Riccardo’s Sicilian Cookbook Vol. I-40
Buon Giorno! I would like to take this time if I may, to celebrate and reflect. But more important I want to also take this time to thank The Baltimore Press for allowing me the opportunity to not only share my heritage and culinary talents but my philosophical views as well. My column, which started as a dream is now into it's fortieth week, hence my celebration.
I also want to thank the many readers for their requests and comments especially those of encouragement to continue the sharing of the Sicilian heritage and our cuisine.
We all have a tendency to wait for that special day to celebrate a friend's or love one's birthday or a holiday of some sort, be it religious or otherwise. Not that I do not honour those holidays, which are to some, expected, but I rather enjoy those occasions when one least expects a gift or flowers. That special moment to be cherished, when the recipient asks, What's this for? And then that moment when you say, "Just because you are special"! That is the moment that truly speaks volumes.
In a few weeks I will be journeying to Sicily not only to seek out more Epicurean dishes but also for diplomatic mission. That mission will be to make Marsala "Sister City" with Annapolis, a mission that I will be proud to undertake.
Also I will be sharing this trip with my son Andrea who is very interested in his Sicilian heritage. Not to disappoint anyone, this column will be continued from Sicily. I will be looking forward to sending not only special recipes but about the trip as well.
I have an aunt, who is 94 years old, who can not wait to see my son, it has been thirteen years since she has seen him. I can only imagine the stories she will tell me. At any rate, I am sure my report to you from Sicily will be quite extensive and in depth.
For the moment without further ado, this week's recipe:
Tonno alla Gioia Mia Vol. I-40
Serving Size: 4 Preparation Time:0:35
Ingredients
- 6 dried tomatoes, in olive oil -- marinated, diced
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon herbs de provence*
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds*
- 1 teaspoon thyme*
- 2 medium chili peppers* -- dried
- 7 medium garlic cloves -- minced
- 1 can (2oz) anchovy fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive paste (black)
- 1 can (8oz) straw mushrooms, w/liquid
- 1 can (14.5oz) stewed tomatoes, It. style
- 1 can (14.5oz) diced tomatoes, Zesty
- 1 can (28oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3/4 pound mixed vegetables, frozen
- 1/2 cup white wine, Sicilian
- 2 6 ounce cans tuna in olive oil
- 1 pound lumache pasta **, Poiatti brand
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
*herbs & spices to be grounded roughly with mortar & pestle or small electric grinder...caution, dust is very powerful.
the use of short pasta incorporates sauce better
Technique
In a large 12/14" deep frying pan add olive oil, dried tomatoes, herbs and spices. add garlic, olive paste and anchovies, sauté for two minutes (note :anchovies will disolve). Add all tomatoes, mushrooms and mixed vegetables, mix well, cook for 15 minutes, add wine and tuna and cook ten more minutes.
While tuna sauce is cooking, in 4qt. pot bring to a rapid boil water, add pasta and stir well. When water comes to second boil, add sea salt. Cook to "al dente". Drain and put into large pasta bowl and ladle in sauce to desired amount.
Serve on warmed dinner plates. Garnish with fresh Italian parsley
AND...do not forget the candles! Enjoy!
...flowers as well would do.
Suggested Wine: Corvo Bianco
Serving Ideas: Warmed Italian bread
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