Appetizers Recipes

Panelle Fries with Sundried Tomato Aoli

These chickpea fries are delicious with sundried tomato aioli. Traditional panelle are a little thinner and wider served as an appetizer or vegetarian panini filling. In Liguria these fries are called “Panisse.” The long square shape allows for the optimal crispy surface and the perfect accompaniment to the aioli. Serves 4-6 as an appetizer INGREDIENTS …

Appetizers Recipes Vegetables

Sicilian Caponata

This appetizer of fried eggplant with peppers, onions, and garlic has been a staple of Sicilian cuisine for centuries; there are as many variations of this dish as their are kitchens in Sicily. I learned to make it from a chef in Ortigia and he was adamant about the proper ingredients. I have modified the …

Appetizers Italy with Friends Recipes Recipes Vegetables

Fiori di Zucca Ripieni – Baked Zucchini Flowers

This classic Italian recipe is perfect for early summer when the zucchini blossoms are abundant. Use the male flowers (the ones with the single stamen covered in pollen); these don’t produce fruit, but just pollinate the female flowers. Serves 8-10 Recipe courtesy of Jennifer McIlvane www.lifeitalianstyle.com Ingredients about 15 -20 zucchini flowers 500g (1 pound) …

Pasta & Risotto Recipes

Pasta Alla Norma

This simple vegetarian pasta is the national dish of Sicily. It probably originated in Catania in the 19th century and is reportedly named after the opera “Norma” by Vincenzo Bellini. It is traditionally served with ricotta salata, an aged, salted ricotta cheese popular in Sicily, but difficult to find in the U.S., pecorino Romano or …