Anchovies gratin is a tasty main course that you can prepare in less than half an hour. Anchovies (alici or acciughe in Italian, known as “pesce azzurro“) are small, green fish with blue highlights, abundant in the Mediterranean sea. Anchovies have many nutrients that have been found to support good cardiovascular health. They are very…
Agretti con Acciughe (Agretti with Anchovy)
Italian agretti is a spring vegetable also called barba del frate, (friar’s beard) because of its shape, which recalls, of course, a friar’s beard. It is a salty green heirloom herb with a succulent texture and a pleasant, slightly acidic taste. Actually, the name agretti comes from agro, which means sour. It grows well in…
Peperoni Grigliati (Grilled Peppers)
An appetizing and tasty antipasto to serve with toasted bread or a side dish with meat. When peppers are grilled, they taste completely different from raw ones and, in my opinion, are more appetizing and certainly more easily tolerated, since the indigestible substances that are contained in the peel are removed. This is an easy…
Tortino con Bietole ed Acciughe (Swiss Chard and Anchovies Pie)
This pie makes a colorful and a tasty starter or a delicious main dish. The crust is made with brisee dough while the filling is prepared with Swiss chard, first boiled, then sautéed with anchovies and mixed with fresh ricotta cheese. This is a superb combination of flavors. Swiss chard is native to southern Europe…
Alici Marinate con Cipolla e Peperoncino (Marinated Anchovies with Onion and Hot Chili Pepper)
Marinated anchovies is a tasty, cold antipasto that can be served with homemade bread (pane casereccio) or enjoyed as a main dish with a fresh salad. The simple dressing prepared with olive oil, lemon juice and vinegar enhances the flavor of the anchovies, so reminiscent of the sea, while the onion and chili pepper make…
Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa (Orecchiette Pasta with Broccoli Rabe)
Orecchiette with broccoli rabe or rapini is one of the most representative dishes of Apulia (especially of the Bari area), and symbolizes the region’s so called “cucina povera” (peasant cooking). It is a tasty and healthy dish made with orecchiette pasta and broccoli rabe. The slightly bitter flavor of this leafy dark green vegetable blends…
Spaghetti alla Puttanesca (Spaghetti Puttanesca)
Spaghetti puttanesca is a tasty and piquant dish. It is one of the more popular recipes of Italian cuisine, originally from Lazio and Campania but now spread all over the world. This recipe, fast and simple, is prepared with fresh tomatoes, garlic, olives, anchovies, capers and red chili pepper. The moderate amount of anchovies gives…