Recipes From Stanley Tucci's Searching For Italy
Introduction
If you're a food lover, chances are you've heard of Stanley Tucci's Searching for Italy. The show follows the actor as he travels through different regions of Italy, exploring the country's rich culinary traditions.
Throughout the series, Tucci meets with local chefs and food experts to learn about the unique ingredients and techniques used in each region. He also tries his hand at cooking some of Italy's most iconic dishes, from pizza in Naples to risotto in Milan.
If you're looking to bring a taste of Italy into your own kitchen, here are some of the recipes featured on Stanley Tucci's Searching for Italy.
Pasta alla Norma
This classic Sicilian dish is named after a famous opera, and it's easy to see why it's so beloved. The recipe features eggplant, tomato sauce, basil, and ricotta salata, a salty, crumbly cheese that adds a nice contrast to the sweet tomato sauce.
To make pasta alla Norma, start by sautéing diced eggplant in olive oil until it's golden brown. Then, add garlic and tomato sauce and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Toss the sauce with cooked pasta and top with ricotta salata and fresh basil.
Cacio e Pepe
This simple yet flavorful pasta dish is a Roman classic. It's made with just three ingredients: pasta, pecorino cheese, and black pepper.
To make cacio e pepe, cook the pasta until it's al dente. In a separate pan, toast freshly ground black pepper until it's fragrant. Then, add some of the pasta cooking water and whisk in grated pecorino cheese to create a creamy sauce. Drain the pasta and toss it with the sauce until it's well coated.
Osso Buco
This hearty Milanese dish is made with braised veal shanks, vegetables, and gremolata, a mixture of lemon zest, garlic, and parsley.
To make osso buco, start by browning the veal shanks in a Dutch oven. Then, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until they're soft. Add white wine, chicken broth, and canned tomatoes, and let everything simmer for a few hours until the meat is tender. Top each serving with gremolata and serve with polenta or risotto.
Pesto alla Genovese
This vibrant green sauce is a specialty of Genoa, the capital of Liguria. It's made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
To make pesto alla Genovese, start by blending basil, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor. Then, gradually add olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the pesto with cooked pasta and serve with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many delicious recipes featured on Stanley Tucci's Searching for Italy. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, these dishes are sure to transport you to the heart of Italy's rich culinary traditions.