Sub Categories in Pasta

Category of: Pasta

Raviolo al uovo, ricotta e carciofo (single raviolo with egg, ricotta and artichoke)

April 17, 2017

What is it? Raviolo al uovo is a single large raviolo filled with ricotta and containing a soft egg yolk that oozes out when you cut into it (“raviolo” is not a typo, in Italian “ravioli” is plural, “raviolo” is singular). You would serve one per person drizzled with butter, hollandaise, light tomato sauce or whatever else you think would go with it. Serve it on its own or with a little topping such as... View Article

Ravioli with ricotta, artichoke, hazelnuts and brown butter

April 16, 2017

Last week my daughter Jade was home with a couple of her friends and made fresh homemade pasta and roasted tomato sauce for dinner. We all joined the pasta party, rolling and cutting the dough to the dance tunes of Mambo Italiano and That’s Amore in the background. It was a memorable evening and put me in the mood for more fresh pasta. Today I set out to make ravioli with soft egg yolk inside, a unique... View Article

Mushroom,spinach and ricotta lasagna

April 1, 2017

So this morning I am off to begin a 30 day yoga challenge at Moksha Yoga across the street. What am I getting myself into? Can I even hold any of the yoga positions? I am better at hiking, walking, swimming and leisure biking occasionally (not to mention lunching) but my friend suggested we do it and I took her up on it. Granted, it’s good to surprise your body/muscles as they can get used... View Article

Penne with roasted red pepper and basil

March 12, 2017

We have been back at home for about a week and I am slowly getting back to my routine. We have even bundled up and went for a long walk in the snowy weather, braving the icy footpath. It felt great, especially stopping for an espresso at one of my favourite Italian cafes. I like to have a reward for my efforts and even a simple walk can be turned into an “event”. My health... View Article

Peasant Pasta – Cucina Povera

January 10, 2017

Since I am on cucina povera and street foods “kick” at the moment here is another simple recipe, this one for pasta without a sauce, made more hearty with crispy bread crumbs and enriched with pine nuts (not so povera after all). I love what you’d call “dry” pasta simply tossed with olive oil, perhaps infused with garlic and hot pepper and served without a sauce. This is similar to spaghetti aglio, olio e peperoncino... View Article

Mac n’ Cheese

November 18, 2016

I haven’t made mac n’ cheese in forever but was in the mood for them today. I didn’t have real macaroni so I used shell pasta, not too small, and it worked fine as the shape works well with saucy pasta. I made a small amount, only 8oz of pasta, because I didn’t want leftovers, too much food around here anyway. I like to serve mac n cheese in gratin dishes, sprinkle the top with... View Article

“Free form” wild mushroom lasagna

November 11, 2016

Usually making lasagna is a process and you end up with more than you need, especially when you cook for only 2 people. When the “deconstructed” movement in food came about it simplified a few versions of traditional foods, and lasagna was the perfect candidate. To make a simplified lasagna for two, or even just one, you can make it on the plate you serve it in by free-form layering of cooked pasta sheets and... View Article

In the raw – fresh tomato sauce with pasta

August 8, 2016

I can eat pasta every day and the only reason I don’t is because I like to cook many things and can only eat so much. But believe me, in Italy, where others were doing the cooking I was eating fabulous pasta dishes every day, no exceptions and loved every minute of it. In the heat of the summer it’s nice to have light dishes that are refreshing and cooling without standing in front of... View Article

Pasta with parsley pesto and roasted tomatoes on the vine

June 8, 2016

I am doubling up on recipes lately. Same as the previous zucchini “noodles” recipe but with real pasta this time. I was fascinated by the way chefs roll up the pasta into a cylinder and had to figure it out. I think it’s coming along and it was fun. I used a two pronged grill fork, wrapped the pasta around it, placed it on the plate and pulled the fork out. If you have dexterity,... View Article

Ricotta and spinach stuffed shells with quick tomato sauce

May 30, 2016

I made the previous stuffed shells recipe again, this time with a simple and quick tomato sauce. I must confess I am a tomato sauce gal more than cream sauce one, so I kinda like this one better. I thought I’d share it because we loved it. What is so appealing about this recipe is that the shells are not cooked in the sauce but rather baked al forno until they get crisp and slightly... View Article

Ricotta and spinach stuffed shells

May 28, 2016

Twice during our stay in Italy I had stuffed and baked pasta for an elegant first course, and both times it happened in spa resorts: once at Castelo di Velona in Montalcino and next at the Adler Thermae Spa in Bagno Vignoni. Those dishes stuck in my mind as memorable and today I thought I’d try and create something similar at home. Aside from the wonderful flavours, I like the minimalist approach in terms of... View Article

Soba noodles with two sauces

May 12, 2016

I usually have a package or two of soba noodles in the pantry to whip up an Asian flavoured lunch now and then. These are Japanese noodles made from buckwheat flour and are not very thick, similar to spaghettini. They can be used with either hot or colds sauces and are  quite versatile. Soba noodles do not cook al dente like a regular pasta so be careful not to overcook them or they will become... View Article