Visualizzazione post con etichetta MLLA. Mostra tutti i post
Visualizzazione post con etichetta MLLA. Mostra tutti i post

30 giugno 2014

Peanut Panettone Buns for MLLA # 72


 la ricetta in italiano qui


I found this recipe on an Italian food magazine, a special edition about gourmet homemade gifts, and this bread cought my attention at first glance.
The result was over my expectations, can't say if it's more savoury or sweet, just an incredible mix of both. The shape is very cute and could be used as placeholders on a festive table.
Definetely a lovely bread to enjoy at breakfast, with the right incentive help to face any work or duties of our long busy days.


panettoncini arachidi-peanut buns



You need:


500 g all-purpose flour
150 g salted peanuts
250 ml lukewarm milk
10 g fresh yeast
1 egg
2 egg yolks
75 g soft butter into small pieces
50 g sugar cane
5 g salt

for the glaze:

50 g finely chopped salted peanuts
2 egg whites
25 g grated Parmesan cheese



facendo panttoncini arachidi



Dissolve the yeast in the milk.
Coarsely chop the peanuts and add them to the flour.
In a bowl begin to knead the flour with peanuts along with the mix milk/yeast little by little using a fork, then add the egg and egg yolks, lightly beaten .
Combine sugar and salt, and transfer to the working surface, add the butter too, and knead and beat until the dough is elastic, smooth and homogeneous.
All this work can be easily in a stand mixer.
Shape the dough into a ball and let rest covered for half an hour.
Divide the dough into little balls weighing approximately 50 g each and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; leave enough space between them as they will grow in cooking too, then cover and let rise until doubled (even a couple of hours).
It will be nicer using a baking muffin mold tin (slightly oiled), they will get the typical panettone shape.
Prepare the glaze by mixing all the ingredients together.
Use a pastry bag (but I went with a spoon and a finger to spread) to distribute a little bit of frosting on each bun.
Bake at 220° for a couple of minutes then low to 200° for about 15/20 minutes, pay attention to cooking time,  if they get golden too much and/or too fast, cover with aluminum foil and bake a few minutes less.



panettoncini arachidi-peanut buns








This recipe goes to Susan of The Well-Seasoned Cook who's hosting MLLA # 72,
the monthly event about legumes she launched in January 2008
and now run by lovely Lisa of Lisa's Kitchen.

2 aprile 2014

My Legume Love Affair # 69 - the Round-up


I really enjoyed and been very honored to host for the first time MLLA on my blog and hope to keep on following the event more frequently and be hostess again some time.
A big thank you to Lisa of Lisa’s Kitchen, the running organizer of the event, and Susan of The Well-Seasoned Cook, the founder,  for giving me the pleasure to host.





Very nice dishes on my table this month, a great variety about legumes and their multiple use: so let's enjoy the rich buffet together without any further ado.



by Janet of The Taste Space


by Linsy of Home Cook Food


by Mamta of Light Food Desires


 by Deepali of Lemon in Ginger


by Sanhita of Pocket Full of Spices


 
by Siri of Cooking With Siri


Lisa of Lisa's Kitchen


by Terry of Crumpets & co.



by Claire of  Chez Cayenne



my entry



And the lucky winner selected at random for both prizes, a 6-pack assortment of products by the N.K. Hurst Company and Susan's Zyliss Lettuce Knife is ... Linsy of Home Cook Food, congratulations!






Should I have ever missed someone in this recap, please let me know and I will promptly fix it.
If you are interested in guest host an event in 2014, please email Lisa at legume.lisa AT gmail DOT com.
 

31 marzo 2014

Black Bean Brownies - MLLA # 69


scroll down for English version


Dall'Araba più felice del web, ora ancor di più perchè in via di guarigione dopo una brutta e dolorosa esperienza bollente in cucina, una furbata dolce di quelle che solo lei può scovare :-)
La ricetta viene da un sito di fitness oltreoceano, uno dei suoi preferiti, dedicato al mondo femminile sportivo, con un occhio di riguardo anche per quanto riguarda l'alimentazione.
Questo dolce è una piacevole sorpresa, un misto tra un cioccolatoso brownie e un morbidoso fudge, gli ingredienti quasi misteriosi e forse difficili da individuare uno per uno, ma saranno l'arma vincente per proporlo e riproporlo su tutte le tavole, considerato che è completamente gluten-free.
Ho usato zucchero di canna grezzo (e son convinta si possa ridurre senza troppa sconvenienza), ho fatto la salsa di mele in casa, sempre seguendo la sua ricetta (a brevissimo anche su questo blog), ho cosparso di cioccolato tritato fondente 70% la superficie prima di infornare: per i fagioli mi sono accontentata dei nostrani borlotti.



black bean brownies



Ingredienti:

240 g di fagioli neri lessati
110 g di salsa di mele
130 g di zucchero (di canna)
2 uova intere
un albume
25 g di cacao amaro
un cucchiaino di caffè solubile
un pizzico di sale
un cucchiaino di estratto di vaniglia
gocce di cioccolato, facoltative

una teglia da forno 20x20 cm.


