Published: 2011-08
Total Pages: 91
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The old Italians saying “If it isn’t soup, it’s wet bread”, reveals the origins of a food which, for centuries, was considered to be a poor man’s dish. And it’s no wonder. Bread was first used in medieval times by the rich instead of a plate to eat their meals off of, and then, when they had finished, it was boiled, in water or soup, to become the servant’s dinner. But even stale bread, which had been left over from the days before, was steeped in water to soften it up, resulting in some of the most beloved, traditional, Italian recipes, especially those from Tuscany. Light or filling, with vegetables or legumes, meat or fish, here are 40 creams and soups which are given as Italian tradition dictates or reinterpreted depending on creative tastes. From a classic like cereal soup to clam cream with potatoes, cream of porcini mushroom soup and chick pea puree, here are 40 tasty, healthy recipes, which bring out the best in seasonal vegetables. All have benefited from years of farmhouse wisdom, respond to the criteria of a balanced diet and boast natural, delicate flavours. They provide warm comfort during the long, wintry months, and are refreshing delicacies when served cold on hot summer days. iCook Italian is a series of cookery eBooks, each one containing 40 illustrated recipes. From appetisers to pasta, from rice to soups, from second courses of meat and fish to ice-creams, desserts, puddings and cakes as well as pizza, focacce, egg dishes and salads, iCook Italian is a genuine feast of Italian gastronomy. All dishes were chosen by taking a peek at the recipe books in grandmother’s kitchen along with those of the most creative and talented chefs in the country, marrying tradition with modernity and putting regional specialities alongside the cuisine of other countries. All were chosen with an eye on their nutritional value, something which has made Mediterranean cuisine such a success. Each recipe is accompanied by a photo of the finished dish and step by step instructions on how to make it. We haven’t forgotten about the ideal wine either, which helps bring out the very best in flavours and aromas, and some simple, but practical, advice about the pleasures of food and how to choose the right ingredients for that final touch of class. Secrets stolen from the best kitchens in Italy.