lunch

Herbed Ricotta and Roasted Tomato Focaccia

August 24, 2018 by Marisa 17 Comments

This Herbed Ricotta and Roasted Tomato Focaccia makes a truly satisfying lunch with a side salad. It can also be enjoyed as a delicious appetizer before your main meal.

I’ve been loving lately these wonderfully sweet cherry tomatoes made even more so by oven roasting them till they’re slightly charred and pop open. The roasted tomatoes ooze out the most sweetest concentrated juices with their wonderful aromas permeating the air.

There are so many ways to use these roasted jewels as some of my Instagram friends can attest! You can snack on them as they are with some crusty Italian bread or tossed with your favourite pasta.

Some suggested slow roasting the tomatoes, storing them in jars filled with oil and kept in the refrigerator up to a month.

Usually, I simply top the roasted cheery tomatoes over ciabatta bread which makes a crowd pleasing appetizer. As seen with this Roasted Cherry Tomato Ricotta Bruschetta.

I’ve decided to switch it up today by baking some fresh focaccia bread which is essentially a flatbread and not difficult to put together.

The flatbread with its soft, airy textures and crusty outer layers is then slathered with a a creamy herbed ricotta mixture. I must say its truly mouthwatering on its own but we’re going for the “swoon factor” here!

What better way to do so then topping the flatbread with some juicy oven roasted cherry tomatoes! Oozing out all their caramelized goodness and ready to be sopped up…yummy!

You can enjoy the flatbreads with a side salad and call it a meal. We especially love them sliced into wedges and served as appetizers.

You can also make and bake the flatbreads ahead and freeze them till ready to use. This way you’ll have a yummy flatbread to enjoy at a moments notice!

Buon Appetito!

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Herbed Ricotta and Roasted Tomato Focaccia

Soft and airy focaccia bread with crusty outer layers, slathered with a a creamy herbed ricotta mixture and topped with oven roasted cherry tomatoes.

Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Snack

Cuisine: Italian

Servings:

Ingredients

Focaccia Dough

2 cups water
4 + 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 to 5 cups all purpose flour
8 grams quick rise instant yeast
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
4 garlic cloves minced
2 tablespoons fresh oregano

Oven Roasted Tomatoes

800 grams cherry tomatoes
6 cloves garlic smashed
4 springs oregano fresh
sprinkle salt and ground black pepper to your taste
olive oil for drizzling

Herbed Ricotta

600 grams ricotta
2 tablespoons oregano fresh
2 tablespoons thyme fresh
sprinkle of salt and pepper to your taste

Instructions

Focaccia Dough

Heat 2 cups of water with 4 tablespoons of olive oil in the microwave until lukewarm.
In a large bowl combine 3 cups of flour, yeast, salt, sugar and stir well.
Stir the warm liquids into the flour mixture with a wooden spoon, mixing well.
Stir in another cup of flour until combined.
Transfer the dough to a well floured work surface and knead for a few minutes while working in the remaining cup of flour a bit at a time, just until the dough is soft and smooth.
Grease a large bowl with oil and place your pizza dough in the greased bowl while turning the dough over to grease all over.
Cover the bowl with a dish towel and set aside to rise for 60 minutes or until doubled in size.
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and brush lightly with olive oil
Once the dough has doubled in size, transfer to a floured work surface and divide into 4 equal portions.
Transfer the portions to the prepared baking sheets, placing 2 on each sheet allowing enough space between the 2 portions.
Using your hands, push the dough towards the edges of the baking sheet while shaping it roughly to a 6x8 rectangle.
Cover with a clean dishcloth and allow to rest for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Uncover the focaccia dough and using your fingers press down to form indentations.
Stir together 4 tablespoons of olive oil with the minced garlic, oregano and brush over the surface of the focaccia.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Oven Roasted Tomatoes

Place the cherry tomatoes on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Scatter with the smashed garlic, tuck in the sprigs of oregano, a sprinkle of salt and pepper and drizzle with some olive oil.
Roast in preheated oven at 400 degrees F for about 30 minutes to 35 minutes.

Herbed Ricotta

Combine the ricotta, oregano, thyme wth salt and pepper in a bowl and stir well.

Assembling The Herbed Ricotta and Roasted Tomato Focaccia

Slather the herbed ricotta mixture over the baked focaccia with equal portions.
Equally top with the oven roasted tomatoes.
Garnish with extra oregano, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Slice, serve and enjoy!

Zucchini Frittata with Feta Cheese

August 14, 2018 by Marisa 18 Comments

A one pan meal and virtually fuss free, this Zucchini Frittata with Feta Cheese is light, delicate and simply perfect for a quick lunch or dinner idea.