Si possono usare fagioli in scatola, meglio se bio, o lessare dei fagioli secchi: sciacquarli bene dal loro liquido di conservazione o scolarli da quello di cottura e tamponarli con carta scottex.
Mettere tutti gli ingredienti in un robot e frullare bene fino ad ottenere un composto omogeneo, che si presenterà liquido. Amalgamare le gocce di cioccolato, se usate,  nel composto con un cucchiaio (io ho preferito grattugiare del cioccolato sopra al dolce già versato nella tortiera).
Foderare la teglia con carta forno bagnata e strizzata bene e versarci il composto.
Infornare a 180° per circa 30 minuti, la prova stecchino confermerà la cottura.
Lasciare raffreddare bene almeno un paio di ore (si può anche mettere in frigo) prima di tagliare in quadrotti e cospargere lievemente di zucchero a velo.

Stefania dice che sono più buoni il giorno dopo, a domani per la conferma.



Black Bean Brownies


I've been hosting My Legume Love Affair # 69 this month, the running event about legumes created long ago by Susan and now organized by Lisa, you will find all info and rules on her on going MLLA's page, and can't wait to gather all your recipes in a lovely and delicious round-up tomorrow.
But first, my entry for you: when I saw it a few days ago on a friend of mine's blog I realized that it could have been perfect for this event.
A lovely choco dessert, a well-balanced mix between a soft brownie and a tender fudge: very luscious and hard to resist, and completely gluten-free.
Recipe from fitnessxwomen.



 black bean brownies


 You need:

240 g boiled black beans
110 g applesauce
130 g sugar cane
2 eggs
an egg white
25 g cocoa powder
a tsp instant coffee
a pinch of salt
a tsp vanilla extract
chocolate chips, optional
a 20x20 cm. baking pan



You can use canned beans, preferably organic, or boil dried beans on your own: rinse well from their storage liquid or drain them from cooking water and dry with paper towels.
Put all ingredients into a blender and mix well to a homogeneous mixture, which will be liquid. Add chocolate chips and gently mix with a spoon (I preferred to grate the chocolate over the cake once poured into the pan).
Line the pan with parchment paper (soaked and squeezed) and pour the mixture.
Bake at 180° for about 30 minutes, the toothpick test will confirm when ready.
Allow to cool at least a couple of hours (you can even put it in the fridge) before cutting into squares and lightly sprinkle with powdered sugar.

They are better the following day.


till March 31st

4 marzo 2014

Announcing My Legume Love Affair # 69




So glad and honored to announce I will be hosting MLLA # 69.





My Legume Love Affair, created long ago by Susan of The Well Seasoned Cook and successfully carried on since 2008, is  now organized and supervised by Lisa of Lisa's Kitchen.
It is a monthly cooking event for bloggers  all around the world featuring legumes* in their kitchen: each final round-up always gives more inspirations and ideas to use the huge varieties the veggie world offers.

Simply rules to partecipate in:

- only vegetarian entries, free of meat, fowl and seafood,
- only one entry per blog,
- legumes * must be the star ingredient of the dish
- last day of submission March 31st.

* legumes referred to all kind of fresh or dried beans, lentils, pulses, and the sometimes edible pods that contain these seeds, and derivative products such as tofu or besan, along with tamarind, fenugreek, carob, and peanuts.
Your dish must contain more than just a few tablespoons of legumes, except for fenugreek or tamarind that typically are used in smaller quantities.


Old recipes will be accepted if reposted and updated.
Your recipe may be submitted to other events but please check out if they show restrictions.


Once your dish is ready, just post the recipe on the blog, along with a link to this announcement, to Lisa's blog and her on going MLLA's page and to Susan's blog, our charming founder of the event.
Then email me at casacortella AT tin DOT it attaching a picture of the dish, your name, nationality and name of the blog.





Hurst Beans has agreed to continue as a sponsor meaning US residents have a chance to win a 6-pack assortment of products by the N.K. Hurst Company.




Also Susan is sponsoring a prize as she's always been doing, at her own expense. For this month she is offering a Zyliss Lettuce Knife.

The Hurst beans prize can be won only by a US resident.
If the winner of the random draw lives in the States, they get both prizes.
If the winner of the random draw resides outside US, they get Susan's gift and another draw is taken for the Hurst Beans prize among the US residents.


Round-up will be on line at the beginning of April.


