RISOTTO WITH SPINACH AND SHRIMPS

As mentioned in previous postings, Easter is all about lamb in our home except for Good Friday, a day of strict fasting and abstinence from all meat.  Sometimes the simplest recipes are the very best.  Like this one, which has become a favorite of ours.  Trust me, this dish is brilliant, speedy, and ideal when the day calls for a meatless dish.

Ingredients:


1 1/2 uncooked large shrimps, peeled and deveined
5 cups of vegetable broth or water
6 tablespoons of olive oil
2 shallots, chopped
1 cup of Arborio or Carnaroli Brown rice
1 lb. fresh spinach leaves or 1 (10 oz. package)
2 cloves of garlic, minced
salt and black pepper

Preparation:

In large pan, over medium heat, add 3 tablespoons olive oil.  Sauté shallots until softened. Add the rice and sauté for 1 minute. Add 1 cup of broth, stirring often until broth is almost completely absorbed. Continue adding broth until all the broth is absorbed and the rice is tender. 

In another skillet over medium heat, add the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil. Sauté garlic until aromatic and softened. Add shrimp and cook until just done. Do not overcook. Remove shrimps to a plate. In the same skillet, add spinach tossing until spinach is wilted.  Adjust for salt and pepper.  Toss all ingredients until heated through and creamy.   Serve immediately.

https://casa-giardino.blogspot.com/2012/10/minestrone-with-beans-rice-and-cabbage.html

https://news.yahoo.com/italian-rice-puts-pasta-shade-during-pandemic-015431958.html

EASTER ...many years ago

And they come back, memories never fade ....the vinegar-sand scrubbed copper pots and pans gleaming off the freshly painted walls … the slaughtering of the spring lamb....the scents of cinnamon and vanilla ... the baking of cookies at the local bakery...Mom making fresh pot cheese over a fire....the sadness of Good Friday....the blessing of the homes....the joy of Easter Sunday....and the fun of Pasquetta (Easter Monday).

I remember Easter being a solemn and yet, joyous event. On Good Friday (Venerdi Santo) at sundown, there was the dramatic recreation of the suffering of the death of Christ. The Dead Christ covered with a white veil, a crown of thorns on his head and lying in the coffin was carried on men's shoulders throughout the town. Christ's coffin was

Procession 1952

followed by a very expressive statue of Mary (Addolorata) dressed in black.  The flickering candles in the dark and the solemn singing of the "Miserere" brought deep sadness and tears.

House Blessing

Holy Saturday (Sabato Santo) was marked with the blessing of the Holy Water (Acqua Santa). The priests in towns would go from house to house and bless them. A boy with a basket and a bucket filled with Holy Water would accompany the priest. Out of gratitude, eggs were given in exchange for the blessings. 

Resurrection

Joy would explode on Easter Sunday with the Resurrection of Christ, the incessantly ringing of the church bells, the greeting of relatives with Buona Pasqua and the savoring of "spring" lamb chops (agnello sulla brace) smothered with lard, garlic and fresh rosemary and grilled on the fireplace (the most delectable seasonal treat).

Pupa (doll shaped cake)

We celebrated with other traditional dishes made from eggs and lamb, both symbolizing the season rebirth, such as:  "Spring" lamb stew with cheese and eggs (spezzatino d’agnello cacio e ova) and Lasagna.  Our traditional desserts were Fiadone (cheese cake), Pastoni, Mostaccioli, pupe e cavalli di Pasqua (doll and horse shaped cakes) and Pizza dolce (Cream filled sponge cake saturated with coffee and rum).
Some recipes will follow.

Altalena (Swings)

  
      Then, there was Pasquetta (Easter Monday), a national holiday in Italy, when we headed for the fields to picnic and celebrate the arrival of spring.  The family, together with friends and relatives, feasted on frittata (egg omelet) made with wild asparagus foraged by my father, young fava beans from the garden, fiadone and red wine.  How can I forget the laughter swinging from a tree? 

Today, with the exception of slaughtering the "spring" lamb, we carry on some of the traditions.  As to Pasquetta (Easter Monday), it's not a national holiday here. 
Wishing you all.... Buona Pasqua!         

Venerdi Santo - Good Friday in Casalbordino  http://youtu.be/no9giDAkBio