Got eggs? If so, then you essentially have the makings of a very good omelette, quiche or even an Italian Frittata.

Frittata, referred to an egg based dish is usually a combination of sautéed vegetables enhanced with some type of cheese and other optional ingredients.

It is the most quintessential way of using up vegetables that have seen better days! But its also an equally wonderful way of utilizing an abundance of home grown vegetables.

Unlike the thinner frittatas which I grew up with, this one is deliciously piled high with thin slices of one of summer’s best squashes.

They’re perfect in a frittata.

These thin slices of sautéed zucchini keep the frittata light, moist and somewhat creamy without the addition of cream.

But really the key ingredient to a fluffier frittata are well beaten eggs. Vigorously beaten eggs have more air incorporated into the mixture. This renders a deliciously moist and fluffy frittata.

For a little tang I’ve added some feta cheese into the mix. But you can just as easily replace the feta cheese with some ricotta salata.

I’ve also topped the frittata with sweet cherry tomatoes for a lovely contrast in colour. And coupled them with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for extra goodness.

This zucchini frittata with feta cheese is splendid in its simplicity and makes for a quick and easy lunch or dinner idea. All thats needed to complete the meal is a side salad of your favourite greens. And lets not forget the vino! Just saying…!

Buon appetito!

If you make this recipe remember to tag @marisasitaliankitchen on Instagram so I can see your creation!

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Zucchini Frittata with Feta Cheese

A one pan meal and virtually fuss free this Zucchini Frittata with Feta Cheese is light and delicate and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner idea.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Zucchini Frittata with Feta Cheese

Servings:

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 medium zucchini thinly sliced
1 onion chopped
2 garlic cloves minced
1 tablespoon fresh mint chopped
fine sea salt to your taste
freshly cracked black pepper to your taste
8 large eggs vigorously beaten
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons feta cheese crumbled
6 cherry tomatoes quartered

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in an 8 or 10 inch non-stick, ovenproof sauté pan.
Add in the sliced zucchini, chopped onions, garlic, fresh mint and season with salt and pepper to your taste.
Cook for about 7 to 8 minutes or until the zucchini and onion have softened, while stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile in a medium sized bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs with a little salt and pepper to your taste.
Stir the cooked zucchini mixture and 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese into the egg mixture.
Return the egg and zucchini mixture back into the oven proof sauté pan and top with the sliced cherry tomatoes and 2 tablespoons of crumbled feta cheese.
Cook on medium low heat until the edges firm up and the top is still jiggly. About 10 minutes.
Once the edges have firmed up, place the pan in the oven on the middle rack and broil for about 4 minutes or until the top is firm and golden brown.
Use oven mitts to remove the pan from the oven and slice and serve while still warm.
Serve alongside your favourite salad for a complete meal

Mini Meatball Stracciatella Soup

January 18, 2018 by Marisa 38 Comments

Mini Meatball Stracciatella Soup is an Italian classic and a family pleasing dish. Packed with shreds of eggs, cheese and parsley mixture and mini veal meatballs for a soul satisfying meal.

Stracciatella soup is basically an egg drop soup, referencing the shreds of egg mixture which is poured into a simmering broth and then stirred to form soft pillowy morsels.

A comfort food at best and one that was quite prominent during my childhood years, traditionally served at the start of our Christmas or Easter meal.

Of course growing up Italian, this type of soup was only a prelude to a more lavish 5 or even 6 course meal and generally mamma would serve it in very small portions.

Did you get your flu shot this year? Well…I kind of missed mine this year and so the nasty flu paid me a visit on Christmas Eve, showering me not with beautifully wrapped presents waiting to be opened. Rather, it sneaked upon me pretty quickly with its aches and chills and also spiking fever.

Not to mention the sleepless nights with a hacking cough that left my sides feeling soccer punched and weak for days! My voice was hoarse and non-existent. I could swear I saw the floor and the walls competing to switch places simply by walking from my bed to the couch.

All I can say is thank goodness for Netflix which helped to while away the hours! By the way I highly recommend “Stranger Things” if you have not yet seen it. Do watch it and then let me know what you think!

Enough rambling, lets get back to this yummy soup with these cute little meatballs that make a simple chicken broth so much happier!

Its pretty easy to make, packed with some delicious flavors and one of my all time favorites.

If you’re up to making your own chicken broth do so, otherwise use a good quality store bought brand.

I have a preference for tiny meatballs in my soups but you can also shape them bigger if you like. Just remember to let them simmer a little longer to compensate for the larger size.

Soups are always a saving grace during cold and flu season, providing enough sustenance to get us through the worst!

