This Sicilian eggplant caponata is a classic vegetable dish from the Mediterranean. One of the things I like the most about Sicilian gastronomy is the abundance of sweet and sour preparations that are not very common in the rest of the country. This is because the Italian island had been an Arab colony for almost…
When one thinks of typical Italian cuisine, one’s gaze immediately turns to dishes such as pasta or pizza, fish or meat. However, there are many recipes that tell of distant traditions, snow-capped peaks, burning fireplaces, and lots of togetherness. This woodcutter’s polenta and mushrooms recipe has very ancient origins that are lost in the traditions…
This spicy Greek feta dip recipe (also known as ktipiti in other parts of Greece) is a classic dish that every Greek grandmother makes. In Crete, we use a lot of spreads. This is a special one because it is very easy to make yourself and you can make it as spicy as you like…
Are you a fan of black olive tapenade? Often found on charcuterie boards next to the cheese and crackers, it’s one of those salty condiments people either love or hate. Obviously, I’m firmly on team love. In fact, I love it so much that I regularly combine homemade tapenade with spaghetti to make this easy…
Anchovies, olives, capers is the name of a very basic messenger (sauce), featured in this risotto puttanesca recipe, that is well-known in Naples and all of southern Italy. Apparently, a similar recipe or sauce has been made with the same ingredients since the 18th century, during the Bourbone reign in Naples. But the name comes…
Moghrabieh with chicken is a common Lebanese dish. It’s prepared as a main meal for lunch guests and is especially enjoyed by families in Beirut. This dish is known more in Lebanese cities than in the countryside. Moghrabieh, sometimes sold as “Lebanese couscous,” is a type of giant pearl couscous shaped into pea-sized balls. It’s…
One of the most famous Lebanese hot appetizers, batata harra is a simple dish but rich with flavors. I remember when I first was introduced to batata harra. I was a young age, attending the wedding of my cousin with my parents and the wedding ceremony was at one of the best restaurants in Lebanon….
When you think of classic Israeli sandwiches, the first thing that comes to mind is probably falafel. But I’m going to share a little secret with you… there’s another delicious Israeli sandwich recipe called Sabich. Originally brought over to Israel by the Iraqi Jews to be eaten for breakfast on Shabbat (Saturday) morning, Sabich is…
Baked tomatoes with cheese is a delightful appetizer taught to me by my Italian friends, Pins and Mario Santacrosse. This easy and cheesy dish consists of sliced tomatoes topped with mozzarella cheese, resulting in a mouthwatering treat. To begin, we create a simple sauce using fresh garlic, parsley, and olive oil. This flavorful mixture is…
If you could sum up Italian cuisine in just three ingredients, they would definitely be tomatoes, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. Well, this delicious summer soup recipe firmly embraces these elements. It’s a real celebration of Italian gastronomic traditions that every home cook here in Italy knows how to make. This Italian fresh tomato…
