/foodieland.magazine

/foodielandmag

/foodielandmag

/foodieland_magazine

A couple of decades back, the only Italian most of us knew was macaroni or spaghetti baked with pineapple and cheese (at least in India). Italian

cuisine has now gained popularity across the globe, and is a popular option for fusion dishes as well. We now have the pastas and the risottos

that many of us prefer frequently for our main course. In this month’s Foodieland, we will take you through many Italian dishes. Personally,

yours truly loves Italian food because the abundant usage of cheese (yeah weight has increased post Diwali already). Key ingredients of modern

day Italian cuisine are maize, bell peppers, tomatoes, flour preparations (pastas) and cheese. With Italian cuisine, the number of ingredients is

not as important as the quality and original flavor. Apart from cheese, wine and coffee are key bonding components of Italian cuisine.

Olive oil is another key ingredient of Italian cuisine. The nutritional aspects and health benefits associated with olive oil are now known across

the globe, and hence the increase in its usage. Pasta is the most popular of all Italian main courses. Commonly available pasta’s include fusilli

(swirls), spaghetti (thin rod-like), penne (cylinders) and lasagna sheets. Pasta is generally served with red, white or mixed sauces. Although not

popular in India, pasta made with eggs is also a delicious preparation. Ravioli is a popular option that consists of spinach stuffing within pasta

sheets.

Risotto, a rice preparation is another fundamental component of Italian cuisine. With risotto, it is possible to introduce multiple variations based

on the ingredients. Vegetables, fish, seafood, meat are used to prepare the broth with risotto. Wine, along with fruit flavors can also be used to

prepare risotto. It is the rice preparation that forms the core of the risotto, irrespective of the remaining ingredients or flavors added for the

taste.

Any article on Italian cuisine is incomplete without considering PIZZA. We will not delve into more details with pizza understandably other

than to mention that it is a gift to the world by Italian cuisine.

Italian cuisine is abundant in desserts as well. My personal favorite is the Tiramisu, a layered dessert consisting primarily of coffee!! (The Hyatt at

Ahmedabad serves a heavenly Tiramisu in its coffee shop btw). Another popular dessert is the “gelato” or the Italian version of ice cream.

Antipasti (Appetizer or before the meal, literally):

Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil:

Ingredients:

4 slices of rustic wheat bread

3 heirloom tomatoes

3-4 cloves of garlic

1/4 bunch basil

300 milliliters balsamic vinegar

152 milliliters extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Red chili flakes (optional)

Method:

1. Toast wheat bread and cut each slice into four pieces.

2. On a cutting board, dice the heirloom tomatoes and mince the garlic. Tear up the basil to release its flavor and add this, along with

the heirloom tomatoes and garlic, to a bowl. Next, add balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt and black pepper. Lightly

toss and let it sit for 20 minutes. Add chili flakes if you like it spicy!

3. Toss the bruschetta mixture lightly once more and then put a large spoon full on each wheat bread toast.

Cheesy Vegetarian Risotto

Ingredients:

3 tbsp olive oil

8 cups vegetable broth

2 cups arborio rice

salt and pepper to taste

2/3 cup freshly grated parmesan

Method:

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and add the arborio rice. Stirring

constantly, allow the rice to cook for 3 to 4 minutes.

2. Add about a half cup of the vegetable broth to the rice, stirring frequently. When most of the liquid has absorbed, add another

half cup of broth. Continue adding broth, a bit at a time, until the rice is done cooking, about 20 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and stir in the parmesan until it has thoroughly melted. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with

additional cheese if desired.

Vanilla Panna Cotta:

Ingredients:

1 cup Fresh full fat Cream

1 cup Full cream Milk

1/2 cup Sugar

2 tsp Vanilla extract

2 tsp Agar-Agar/China grass (or 1 tsp Gelatin)

2-3 tbsp Water

Method:

4. Slightly grease the molds with oil or immerse them in cold water and

keep the molds ready which you would like to serve the pudding in.

5. If you are using china grass sheets, cut them into tiny pieces and soak

them in 1/3 cup water for half an hour. If you are using gelatin or agar-

agar powder just mix the powder in 2 tbsp HOT water.

6. In a thick pot add milk and cream together and bring the mixture to a boil on low flame.

7. Add sugar to it and also scraped Vanilla pod to the mixture and mix well until the sugar dissolves.

8. Cut the scraped vanilla pod into 2-3 pieces and throw it in the pot.

9. Meanwhile if you are using china grass, remove the extra water and keep enough water (2-3 tbsp) and boil the china grass

mixture by mixing it continuously until the china grass melts and blends into the water.

10. Remove the vanilla cream mixture and strain the mixture into a bowl and discard the vanilla beans.

11. Add the strained melted china grass (agar-agar or gelatin) mixture and mix well immediately.

12. Pour the mixture into the prepared molds and let them come to a room temperature.

13. Cover it with cling wrap and keep it refrigerated for a minimum of 5-6 hrs or you can even keep it overnight.

You can garnish it with strawberry sauce before serving or serve as it is

Sr. City Restaurant Address

1. Ahmedabad La Feasta 4th Floor, Crystal Arcade, Next To

Navrangpura Tel Exchnage, C G Road,

Ahmedabad

079 30083024, 079 30083025

2. Mumbai Quattro 7, Janta India Estate, Senapati Bapat Marg,

Opposite Phoenix Mills, Lower Parel,

Mumbai

022 67496444

3. Banglore Spaghetti Kitchen and Bar 1, SJR Primus, 1st Floor, Adjacent To

Raheja Arcade, Koramangala, Bangalore

080 67947389

4. Pune Little Italy 465, Ganeshkhind, Next To Pune Central

Mall 2, Off Model Colony, Shivaji Nagar,

Pune

020 41057200