If you are interested in guest host an event in 2014, please email Lisa at legume.lisa AT gmail DOT com.

31 gennaio 2014

La Signora Ribollita - Tuscan Ribollita - MLLA # 67


Una delle mie zuppe preferite, una ricetta che sa di casa e sapori antichi.
Sicuramente ognuno cela la propria ricetta personale, aggiungendo/togliendo questo o quello,  come la mia(nostra) cara amica Grazia, che per tradizione non manca mai di festeggiare il suo soggiorno elbano con tutta la compagnia con la spiaggiata più attesa dell'anno, gioiosamente riuniti intorno al suo pentolone di ribollita fatta con tanta cura e amore.
Si dice ribollita perchè una volta veniva fatta in grandi quantità, e riscaldata nei giorni seguenti, diventando sempre più gustosa ogni volta che la si ribolliva.
Da qui il consiglio di farla sempre almeno un giorno prima di degustarla, tenendola abbastanza morbida per avere poi la consistenza giusta quando si aggiungerà il pane (che comunque non è obbligatorio, si può anche degustare così al naturale). 
Pane che ho imparato ad affettare sottilmente, su consiglio di mia cugina, fiorentina doc: in questo modo si amalgamerà meglio e più velocemente, lasciando la zuppa più morbida.
Si possono usare fagioli borlotti, cannellini o toscanelli, sia freschi che secchi, a seconda della loro reperibilità stagionale.
Ingredienti:

cipolla, sedano e carota per il soffritto
fagioli secchi cannellini o borlotti
olio extravergine di oliva
verza, cavolo cappuccio, cavolo nero, 
cipolla, carote, sedano, bietole, patate,
zucchine (quando in stagione)
un cucchiaio o due di salsa di pomodoro, facoltativo
sale/pepe o dado homemade
peperoncino, se piace
finocchio selvatico, se piace
pane toscano raffermo


Mettere a bagno i fagioli per una notte se si usano quelli secchi.
L'indomani eliminare quelli risaliti in superficie, risciacquarli e cuocerli in pentola a pressione per circa 15 minuti dal fischio in abbondante acqua, con un rametto di rosmarino e uno di salvia legati insieme (cuocendoli in pentola normale il tempo di cottura si allunga a un'ora, un'ora e mezza).
Non buttare questa acqua che servirà per cuocere la zuppa.
Far rosolare cipolla, sedano e carota tritati finemente per il soffritto.
Aggiungere tutte le verdure mondate e tagliate, iniziando da verze e cavoli, una per volta (la salsa di pomodoro per ultima, se usata), far appassire, allungare quindi con l'acqua di cottura dei fagioli. Tritare 2/3 dei fagioli lessati e aggiungerli alla zuppa, il resto dei fagioli interi andrà aggiunto a cottura quasi ultimata.
Salare e pepare (o insaporire col dado homemade), eventualmente aggiungere il peperoncino/finocchio selvatico a piacere.
Portare a cottura le verdure, in pentola a pressione cuocere 20/30 minuti dal fischio, altrimenti in pentola normale lasciare sobollire per un'ora e mezza circa.
E' meglio se fatta il giorno prima, così le verdure riposano e i sapori si amalgamano bene.
Mezzora prima di servire disporre nella zuppiera uno strato di zuppa ben calda, uno di pane a fette tagliate molto sottili, un altro di zuppa, un altro di pane e finire con la zuppa e lasciare riposare coperta per circa 10/15 minuti.



Tuscan Ribollita

Definetely one of my favorite soups, full of traditional home flavors.
And for that everyone hides his personal recipe, with a little more or less of this and that.
Ribollita means boiled twice as once it was made ​​in large quantities, and re-heated in the following days, becoming more and more delicious every day after.
So get yours the suggestion to make it at least a day in advance, and fluid enough if you plan to add the bread (which however is not mandatory, you can also serve it without).
I've learned from my Florentine cousin to slice thinly the bread: in this way he will fit in better and faster, leaving the soup softer.
You can use borlotti beans, cannellini or toscanelli, both fresh or dried, depending on their seasonal availability .

ribollita-tuscan ribollita


You need:

onion, celery and carrot for soffritto
dried beans or cannellini beans
extra virgin olive oil
cabbage, kale,
carrot, onion, celery, chard, potato,
zucchini (when in season)
1 or 2 tbsp tomato sauce, optional
salt/pepper or homemade stock cubes
chili, if you like
fennel, if you like
leftover Tuscan bread
(or any rustic bread)