But there’s really only one other thing better then this Mini Meatball Stracciatella Soup when your feeling under the weather and that would be when someone else graciously makes for you!

So here it is dear Readers, from my kitchen to yours. Lets beat this nasty bug…and you’re most welcome!

If you make this recipe remember to tag @marisasitaliankitchen on Instagram so I can see your creation!

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Mini Meatball Stracciatella Soup

Mini Meatball Stracciatella Soup is an Italian classic and a family pleasing dish. Packed with shreds of eggs, cheese and parsley mixture and mini veal meatballs for a soul satisfying meal.

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Italian

Servings:

Author: Marisa

Ingredients

FOR THE MINI MEATBALL SOUP
12 cups chicken broth I used store bought no added salt, fat free and gluten free
1 pound minced veal
2 large eggs lightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt I use fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons gluten free flour
2 tablespoons chopped parsley plus 1 tablespoon more for garnish
FOR THE STRACCIATELLA
4 large eggs
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
salt and pepper to taste
Crispy prosciutto pieces for garnish optional (see note)

Instructions

In a large bowl combine together the minced veal, beaten eggs, salt and pepper, Parmesan cheese, flour and 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley.
Mix well by hand and shape into tiny meatballs about 1/2 inch in diameter.
Bring the chicken broth to a simmer and slowly add in the meatballs.
Let the meatballs simmer for about 10 minutes or until cooked through.
Meanwhile whisk the stracciatella ingredients in a small bowl.
When the meatballs are cooked through, slowly pour the stracciatella into the soup and then give it a gentle stir.
Let simmer for one minute.
To serve, ladle into soup bowls and top with a sprinkle of chopped parsley, Parmesan cheese and crispy prosciutto pieces.

Notes

For the crispy prosciutto layer 2 slices of prosciutto between paper towels and cook on high heat in the microwave for 2 minutes. Break into pieces and use for garnishing the soup or simply to munch on! Enjoy!

Swiss Chard Mozzarella Calzone

April 25, 2017 by Marisa 40 Comments

Swiss Chard Mozzarella Calzone are warm pockets of pizza dough stuffed with braised Swiss chard, fresh mozzarella, sweet golden raisins and toasted pine nuts for a delicious lunch or anytime snack.

There is something deeply pleasing to me which comes in part from a continuity of sorts when making traditional meals. I find they bring to mind such fond memories of a time when those before us lovingly prepared the same food we so treasure to this very day.

Usually served during the Easter celebrations, these Swiss Chard Mozzarella Calzone are so delicious you’ll want to make them all year round.

Although calzone can be stuffed with just about anything, these Swiss chard filled ones brimming with sweet raisins and tender pine nuts is a typical childhood dish. Sliced in small vertical pieces, they were always served as part of our antipasto before lunch or even dinner.

I used a very basic focaccia dough recipe for my calzone, much like the dough used to make my Schiacciata Con L’uva.

However, if your pressed for time store bought pizza dough will also work beautifully.

Once assembled, all that’s needed is a light brushing of olive oil, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and some dried parsley flakes.

A very hot oven works best therefore you’ll want to preheat your oven to a very high temperature of 425 or 450 degrees F to achieve a crispy outer crust.

These Swiss Chard Mozzarella Calzone also make a rather relaxed meal accompanied with a crispy salad and complimented with a glass of wine.

Enjoy them hot or cold and should you be so lucky to have any leftovers the next day try heating them up in a skillet or even a panini press. While the outer layers crisp up nicely the vegetable filled centers remain soft offering up a lovely contrast.

Buon Appetito!

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Swiss Chard Mozzarella Calzone

Swiss Chard Mozzarella Calzone are warm pockets of pizza dough stuffed with braised Swiss chard, fresh mozzarella, sweet golden raisins and pine nuts for a delicious lunch or anytime snack.

Course: Calzone

Cuisine: Italian

Servings: , 8 inch half moon calzone

Author: Marisa

Ingredients

PIZZA DOUGH
2 cups water
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 to 5 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon sea salt
8 grams quick rise instant yeast
SWISS CHARD FILLING
2 big bunches of Swiss chard rinsed and chopped into 1 inch pieces (stems included)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves smashed
2 generous pinches of red chili pepper flakes
1/4 cup pine nuts toasted (see note)
1/2 cup golden raisins
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup fresh mozzarella diced
Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
dry parsley flakes for sprinkling

