Welcome to my world - a blend of passion, taste, and old-world traditions.

Benvenuti nel mio mondo - un mischio di passione, gusto e vecchie tradizioni.
Showing posts with label gluten-free. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gluten-free. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Roasted Chickpeas - A Nutritious Snack for Children and Adults

Chickpeas - Ceci - Garbanzos
 

As a child in Italy, the long winter evenings were spent around a large fireplace (only method of keeping warm) with family and friends.  In front of the crackling logs we would munch on dried fruit, roasted chestnuts and chickpeas. 







There were two methods of roasting chickpeas:  
-- one utilizing sand and salt in a very large pot where the chickpeas would roast
    until turning white;
--the other utilizing a large pan with a little olive oil.   

Today, it's still our family snack choice.  We prefer the pan method as the chickpeas are crunchy but not hard, therefore kinder to the teeth.

All photos -  ©2012 - La Casa e Il Giardino – picasaweb

Ingredients
1 lb. dry chickpeas (alternate 2 cans of cooked beans).*
4 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper
Place the washed chickpeas in a large pot.  Add water (3 times the amount of the chickpeas), and bring to a boil.   Cover and simmer gently for 1 hour.  The chickpeas should not be not be fully cooked.  Drain and pat dry with paper towels.

*If canned chickpeas are used - Drain and rinse chickpeas under running water. Pat dry with a kitchen towel and proceed as follows.

Place oil in a large cast iron skillet over the cooktop.  Spread chickpeas out.  Add salt and pepper and cook over medium heat stirring occasionally until the chickpeas are brown and crunchy.

Roasted chickpeas - Ceci arrostiti


According to the NY Times "US Children:Generation Snack", children are snacking on cookies, chips and other treats.
This snack satisfies children and adults snack cravings without the guilt.  Enjoy!



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Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Roasted Cod Fillets - Filetti di Merluzzo al Forno


A perfect dish for Lent or any day.

It's very simple.  The garlic and herb topping compliments the clean and neutral flavor of the cod, transforming this dish into an elegant meal.  A side dish of steamed red-skinned potatoes with fresh herbs will make the meal extra special.




Ingredients:

For the topping:
1/4 cup minced flat-leaf parsley
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1/4 teaspoon coarse-ground black pepper
1 teaspoon red pepper powder

For the Fish:
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
Salt and fresh-ground black pepper

Images: ©2011 - La Casa e Il Giardino
Roasted Cod Fillets (Filetti di Merluzzo)
1. Combine the parsley, garlic, lemon zest, and pepper in a shallow dish.
2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Brush a baking dish with some of the oil.
3. Place the fish in the pan and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the topping over the fish.  Drizzle with the remaining oil around the fish in the baking dish.
4. Roast until the fish flakes with a fork about 20 minutes.  Place the baking dish under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes so that the topping is slightly crispy and browned,
5. Serve with the pan juices poured over the fish.