Soak the beans overnight if using dried ones .
The next day remove those recovered to the surface, rinse and cook in a pressure cooker for about 15 minutes from the whistle with plenty of water, with a sprig of rosemary and sage tied together (if using a regular pot cooking time will be an hour, an hour and a half).
Do not throw away cooking water, will be used for the soup.
Sauté onion, celery and carrot, finely chopped.
Add all chopped vegetables, one at a time, starting with cabbage and kale, amalgamating the previous with the following (tomato sauce the last, if used), then add the bean cooking water. Blend 2/3 of the cooked beans and add to the soup, the remaining will be added  when the soup is done.
Add salt and pepper (or season with homemade stock cubes), optionally add a little chili/fennel at your pleasure.
Cook the vegetables in a pressure cooker for 20/30 minutes from the whistle , otherwise in a regular pot let simmer for an hour and a half.
As said before, better if made in advance, all vegetables and flavors will nicely amalgamate.
Half an hour before serving, arrange a layer of piping hot soup in a large bowl, place sliced ​​bread, again soup, then again bread and repeat till you come to the top of the bowl: let stand covered for about 10/15 minutes then serve.




entro 31 gennaio

This recipe goes to Brigida for My Legume Love Affair # 67, both for English and Italian edition, the international event created in 2008 by Susan of The Well-Seasoned Cook and now organized by Lisa of Lisa’s Kitchen.



This recipe is my personal entry to WHB #418
hosted by Simona from Briciole
both for English and Italian edition.
Thanks again to Haalo who manages greatfully all events,
to Bri for Italian edition.
Thanks again to Kalyn for her successfull idea!

31 luglio 2013

Chickpea Gnocchi with artichoke or pepper cream


la ricetta in italiano qui

Aparna of My Diverse Kitchen is hosting this month MLLA # 61, the monthly event about legumes first started years ago by Susan and now carrried on by lovely Lisa.
I tried these dumplings a few months ago, seasoning with an artichoke cream, but they will be perfect for the Summer season with a pepper sauce, the recipe at the end of the post.
Chickpea Gnocchi as an alternative to potato ones, very healthy and more nutritious.


Serving 4:

500 g boiled chickpeas *
100 g organic buckwheat flour
(mine was half buckweat/halfspell)
salt
about half a cup soy milk

* weight referring to cooked and drained chickpeas, you can use organic canned



 facendo gnocchetti di ceci


Mash the chickpeas until they are fine powder, add salt and knead with flour and milk (add little by little) until the mixture is compact and does not crumble. Adjust with milk, using as much as necessary.
As for the potato gnocchi, cut a piece of dough at  time and roll it under the palms of your hands on floured surface to form a sort of log. Cut the dumplings with a knife of the desired size and place on a lightly floured tea towel.


gnocchetti di ceci


Artichokes cream:

artichokes stems
3 or 4 spring onions
extra virgin olive oil
toasted sesame seeds
chili
yeast flakes
some chopped almonds

Slice the spring onions, fry lightly in a little oil and then sauté 5 minutes adding a little water. Keep half aside for garnishing.
In the remaining half add the artichoke stems and let cook for a few minutes, then whisk everything with the blender.
Cook the dunplings in salted water, they are ready when they float.
Drain and gently sauté in the pan with artichoke cream, combining a dash of cooking water (if necessary) to keep the cream very soft.
Serve with a sprinkling of almonds, sesame seeds and yeast and a pinch of chili. Complete with spring onions kept aside.



gnocchetti di ceci

If you do not like to have the onions in the plate, simply blend all.








For the orange cream:

1 red bell pepper
1 yellow bell pepper
500 g carrots
extra virgin olive oil
salt
crushed dried chili or fresh sliced
yeast flakes

Boil the carrots and cut into chunks.
Blanch peppers in boiling water for 15 minutes, then peel and remove seeds.
Blend together carrots and peppers, salt and use this sauce to sauté the dumplings, 
adding a little cooking water if necessary.
Sprinkle with chili and a pinch of yeast flakes.


26 marzo 2013

Panelle for MLLA # 57


 la ricetta in italiano qui

Panelle are a Sicilian gastronomic specialities, mostly from Palermo.
They are gorgeous fritters made from chickpea flour. You can any aromatic herb you like, chopped parsley is the most classic, and they nicely suit for a snack or an aperitif.

They are considered street food because they can be purchased in typical kiosks along the city roads, where are served as a sandwich: a round and soft sesame bun, called mafalda, stuffed with a hot panella. But you can enjoy often other fried delicacies in these kiosks, Palermo is worthing a visit just only for that!

