Italian spinach and potato roulade

Italian spinach and potato roulade

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

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

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

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

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

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...

Fettucine alfredo

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)

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,...

Penne with sweet and sour onion sauce

Penne with sweet and sour onion sauce

Serves 8 • 2 lbs. red onions • ½ cup butter • 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil, to taste • ¾ tsp. salt • 1 or 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional) • 1 quart peeled tomatoes (with liquid) • 2 cups dry red wine • ½ tsp. dried basil, crushed • ½ tsp. dried rosemary, crushed...

Penne al cardinale (pasta with creamy tomato sauce)

Penne al cardinale (pasta with creamy tomato sauce)

Serves about 6 people. • 6 medium-sized ripe tomatoes • 4½ Tbs. butter • 2 large cloves garlic, minced or pressed • ½ tsp. salt • ½ tsp. dried basil, crushed • 1½ cups cream • 1½ Tbs. flour • 1 Tbs. brandy • 2 Tbs. tomato paste • 1 to 1½ lbs. penne noodles 1. Blanch...