Instructions

Heat 2 cups of water with 4 tablespoons of olive oil in the microwave for 60 to 90 seconds or till lukewarm.
In a large bowl combine 3 cups of flour, salt, yeast and stir well.
Stir the warm liquids in the flour mixture with a wooden spoon, mixing well.
Stir in another cup of flour till combined.
Invert the dough onto a well floured counter and knead for a few minutes, working in the last cup of flour a bit at a time just until the dough is soft and smooth.
Grease a large bowl with some olive oil. Place your pizza dough in the greased bowl turning the dough to grease all over. Cover with saran wrap.
Let it rise till it doubles in size for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, in a draft free place.
SWISS CHARD FILLING
While the pizza dough rises prepare the Swiss chard filling.
Heat about 4 inches of water in a very large stock pot.
When water comes to a boil add in the Swiss chard and salt to taste.
Lower the heat and cook the greens for about 10 minutes.
Drain and set aside.
In a large frying pan, add the oil with the smashed garlic, chili flakes and cook for about 1 minute or until the garlic is just slightly golden.
Add in the drained swiss chard, pine nuts, raisins and salt and pepper to taste.
Stir and cook the mixture for a few minutes, until the liquid evaporates.
Set aside to cool.
PREHEAT OVEN TO 425 degrees F"
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
Transfer the pizza dough to a floured surface and divide into 4 equal pieces.
Roll each piece into an 8 inch round circle and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Divide the Swiss chard mixture evenly between the 4 pizza rounds leaving a 1 inch border, topping one half while leaving the other half extended.
Sprinkle the diced mozzarella over the filling onto each calzone.
Fold the extended half over the filling while pressing to seal around the edges to secure the filling.
Use a fork to press down along the outer edge or use your fingers to crimp the edges.
Brush some olive oil over each calzone.
Sprinkle each calzone with Parmesan cheese and dried parsley.
Bake for 30 minutes switching the pans half way through for even baking.
When ready the calzone will be puffed and golden brown.
Let cook a little before slicing and serving.

Notes

Toast the pine nuts in a small skillet over medium-low heat until they are lightly golden. You'll want to keep an eye on them as they're browning because they can burn very quickly.

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes with Asparagus

April 22, 2016 by Marisa 38 Comments

Parmesan crusted potatoes with asparagus is a simple dish which features just a few ingredients that can be prepared on any busy weeknight.

I have come to realize that I haven’t yet shared a vegetable recipe here on the blog before! So let me remedy that with this supper easy vegetable dish!

It’s just wonderful served alongside steak, chicken or even fish. You can even go vegetarian by topping the roasted vegetables with a fried egg. Yummy!!

These Parmesan crusted potatoes with asparagus are oven roasted to a golden brown perfection. Topping the vegetables with grated Parmesan cheese for the last 5 minutes of roasting time, develops a delicious crunchy crust. This imparts another layer of goodness to the vegetables that make them so irresistible.

Grelot Potatoes

My family is a huge potatoes fan…like really huge! My mom was never able to prepare enough potatoes to satisfy everyone at family gatherings! We would often find ourselves wrestling each other at the diner table for her oven roasted potatoes. For some reason, unbeknownst to us, my nephew Gab would end up with most of them on his plate! Go figure!

I used a delicious combination of red, yellow and blue little creamer potatoes. They’re thin skinned, buttery and nutritious and also pair so well with the fresh asparagus.

If you can’t find creamer potatoes in your area, any other baby potatoes will do. Just remember to cut them into equal sizes so they cook evenly.

Lining a baking sheet with parchment paper will ensure that the potatoes do no stick to the pan and…easy clean up!

Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt and pepper. Spread the potatoes out in a single layer, giving them room to brown and bake for 20 minutes.

When you’re ready to add the asparagus to the pan toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt and pepper. Then simply nestle them between the potatoes and bake 15 minutes more.

Sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese and bake an additional 5 minutes. The cheese melts and develops wonderful golden brown crust over the vegetables. Simply delicious!

If you make this recipe remember to tag @marisasitaliankitchen on Instagram so I can see your creation!

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Parmesan Crusted Potatoes And Asparagus

These Parmesan crusted potatoes are a healthy and delicious combination of red, yellow and blue Grelot potatoes. The vegetables are oven roasted to a golden brown perfection.

Course: Vegetable

Cuisine: Vegetarian

Servings:

Author: Marisa

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds grelots potatoes or any baby potatoes of your choice cut into 1 inch pieces
1/2 pound asparagus tips trimmed
2 tablespoons plus 1 tablespoon of olive oil
salt to taste
pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium sized bowl, toss the potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper.
Spread on the prepared baking sheet, in a single layer.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Using the same bowl, toss the asparagus with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt and pepper.
Remove the pan with potatoes from the oven and flip the potatoes over.
Add the asparagus to the pan and bake along side the potatoes for 15 minutes.
Sprinkle with the grated cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is golden in spots.