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Sometimes I marvel at the sheer number of delicious things that there are to eat and discover in Italian cuisine. Frittatine di Pasta Napoletane are extraordinarily scrumptious Neapolitan pasta fritters that are an important part of the incredible street food scene in Naples. These fried parcels of heaven are crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside. In a word: dreamy. While there are many varieties of Frittatine di Pasta Napoletane, I’ve developed a recipe for a very popular (and mouthwatering) version. This variant includes a mixture of bucatini pasta, peas, ham, cheese, and béchamel. After this mixture cools,…

I have a little known culinary treasure to share with you today. Pizza Scima (pronounced sheema) is a shockingly good unleavened flatbread from Abruzzo. Why shocking? Because most of us have never heard of it before. In my opinion, such yumminess should not remain hidden! Don’t worry, I am here to remedy the situation. Below I provide some background and a recipe. Pizza Scima is something that you’ll want to munch on all day. It’s flavorful, super crunchy on the outside, and rather moist inside. Since there is no yeast, the recipe comes together in no time. Without a need…

All Americans know and love the Italian-American classic spaghetti and meatballs. Less known, however, is this exquisite traditional recipe of homemade spaghetti alla chitarra pasta served in a luscious, slow-cooked tomato and meat sauce with teeny meatballs. Spaghetti alla chitarra with tiny meatballs is a glorious preparation from Teramo, a charming town in the Abruzzo region. This masterpiece takes the idea of spaghetti and meatballs to a whole other level. Maccheroni alla Chitarra con le Pallottine is both delicious and fun to eat due to the adorable little meatballs. (I think they bring out the inner child in anyone that…

Spring has arrived but there is still a chill in the air. Before it gets too warm, I want to share a delightful and delicious soup recipe with you from the beautiful region of Abruzzo (and also Molise). Sagne e Ceci is a fresh pasta and chickpea soup seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and bay leaf. Despite its rustic and humble nature, it is a very satisfying and inviting dish. It’s one of those Italian preparations that surprises you by tasting like so much more than it is. In my post, I’ll take you through all of the steps to prepare…

Homemade Italian meat broth (Brodo di Carne) is a magical substance. It’s delicious, comforting, soul-satisfying, and adored by children and grown-ups alike. While it simmers on the stove, its heavenly smell permeates your whole house. When you are low, you feel better after just one sip. Happily, it’s easy to prepare. Once you learn how to whip up a broth, a whole world of scrumptious Italian dishes will be available to you. Today, I share an unfussy, home-style Italian meat broth recipe. It can be cooked either for three hours in a normal pot or for one hour in a…