Since our first trip to Italy I have been a big fan of farro. Farro is made from Emmer Wheat, not spelt. The first time I had it was in a ribollita at La Bottega, a little restaurant in Volpaia, a small town in Chianti. I had read that the mother of the family who own … Continue reading Farro Risotto With Tomatoes
An old favourite of mine; excellent served with roast pork loin, especially a juicy, bone-in roast . I also use it as an accompaniment to my hazelnut chicken breasts and anything else that takes my fancy! Like I said before, I love barley. If I have leftovers, they will become part of a soup. You … Continue reading Barley Pilaf
For a printer friendly version of this recipe, click here. Joe likes it! That’s what the note at the top of the recipe says! The polenta is prepared in the microwave then finished in the oven. I think it would be excellent with chicken, perhaps Joe’s Tuscan Chicken or chicken with barbecue sauce & a nice salad. … Continue reading Baked Polenta With Onions And Bacon
Known as orzotto in Italy, this is a delicious change from regular risotto. The orzotto would be great made in the early fall as well, when we can still get local zucchini. I have substituted leeks & peas for the zucchini & carrots too, adding a few tablespoons of snipped chives & perhaps a bit … Continue reading Barley Risotto With Vegetables
There’s something so yummy & comforting about barley no matter how it’s cooked! A couple of months ago at a restaurant in London, I had a “rice” pudding made with barley instead of rice. It was wonderful! I could eat it every day for breakfast but it would be a guilty pleasure if I did. … Continue reading Barley Risotto
This is an excellent “risotto” made using farro. It is terrific in the winter or fall as a first course, perhaps followed by a roasted bird or meat of your choice. Makes 3 – 4 First Course Servings 2 Tbsp. EVO 2 small shallots, chopped fine 200 grams farro perlato (semi-pearled)** 1 ½ cups Chianti … Continue reading Farro Risotto With Red Wine
I like to make this rice, a baked “risotto” to accompany Osso Bucco. It’s not the usual cooked on top of the stove, stirring almost constantly, so it does make things a little easier for the cook. However, feel free to change it up & do it the traditional way! I love the saffron in … Continue reading Milanese Rice
For a printer friendly version of this recipe, click here. This version of polenta is basically one that requires very little stirring; a good thing in my eyes! 4 cups water 1 tsp. salt 1 cup polenta (not quick-cooking) 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter **If you like you can put a bit of fresh thyme in the … Continue reading Creamy Polenta
I made this polenta the first time on a rainy November night and served it alongside braised lamb shanks. It was the absolute perfect thing to accompany the lamb. But, don’t hesitate to serve with steak, chicken or pork. How about grilled Italian sausages or Italian sausages braised with bell peppers, onions & tomato sauce? Go … Continue reading Polenta With Fontina And Thyme
This couscous would make an excellent accompaniment to Lamb. Makes 6 Servings 1 ½ cups water 2 Tbsp. butter 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 1 tsp. salt 1 ½ cups couscous ½ cup green peas, blanched if fresh or thawed if frozen 1/3 cup dried apricots, diced 1/3 cup raisins, soaked in hot water if dried out … Continue reading Middle Eastern Couscous