Ideal with ham, salami and cheese, we enjoed them last Saturday with friends as an apeirtif with sparkling fresh Prosecco :-).


 panelle

 You need:

500 g chickpea flour
1 litre and a half cold water
salt/pepper
a tbsp extra-virgin olive
peanut oil for frying


 panelle


Sift flour into a tall casserole, preferably nonstick.
Combine the cold water little by little, stirring continuously with a whisk to avoid lumps.
Add a tablespoon of extravirgin olive oil and set the casserole on fire, cooking (and stirring quite often to avoid lumps) till the dough keeps separating from the edges of the pan.
Pour the batter on an oiled marble surface, or onto a large greased tray, and spread it in a layer an inch thick. Allow to cool thoroughly (I did in the morning for the evening and when cold I covered with a damp kitchen towel), then cut into diamonds or triangles and deep fry them until golden brown in hot oil.
Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.


 panelle






This recipe goes to Padmajha of Seduce you Tastebuds who's hosting MLLA # 57, a montly event created long time ago by Susan about legumes' world and now carried on by Lisa.

17 febbraio 2013

Šošovicový prívarok – Lentil Prívarok - MLLA # 56


la ricetta in italiano qui

We have been travelling across Slovakia in these past days for The Culinary ABC of the European Community,  bringing our recipes to Terry of Crumpets & Co.
The Slovak Republic was born by the division with the Czech Republic on January 1st, 1993 and from January 1st, 2009 has adopted euro currancy too.
It's mainlya  mountainous landscape, Carpathian Mountains occupy the northern part of the country and include Tatra Mountains, famous for ski resorts and the highest peak, Gerlachovsky Peak (2,655 m). And this region is crossed by the beautiful blue Danube, whose surrounding plains have become a fertile agricultural land producing wheat, barley, potatoes, sugar beet, fruit, tobacco and grapes.
The automotive industry has undergone a substantial increase in recent years, due to investments of Volkswagen (in Bratislava), Peugeot (in Trnava), and Kia Motors (in Žilina, Zilina Plant).
Famous Slovak personalities are  Štefan Banič, who invented the parachute in 1913, and Andy Warhol, the pop art artist born in America from parents Slovakian.
I've never been in this country and I do not know if ever I will. However I had an au pair girl for about two years, a very sweet girl who gave me really support and help with the last two children. Now she is a mom herself of two beautiful girls and who knows, maybe one day we will meet again.

For Slovakia I tried a quick and easy recipe, perfect for a healthy vegetarian and leguminous lunch.
An ideal entry for Lisa's MLLA #  56, the popular legume event created in 2008 by Susan of The Well Seasoned Cook,  and now managed and organized by Lisa herself: welcome Lisa and good luck for the new Legume Kingdom! Archive, hosts and guideline page can be found now here.
My substitutions marked with *, recipe from Slovac-Republic..

Prívarok is a typical dish of this region, a sort of a soup but with a thicker consistency. It can have many flavors, depending on the choice of vegetables: squash, lentils, beans, potatoes, or whatever. It is very easy to prepare and extremely fast.



šošovicový prívarok-lentil prívarok



Serving 2:

150 g lentils 
a couple of bay leaves
black pepper
extra virgin olive oil
a piece of celery, finely chopped
half carrot, finely chopped
half glass of milk *
a tablespoon of brown sugar **
salt
a tablespoon of flour
two tablespoons of apple vinegar

* oat milk
** a tablespoon of concentrated apple juice


šošovicový prívarok-lentil prívarok



Cook the lentils with the bay leaf, celery and carrot, a spinkle of pepper and a pinch of salt until they become tender, about 20-30 minutes.
In a small bowl mix oil, flour and milk; when well mixed add it to lentils and cook a few minutes at low heat until the preparation will tend to thicken.
Add sugar (or apple juice) and vinegar to get the sweet and sour taste.
Usually served with baked sausage, beef, fried egg and bread.

30 gennaio 2013

Stuffed Zucchini with Oat, Millet and Beluga Lentils - MLLA # 55


la ricetta in italiano qui


Susan is hosting this month MLLA#55 and I am bringing to her something special made with Beluga lentils, millet and oat: an explosive mix of vegan proteins!
I did not know Beluga lentils and they have been a pretty surprise to me: so small, black, glossy, named so bombastic, as much valuable as caviar for they are low in fat and high in protein and fiber.

