Pasta al forno – oven pasta bake

Pasta al forno with a nice crusty top
Perfectly arruscata.

What for many is just a pasta bake, for Italians – pasta al forno – is a whole world of tradition, memories and comfort. I really don’t know how I managed to put off posting this recipe for so long. It should have been one of the first to share on Coochinando both because of Continue reading

Sartù di riso – Neapolitan rice timbale

Slice of sartu' di riso on a plate
Welcome to rice heaven…
With Neapolitan recipes there is a bit of an issue: there are so many fantabulous signature dishes that it is, on occasion, difficult to say which is the absolute best. And sartù di riso is one Continue reading

Pesto genovese – classic basil pesto

Dish of pasta seasoned with pesto genovese
I am green and cooler than a cucumber.

I know, I know. No need to say: “But… but pesto genovese is from Genoa!” And no, by posting this recipe on Coochinando I’m not claiming it is a southern Italian recipe. But I do not recollect a day of my life in Naples when Continue reading

Zeppoline di cavolfiore – puffy cauliflower fritters

Plate with zeppoline di cavolfiore
Ad infinitum, please!

Scrumptious AND a bit healthy, too? Yes. Many asked for this unique and little-known Neapolitan starter so I am very excited to share the recipe of zeppoline di cavolfiore.

“Zeppoline what?” I hear you cry. We could just call them Continue reading

Timballo di pasta con melanzane – pasta and aubergine timbale

Timballo di pasta con melanzane
I was born to impress and delight.

Timballo di pasta con melanzane? Why? Well. When I think of aubergines, I think of George. Since the beginning of our relationship I have made sure he would try the most delicious dishes my mum had made for me for pretty much my entire life. So I once Continue reading

Ragù alla genovese – onion and beef ragu

Dish of ragu' alla genovese.
I am the queen in Naples. Forget the rest
Forget about that amazing ragù alla napoletana I used to make lasagne napoletane. You see, ragù alla genovese is on another scale: it is truly the most iconic pasta sauce in Naples – yet Continue reading

Lasagne bianche – white lasagne

Slice of white lasagne or lasagne bianche on a plate
I am a white lasagne, hope that is okay with you

There is often, but not always, a reason why I share a certain recipe at a given moment: it might be linked to an Italian festivity, as with migliaccio di Carnevale, or to an event. White lasagne is definitely linked to the latter… and an exciting one!

Yesterday I played chef Continue reading

Gnocchi alla sorrentina – potato gnocchi

Gnocchi alla sorrentina
A perfect combination of flavours. Yum!

I was 15 when my grandmother Cristina taught me how to make gnocchi. It was a sunny Sunday morning. Every Sunday she and my grandad would come over for lunch. Before then it had never crossed my mind that gnocchi were challenging to make or that some people get petrified at the thought Continue reading