Italian Meatballs are a classic dish that never fails to please. Made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and veal, these meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for topping a plate of spaghetti or serving as an appetizer. They can also be made ahead of time and frozen for a quick and easy meal on a busy weeknight. With a blend of herbs and spices, these Italian meatballs are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
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Italian Meatballs {Great Big Italian Meatballs}
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Egg, Fresh Bread Crumbs
For those who love big, hearty meatballs, this recipe is for you. These Great Big Italian Meatballs are made with a mixture of beef and pork, giving them a rich and savory flavor. They are then baked in the oven, making them a healthier option than frying, and are finished off in a delicious homemade tomato sauce. Serve these meatballs with your favorite pasta or on a crusty roll for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for colder weather. This classic version is made with homemade meatballs, tiny pasta, and plenty of fresh vegetables, all simmered together in a flavorful broth. The addition of spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients to this traditional soup. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
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Keto Stuffed Peppers – Italian Style
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Olive Oil, Bell Peppers, Onion
For those following a keto diet, these Italian-style Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and filling meal option. Made with a mixture of ground beef, Italian sausage, and Italian herbs and spices, these stuffed peppers are bursting with flavor. The addition of cauliflower rice keeps this dish low-carb while adding a satisfying texture. Top with melted mozzarella cheese for a gooey and indulgent finish.
Braciole is a traditional Italian dish made with thinly sliced beef, stuffed with a savory filling, and cooked in a rich tomato sauce. This Authentic Italian Braciole recipe stays true to its roots with a filling made with Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and parsley. The beef is then rolled and tied before being cooked in a delicious tomato sauce until tender and flavorful. Serve with your favorite pasta for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Italian Almond Paste Cookies
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Almond Paste, Granulated Sugar, Salt
These Italian Almond Paste Cookies are a classic Italian treat that is perfect for the holiday season. Made with almond paste, these cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with almond flavor. The addition of a simple glaze and festive sprinkles makes them a beautiful addition to any holiday cookie tray. Plus, they are naturally gluten-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
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Homemade Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: Italian Bread, Grated Romano Cheese, Garlic, Fresh
If you've never made homemade meatballs before, this recipe is a great place to start. These Homemade Italian Meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal, along with breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices. They are then baked in the oven for a healthier option and can be served with your favorite pasta or as a delicious appetizer. Make a big batch and freeze them for quick and easy meals throughout the week.
Pasta salad is a staple at summer barbecues and potlucks, and this Italian version is sure to be a hit. Made with a variety of colorful vegetables, salami, cheese, and a zesty Italian dressing, this salad is bursting with flavor and texture. The addition of cooked pasta makes it a filling and satisfying side dish that pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own for a light meal.
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Creamy Italian Ravioli
Main Ingredients: Ravioli, Fresh Baby Spinach, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Heavy
If you're a fan of creamy pasta dishes, this Creamy Italian Ravioli is a must-try. Made with a creamy tomato sauce, Italian herbs, and cheese-filled ravioli, this dish is rich, indulgent, and perfect for a special occasion. The addition of spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients to this dish, making it a well-rounded and delicious meal.
This Italian Chicken Casserole is a great option for a busy weeknight meal. Made with chicken, pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce, this casserole is packed with flavor and is sure to be a family favorite. The addition of Italian seasoning and cheese gives it a delicious Italian twist, making it a comforting and hearty dish that can be made ahead of time for an even easier dinner option.
Lentil soup is a classic dish that is popular in many cultures, and this Italian version is a must-try. Made with lentils, vegetables, and Italian herbs and spices, this soup is hearty, nutritious, and packed with flavor. It can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker for a hands-off meal option. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Easy Stromboli (Italian Stromboli)
Main Ingredients: Flour, Pizza Dough, Sliced Pepperoni, Capicola, Sliced
Stromboli is a popular Italian dish that is essentially a rolled-up pizza. This Easy Stromboli recipe uses pre-made pizza dough, making it a quick and easy option for a weeknight meal. Fill it with your favorite pizza toppings, such as pepperoni, sausage, and cheese, and bake until golden and crispy. Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Crescent rolls are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including this Italian Crescent Casserole. Made with a mixture of ground beef, Italian seasoning, and crescent rolls, this casserole is a budget-friendly and filling meal option. Serve with a side salad for a complete and satisfying dinner.