Millet is one of the first grain used for nutrition. However, we completely forgot about it and now, in Europe, is considered food for birds, while in Africa still is one of the most popular cereals. It lacked gluten, it's nourishing and energetic, with more protein and more fat than rice, corn and barley. It's higly recommended in pregnancy and in ancient German mythology a goddess of fertility lived on Millet Mount.
In combination with oats is a winning mix, being these two cereals the most nutritious and protein.


 zucchine ripiene miglio avena

It is not properly the zucchini season but when I saw these beautiful round ones I could not resist to buy some, and got the idea for a tasty and exhaustive dish with lentils and grains.
Well, you know I live with a herd of hungry carnivorous wolves … they made me happy and eat one each, but stating it was a female lunch and soon after going for a BBQ set! :-)



zucchine ripiene miglio avena


Serving 6 Zucchini: 
a leek, finely sliced
a large carrot, diced 
a slice of pumpkin, diced 
extravirgin olive oil 
salt 
100 g beluga lentils * 
130 g millet 
130 g oat grains
 vegetable broth or  home made stock cubes
 curry
 turmeric 
one shallot, sliced 
* boiled 15 minutes in water with a bay leaf, then drain


zucchine ripiene miglio avena


- Wash millet thoroughly under water till is clear and transparent. Toast a few minutes in a pan, then add two parts of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20/30 minutes, until water has been absorbed. When cooked divide grains with a fork.
- Boil the oat grains in water for 20/30 minutes and drain.
- Remove the top from zucchini and gently scoop out the fleshl
- In a largepan slightly fry the leek in a little oil, add the carrot, pumpkin and two thirds of zucchini flesh cut into small cubes. Cook 5 minutes on medium flame, add salt.
- Combine the millet, oat and lentils with vegetables and mix well.
- Place zucchini in a baking dish and fill them with the mixture. Drizzle with a little oil. Add a little broth (or water and some ) on the bottom of dish and bake at 180/200° for 45/50 minutes.
- gently drizzle zucchini with the gravy after 30 minutes, if too golden cover with aluminum foil.
- For the sauce: put the remaining  ucchini flesh and shallot in the pan (the same used for the vegetables), add a ladle of broth and cook 10/15 minutes. Season with curry and turmeric and blend. Add salt if necessary.
- Serve each courgette with a couple of tablespoons of sauce and garnish with some Beluga lentils.


  zucchine ripiene miglio avena 

16 dicembre 2012

Zuppa di verdura con Diavoli rossi - WHB # 364


Di questa stagione e col grande freddo le zuppe sono quello che mi piace più cucinare. Questa sera ci siamo gustati una fumante e saporita crema di cannellini al rosmarino, già perchè la maggior parte dei fagioli li frullo per farli mangiare più volentieri dai soliti sputini, come li chiamo io, della famiglia.
Tempo fa al Molino Bertolini di Caprino, dove mi rifornisco sempre di farine e altro, ho trovati questi meravigliosi fagioli giganti dal nome birichino: Diavoli Rossi. Costano un patrimonio, ma sono veramente notevoli. Peccato non abbia pensato di fare la foto da crudi perchè sono anche belli da vedere: grossi più dei bianchi di Spagna, di colore rosso scuro violaceo più dei borlotti, con delle macchie giganti scurissime, quasi nere, dal sapore denso e dolce, quasi come una castagna. Originari dell'America Centro-Meridionale, sono arrivati in Europa nel '600, ma inizialmente solo come pianta ornamentale (mi piacerebbe piantarne un paio, la curiosità è tale che mi sa ci proverò davvero questa primavera!). Solo nel secolo successivo cominciarono ad essere usati anche come cibo quotidiano.
Inutile dire che sono finiti subito in una zuppa sostanziosa e ricca, ma un pochini li abbiamo gustati come contorno semplicemente con un filo di olio, sale e pepe e qualche fettina fina fina di scalogno, una delizia!
Nei prossimi giorni torno a farne provvista, così da poter aggiornare con una foto la bellezza di questi fagioloni e magari aggiungere qualche altra notizia in più.


 zuppa diavoli rossi


Ingredienti:

porro
carota
sedano
zucchina
verza
cavolo nero
fagioli diavoli rossi *
olio extravergine di oliva

* la sera prima mettere i fagioli in ammollo in abbondante acqua a temperatura ambiente

- Cuocere i fagioli lentamente in abbondante acqua leggermente salata e con un paio di foglie di salvia finchè ben cotti, meglio se in una pentola di coccio (ma per chi va di fretta anche la pentola a pressione va bene). Scolarne metà e metterli da parte, il resto frullarli e tenere anche l'acqua di cottura.
- Affettare finemente tutte le verdure, fare un leggero soffritto col porro e un goccio di olio, aggiungere le verdure, far insaporire, allungare col frullato di fagioli e l'acqua di cottura. Aggiungere un pochino di dado e se necessario un paio di mestoli di acqua o brodo vegetale.
- Far cuocere a fuoco lento per quasi due ore, aggiungendo i fagioli tenuti da parte a metà cottura.
- Migliore se lasciata riposare e degustata il giorno dopo.


Questa ricetta partecipa alla raccolta Un coccio al mese per 12 mesi di Max.





