giovedì 15 gennaio 2009

Dreaming the sea...



These are pictures taken at the natural reserve of Capo Gallo, near Barcarello (Sferracavallo). A very nice path between Monte Gallo and the sea, near Palermo (10/15 minutes by car). When we want to relax a bit, let's go for a walk in this beautiful place to dream, makes us feel in touch with nature and with ourselves.
Soon after, however, we are going to eat a nice sandwich with panelle or the meusa, or a plate of spaghetti with clams or a risotto with seafood in the nearby village of Sferracavallo, because as I have repeatedly written, over the spirit also has important the stomach !
In the near post I will write something more about the natural reserves that surround us and the village of Sferracavallo, but now I see these pictures and expect a good day for the next walk ...


venerdì 9 gennaio 2009

PASTA ALLA CARRETTIERA

In italiano su Agave blog


This dish is a very simple and tasty, is part of the traditional vegetarian cuisine of Sicily. Of course the result also depends on the freshness and quality of products and maybe even a nice view of the sea, then eat this pasta in Sicily is another thing ...

Palermo, Barcarello

Ingredients:
A kg of ripe tomatoes, 3 cloves of garlic, red pepper, basil (someone replace it with parsley), extra-virgin olive oil, salt, optional addition of grated cheese (pecorino or ricotta salata). Spaghetti or bucatini (400gr).

Preparation:
Wash the tomatoes and peel (to facilitate the operation make some superficial cuts and put in a pot with boiling water for a few minutes) and remove the seeds. In a bowl, cut into pieces and add the chopped garlic cloves (remove the sprout inside) and the chopped basil. Add oil, salt and red pepper and let rest for at least an hour.

Cook pasta, place it in a bowl with the dressing and mix. If you want you can add the grated cheese.

giovedì 8 gennaio 2009

Are you vegetarian? You can eat in Palermo!



In italiano su Agave blog

The cuisine of Palermo, is full of alternatives for those who wish not to eat meat or fish, due to the fact that it is a poor cooking it's great use of vegetables seasoned in various ways.

And now a list of traditional vegetarian dishes that you can taste in Palermo without giving up the taste and tradition:

Starters:
Melenzane parmigiana, caponata, peperonata, pumpkins in sweet and sour, eggplant cutlets, omelette with zucchini flowers, peppers stuffed with breadcrumbs, cheese, raisins and pine nuts.

First courses:
Pasta alla Norma: with tomato sauce and fried eggplant.
Pasta with macco: pasta with a sort of mashed fava beans
Pasta with broccoli arriminati (attention if there are anchovies)
Pasta alla carrettiera
Pasta alla Trapanese.
Pasta with sardines ... "Overboard."

Fast food:
Cardoons, artichokes and broccoli in the batter.
Bread with Panelle and crocchè.
Sfincione (attention to the anchovy).
Arancine with and spinach (not to be misled by those known as "butter" because it contains ham too), mini pizzas.

Seconds:
Vegetarian pizza, vegetable couscous.

Desserts:
All non-fried in lard. Cassata, cassatina, Gelo di Mellone , ice-cream and slush.


There are many places where you can find all these beautiful varieties.
At our favorite restaurant "L'Antica trattoria al Monsù", they make a good Pasta alla Norma and a fantastic caponata.
A vegetarian restaurant that now prepare dishes with meat and fish (so is ok for all) is "Il Mirto e la rosa".
As for the fast food of Palermo, the city is full, simply appoint "L' Antica focacceria San Francesco", "Franco u Vastiddaru", "Nino u ballerinu", "the cuochini", etc.
Those who love the fruit, can go the fruit kiosk at Cala.
For sweets and ice cream, the choice is very wide.