For those following a keto diet, these Italian Meatballs are a great option for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Made with a mixture of ground beef, pork, and Italian herbs and spices, these meatballs are low-carb and packed with flavor. They can be served with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Stuffed mushrooms are a classic appetizer that is always a hit at parties and gatherings. This Italian version is made with a delicious filling of Italian sausage, cream cheese, and Italian herbs and spices. They are then topped with breadcrumbs and baked until golden and crispy. Serve these Italian Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms as a tasty appetizer or as a side dish for a holiday meal.
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Quick and Easy Italian Meatballs
Main Ingredients: 85 Lean Ground Beef, Garlic, Large Eggs, Dried
If you're short on time but still craving homemade meatballs, this Quick and Easy Italian Meatball recipe is for you. Made with a combination of ground beef and pork, these meatballs are baked in the oven for a healthier option and can be served with your favorite pasta or as an appetizer. The addition of Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning gives them a classic Italian flavor.
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Sheet Pan Italian Chicken Dinner
Main Ingredients: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, Extra Virgin Olive
Sheet pan dinners are a lifesaver on busy weeknights, and this Italian Chicken Dinner is no exception. Made with chicken, vegetables, and a flavorful Italian seasoning blend, this meal requires minimal prep and clean-up time. Plus, it's a healthy and well-rounded meal that is sure to please the whole family.
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Hearty Italian Beef and Vegetable Soup
Main Ingredients: Medium Onion, Garlic Cloves, Large Carrots, Celery
This Hearty Italian Beef and Vegetable Soup is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for cooler weather. Made with chunks of beef, a variety of vegetables, and Italian herbs and spices, this soup is filling and packed with flavor. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Italian Pork Kabobs with Summer Vegetables
Main Ingredients: Pork Loin Roast, Red Wine Vinegar, Kosher Salt, Red
Kabobs are a fun and versatile meal option that can be customized with your favorite ingredients. These Italian Pork Kabobs are made with marinated pork, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers, all seasoned with an Italian dressing and grilled to perfection. Serve with a side of rice or pasta for a complete and satisfying meal.
This Easy Italian Roast Beef recipe is a delicious and simple way to prepare a classic dish. Made with a blend of Italian herbs and spices, this roast beef is flavorful and tender, and can be served with your favorite vegetables and potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal. Leftovers can also be used to make delicious sandwiches the next day.
A Classic Italian Dish with a Unique Twist
When it comes to Italian cuisine, there are few dishes as beloved and versatile as pasta. From spaghetti and meatballs to lasagna, there are countless variations and recipes that have been passed down through generations. But have you ever heard of pastello? This lesser-known Italian dish is a delicious twist on traditional pasta dishes, and it is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
The Origins of Pastello
Pastello is a dish that originated in the Abruzzo region of Italy, known for its rugged mountains and picturesque coastlines. It is believed to have been created by shepherds who would use leftover scraps of dough and cheese to create a simple and hearty meal while tending to their flocks. Today, it has evolved into a more refined dish, but it still holds true to its humble origins.
The Ingredients
Like many Italian dishes, pastello is made with simple, yet high-quality ingredients. The main component of this dish is pasta - specifically, long strands of spaghetti or bucatini. The pasta is then cooked until al dente, giving it a firm yet tender texture. The sauce is made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, creating a light and flavorful base. But the star of the dish is the cheese - a combination of sharp pecorino and creamy ricotta. These cheeses are mixed together and added to the pasta, creating a creamy and tangy sauce that coats every strand.
The Cooking Process
To make pastello, start by cooking your chosen pasta according to package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a pan and cook diced garlic until fragrant. Add diced tomatoes and cook until they start to soften. Then, mix in the cooked pasta and toss until well coated with the tomato and garlic sauce. In a separate bowl, mix together the pecorino and ricotta cheese, then add it to the pasta and stir until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. Serve hot and garnish with fresh herbs or grated cheese, if desired.
Why You Should Try Pastello
Pastello is a perfect example of the simplicity and elegance of Italian cuisine. It takes basic ingredients and transforms them into a delicious and satisfying dish. The combination of tangy cheese and fresh tomatoes creates a balance of flavors that is both rich and light at the same time. Plus, it's a great way to use up leftover pasta and cheese, making it a budget-friendly meal option.
In conclusion, pastello is a must-try for any pasta lover looking for a new and unique dish to add to their repertoire. With its humble origins and simple yet flavorful ingredients, it is a perfect representation of traditional Italian cooking. So why not give it a try and add a touch of pastello to your next pasta night?