Questa ricetta partecipa al WHB # 364
ospitato da Graziana di Erbe in Cucina
sia in italiano che in inglese.
Thanks again to Haalo who manages greatfully all events,
to Bri for Italian edition.
Thanks again to Kalyn for her successfull idea!
Who's hosting
WHB Rules



Red Devil Soup


We had the first snow the other day, making everything more difficult, especially on the roads. But luckily it turned to water and most of the snow has already melted away. Snow is beautiful, peaceful, but in its natural place, up there on the mountains, do you agree?
Well, one of our most comforting food with cold weather are soups, which I'm very fond to cook. Just a few hours ago we had for supper a steaming hot and tasty rosemary cannellini beans soup.
Long ago at Molino Bartolini, one of my favorite general shops, I found these wonderful giant  beans with a funny name: Red Devils. They cost a fortune, but are truly remarkable. Sincerely a pity I forgot to take a picture as they are very good looking too: big, more dark red/purple than borlotti, with giant black spots, full and sweet flavour, almost like a chestnut. Originating in Central and South America, they were brought in Europe in 1600, but initially only as an ornamental plant (I'd like to plant a few this spring!). Only in the next century they began to be used as food. I'm not sure, but they could be related to these scarlet runner beans.
As soon as I came home, they went directly in the pot to turn into  hearty and rich soup, but some simply enjoyed with a little oil, salt and pepper and some fine slice of shallots, really delicious!
I'm going back to the shop soon, must take a picture to show their beauty and above all must have them in my pantry!


zuppa diavoli rossi


For the soup:
 
leek 
carrot 
cellery 
courgette 
cabbage
kale
Red Devils * 
extravirgin olive oil 

* put the beans to soak in water at room temperature overnight
 

- Cook beans slowly in plenty of lightly salted water, with a few sage leaves until thoroughly cooked, preferably in a crock pot (but if in a hurry the pressure cooker will be fine). Drain half of them and set aside, blend the remaining in their cooking water.
- Finely slice all vegetables, sauté leek in a drizzle of oil, add vegetables, then blended beans and their water. Season with stock cubes and if necessary add couple of ladles of water or vegetable broth.
- Cook at low heat for almost two hours, adding the beans set aside after one hour.
- Better if made in advance and enjoyed the next day.


This recipe goes to Saffronstreaks for MLLA # 54, the montly legumes event created by lovely Susan.

29 novembre 2012

Zuppa di lenticchie, zucca e curry - MLLA # 53


Simona  of Briciole is hosting MLLA # 53 and I am bringing to her table a delicate but spicy soup ideal for these cold winter suppers.
My boys are not very fond of soups, as most men either, they prefer something crunchier and chewable under their teeth, like pasta of course. But  I always prepare some soup aside, and as curiosity is so much anyway, they often get a spoon of the daily soup and sometimes they lick their lips then, as we say in Italian, mouth-watering about it :-).
Ordinary ingredients, easy recipe, but a pinch of curry and turmeric will make the difference.
And besides, never discard any pumpkin skin, just cut in little pieces and put in the soup, it's tastefully edible!
In case it's already baked and use only the pulp of the pumpkin, don't discard either, you can put in the vegetable mix for home made stock cubes.
As all soups, better do a day in advance. 

Lentil Soup with Pumpkin and Curry


zuppa lenticchie zucca curry


Serving 4:

a carrot
a celery stalk
a leek
a slice of pumpkin
2 handful of small lentils
(mine were green and red)
vegetable broth or made with home made stock cubes
extravirgin olive oil 
curry and turmeric

- Finely chop celery, carrot and leek and fry in a large saucepan with a little oil.
- Add lentils, give a mix and then combine with diced pumpkin (I had some discarded skin from the slice I used for risotto yesterday and finely chopped as well).
- Cover with stock, put the lid and let simmer slowly a couple of hours, adding more broth if necessary.
- Ten minutes before the soup is ready drizzle with a pinch of curry and turmeric, at your pleasure.





Zuppa di lenticchie, zucca e curry


Simona di Briciole ospita MLLA # 53 e questo mese le dedico una zuppa delicata ma saporita, l'ideale per queste prime fredde cene invernali.
I miei ragazzi non sono molto ghiotti di zuppe, come credo la maggior parte degli uomini, preferiscono qualcosa di più masticabile sotto i denti, ovviamente pastasciutta. Ma preparo sempre qualche zuppetta e dato che la curiosità è comunque tanta, succede spesso che vengano ad assaggiare nel piatto altrui, leccandosi le labbra poi, ma mai ammettendo del tutto che era buona :-).
Ingredienti comuni, ricetta facile, ma il pizzico di curry e curcuma fa la differenza.
Inoltre, mai scartare la buccia zucca, affettata finemente si può mettere nella minestra, è commestibile, e con gusto!
Nel caso sia già cotto perchè si è utilizzata solo la polpa della zucca, non scartare neanche quella, si può mettere nel mix di verdure per il dado fatto in casa.
Come tutte le zuppe, col riposo ci guadagna, se possibile meglio farla il giorno prima.



