This is like a giant rolled dumpling with a spinach filling. A potato dough reminiscent of gnocchi is rolled up around the filling, then the whole thing is wrapped in cheesecloth, boiled in salted water, and served hot, in spiral-patterned slices. Serves 6 generously....
Spinach and cheese gnocchi
Serves 6 • ½ lb. spinach leaves • 9 Tbs. butter, melted • 1 cup well-drained ricotta cheese • ⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese • 3 egg yolks, beaten • 7 Tbs. flour, and more as needed for rolling • ¾ tsp. salt • fresh-ground pepper to taste; pinch of nutmeg (optional) • ½...
Potato gnocchi
Serves 6 to 8 • 2 lbs. russet potatoes • 1½ cups flour, and more if needed • 2 teaspoons . salt • 1 egg, lightly beaten • approximately ½ cup butter, melted, to taste Swiss or Parmesan cheese 1. Boil the potatoes in their jackets until they are tender. Drain them and...
Ravioli with spinach and herb filling
Pasta dough • 1 lb. flour (about 3 cups) • 1½ tsp. salt • 3 eggs • 3 Tbs. olive oil • approximately ½ cup lukewarm water Spinach and herb filling • 1½ lbs. fresh spinach • 3 hard-boiled eggs • 2 Tbs. butter, melted • 2 Tbs. fresh-grated Parmesan cheese • ½ cup fresh...
Melanzana al forno – baked eggplant
This recipe started out as an attempt to recreate a dish I ate in a very good restaurant in Bologna. It took off in a direction of its own, however, emerging as a new version of an old and popular dish—and met with rave reviews. Serves 6 to 8 • 2½ lbs. firm eggplant...
Lasagna
Serves 6 to 8 • 2 lbs. fresh, ripe tomatoes • 5 Tbs. olive oil • 1½ medium-sized onions, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 cup peeled, sliced Italian plum tomatoes • 1 tsp. salt, and more to taste • ½ tsp. basil • ⅓ cup red wine • 1½ lbs. eggplant • ¾ lb. flat...
Spaghetti alla carbonara – spaghetti & egg and cheese sauce
Serves 4 to 6 • 6 medium-sized eggs • ½ lb. Parmesan cheese, finely grated (about 2 cups) • 3 medium-sized onions • 6 Tbs. olive oil • salt to taste • fresh-ground black pepper to taste • 1 lb. spaghetti 1. Beat the eggs until they are fairly smooth and stir the...
Fettucine alfredo
Serves 6 • 1½ cups heavy cream • 1½ cups fresh-grated Parmesan cheese (about 5½ oz.) • ½ cup butter • 2 egg yolks • salt • white pepper • 1 lb. fettucine noodles • garnish • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley 1. Heat the cream in a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan. When...
Spaghetti e cipolle (spaghetti and onions)
Serves 6 to 8 • 2½ lbs. red onions • ½ cup butter • 2 large bay leaves • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tsp. paprika • ½ tsp. salt, and more to taste • 1 cup good dry red wine • ¼ tsp. thyme • ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper • ¼ tsp. dried basil, crushed • ¼ tsp. dried oregano,...
Conchiglie tutto Giardino – pasta with fresh vegetables
Serves 8 to 10 • 7 Tbs. butter • 1½ cups thinly sliced carrots • 1 cup chopped green onions • 1 large red onion, coarsely chopped • ¾ cup thinly sliced radishes • ½ cup coarsely chopped parsley, packed • 2 Tbs. fresh, chopped basil • 3 cloves garlic, crushed or minced...