them in foil and have it cold for a grab-and-go meal the next day.


    8servings


    1 slice (1/8th of pizza)

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Coat a 12-inch pizza pan with nonstick cooking spray. Using your fingertips or the heel of your hand, spread the dough so that it covers the bottom of the pan.
    2. In a small bowl, combine the oil, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Add the bell peppers and toss to coat, then place in a 9’x13’ baking dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the peppers are fork-tender.
    3. Spread the sauce over the dough and sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese.
    4. Place the roasted peppers over the cheese and bake for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is crisp and brown. Cut and serve.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    8 Servings



    • Serving Size

      1 slice (1/8th of pizza)


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      240

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      8g

      10%

      • Saturated Fat
        2.3g

        12%

    • Cholesterol
      8mg

      3%

    • Sodium
      532mg

      23%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      33g

      12%

      • Dietary Fiber
        3g

        11%
      • Total Sugars
        5g

    • Protein
      10g

    Ingredients

    onion powder
    1/4 tsp

    olive oil
    2 tbsp

    frozen bread dough (thawed)
    1 lbs

    garlic powder
    1/4 tsp

    black pepper
    1/4 tsp

    medium bell peppers (sliced into 1-inch strips, (red, green, and yellow or any combination))
    3

    light spaghetti sauce
    2/3 cup

    mozzarella cheese (4-ounces, shredded, reduced-fat)
    1 cup

  • Rigatoni With Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Pesto, And Olives

    Rigatoni With Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Pesto, And Olives

    How to Make Rigatoni With Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Pesto, And Olives

    Author Robyn Webb says, “I’m always looking for new ways to serve large shapes of pasta. I’ve got the penne, fusilli, and shell shapes down pretty good, but I find shapes like rigatoni more of a challenge to balance with other ingredients. I’ve concluded that rigatoni just needs a few strong flavors such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon zest to be special.”


    15 min prep time


    20 min cook time


    6servings


    3/4 cup

    Print Recipe >

    Step-By-Step Instructions:

    1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook for 8–10 minutes until al dente.
    2. Meanwhile coat a large skillet with cooking spray. Sauté the onion and garlic over medium heat for about 6 minutes. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the wine and cook until wine is almost evaporated.
    3. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/3 cup pasta water. Set the pasta aside. Add the pasta water to the onion mixture and cook for 1 minute. Add in the pesto, pine nuts, olives, and lemon zest. Season with pepper. Add the rigatoni and toss well.
    pinterestfacebooktwittermail

    Nutrition facts

    6 Servings



    • Serving Size

      3/4 cup


    • Amount per serving



      Calories





      245

    • % Daily value*

    • Total Fat
      8g

      10%

      • Saturated Fat
        1g

        5%
      • Trans Fats
        0g

    • Cholesterol
      0mg

      0%

    • Sodium
      235mg

      10%

    • Total Carbohydrate
      36g

      13%

      • Dietary Fiber
        5g

        18%
      • Total Sugars
        4g

    • Protein
      7g

    • Potassium
      260mg

      6%

    Ingredients

    rigatoni ((preferably whole-wheat))
    8 oz

    Olive oil cooking spray
    1

    onion(s) (diced)
    1/2 cup

    garlic (minced)
    2 clove

    rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes (sliced, not packed in oil)
    1/2 cup

    dry white wine
    1/2 cup

    pesto sauce (bottled)
    4 tbsp

    toasted pine nuts
    2 tbsp

    Kalamata olives (pitted, coarsely chopped)
    1/4 cup

    fresh lemon zest
    2 tsp

    freshly ground black pepper to taste
    1