 zuppa lenticchie zucca curry



Per 4 persone: 

una carota 
una gamba di sedano 
un porro 
una fetta di zucca 
2 pugni di lenticchie piccole 
(le mie erano verdi e rosse) 
brodo vegetale o fatto con dado homemade
olio extravergine di oliva 
sale 
curry e curcuma 

- Tritare finemente sedano, carota e porro e soffriggere legermente in una casseruola con un po' olio.
- Aggiungere le lenticchie, far insaporire e poi unire anche la zucca a dadini (avevo avanzato della buccia dalla fetta usata ieri per il risotto e tritato finemente pure quella).
- Coprire con brodo, mettere il coperchio e lasciare cuocere lentamente un paio di ore, aggiungendo ancora brodo se necessario.
- Dieci minuti prima della fine cottura insaporire con un pizzico di curry e curcuma, a proprio gusto.

29 settembre 2012

Involtini di melanzane - Eggplant Rolls - MLLA # 51


Di  Marco Bianchi avevo già parlato in uno dei primi post dedicati alla rubrica Salutiamoci, e l'altro giorno, mentre me ne stavo accovacciata sul divano per un riposino veloce col telecomando in mano zappando di qua e di là, me lo sono rivisto spuntare sotto gli occhi e nientepopodimeno che a casa di ... Benedetta Parodi! :-)
Ha proposto questi involtini di melanzane, un piatto leggero e gustoso, pensando ad una periodo di depurazione dopo i bagordi estivi. Se lo volete rivedere dal vivo, qui il video,  dal minuto 7.20 al minuto 23.25.
E' un piatto leggero e gustoso, un antipasto insolito, e se abbinato ad una macedonia di frutta fresca diventa l'ideale per un pranzo nutriente e soddisfacente.


involtini melanzane-aubergine rolls


Ingredienti:

una melanzana
150 g di cannellini lessati *
150 g di caprino
mezzo spicchio di aglio
origano 
1 cetriolo
3 cucchiai di yogurt greco 0% grassi
un pezzetto di cipolla rossa
sale/pepe
olio extravergine di oliva

*  questi della Valfrutta sono cotti a vapore e non contengono zucchero

Tagliare la melanzana a fette e grigliarle sulla piastra. Far raffreddare le fette su un vassoio pennellandole leggermente di olio solo su un lato  per mantenerle morbide.
Frullare i cannellini scolati e sciacquati con l'aglio e un cucchiaio di olio. Profumare con l'origano e il pepe e poi unire il formaggio. Spalmare un cucchiaio di crema su ogni fetta di melanzana ed arrotolare come un involtino, se necessario fermare con uno stuzzicadente.
Grattugiare il cetriolo (con la buccia se di quelli dolci), salare e metterlo a scolare. Strizzarlo bene ed unirlo allo yogurt. Aggiungere anche un pochino di cipolla tritata finemente (se piace), salare e pepare, unire un goccio di olio se necessario. Secondo me ci starebbero bene nella salsa allo yogurt anche un paio di spicchi di mela Granny Smith grattugiata.
Servire gli involtini accompagnati dalla salsa allo yogurt.


involtini melanzane-aubergine rolls



Eggplant Rolls


We all need a purification time after the long summer food raids.
Vegetables and legumes will greatly suit and can be combined in balanced meals like this fresh dish, with a fruit salad aside could be a light lunch.
The recipe goes to Jaya from Desi Soccer Mom for MLLA # 51 she's hosting this month, thanks to Susan, the founder of this lovely monthly event.


involtini melanzane-aubergine rolls


You need:

an eggplant
150 g boiled cannellini beans
150 g fresh soft goat cheese

(but you can use any light fresh  soft vheese)
half a clove of garlic
oregano
1 cucumber
3 tablespoons of greek yogurt 0% fat
a piece of red onion
salt/pepper
extra virgin olive oil


Slice eggplant and grill. Allow to cool on a tray, brushing the slices lightly with oil only on one side to keep them soft.
Drain and rinse beans and blend with garlic and a tablespoon of oil. Season with oregano and pepper and then add the cheese and mix until well amalgamated. Spread a tablespoon of cannellini cream on each slice of eggplant and roll up,  sealing with a toothpick if necessary.

Grate the cucumber (unpeeled if sweet), add salt and put in a colander to drain. Squeeze it well and add to yogurt. Also add some finely chopped onion (if desired), season with salt and pepper and a little oil if necessary. I suppose that some grated Granny Smith apple would suit to the sauce as well.
Serve the rolls accompanied by yogurt sauce.



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