European Cuisine
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Risotto and the Veneto Region Italian Food
With so many different Italian food dishes it is hard to pick a favorite. However, for those who like risotto, Veneto is the region for you! Italian food varies greatly by region with each area presenting their own unique dishes and flavors. One of the most recognized Italian food dishes is Risotto and because of that Veneto is a must stop region for those travelers in Italy wanting to taste some excellent Italian food. Risotto is most simply a rice dish cooked very precisely. It is one of the most commonly ordered appetizers at Italian food restaurants. Yet for its amazing popularity, it is also one of the most common Italian food dishes to be botched. The key to a good risotto is to first cook the rice briefly in olive oil or butter. It should be cooked until it is evenly coated and… Read more -
White Wine Vinegar Spanish Boquerones
Boquerones are small, fresh anchovies. Accompanied by crisp, fresh Spanish bread, a glass of ruby-red wine or refreshing Asturian cider, they are a delight to eat. Methods for preparing boquerones tend to vary slightly. However, the basic principles are always the same. You first have to clean and fillet the fish, which is simple enough, but rather tedious until you get the hang of it. Next, you soak the fillets, either in white wine vinegar or a mixture of half vinegar and half water. The vinegar will clean and bleach the fish and also soften any remaining little bones. Some people sprinkle the fish with salt; others feel that the fish is salty enough already. The fish has to be left for a good few hours soaking in the vinegar. Again, this tends to vary, with some Spaniards leaving them… Read more -
Pomegranate Mediterranean Style Salad
For many, warmer weather means eating lighter and healthier. Here’s a quick, new recipe for a Summer Delight Salad. The sliced almonds help to give it a Mediterranean accent. Ingredients: 3/4 cup pomegranate 8 cups torn spinach or mixed greens 1 cup grilled chicken breast (optional) 1/3 cup sliced red onion raspberry vinaigrette dressing Directions: In large bowl, toss half the pomegranate and the next 4 ingredients. Arrange onto salad plates; top with grilled chicken and remaining pomegranate. Drizzle desired amount of dressing over salad. Makes 4 to 6 salads. Pomegranates are nutrient dense, vitamin rich and have long been used to add flavor and crunch to dishes from different parts of the Mediterranean. Read more
