Tomato Soup with Pancetta

Cook Time: 25 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 6 servings


Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 ounces pancetta, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
3 (3/4-inch-thick) slices rustic rye bread (each about 5 3/4 by 3 3/4 inches), cubed
6 cups canned low-salt chicken broth
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup mascarpone cheese
1/4 cup sour cream


Directions

Heat the oil in a heavy large pot over medium heat. Add the pancetta and saute until crisp and golden, about 5 minutes. Add the onion and saute until tender, about 3 minutes. Add the bread and toss to coat with the pan drippings. Saute until the bread is crisp and golden, about 5 minutes. Add the broth, tomatoes, basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until the flavors blend, about 10 minutes. Season soup with salt and pepper.


Stir the mascarpone and sour cream in a small bowl to blend. Ladle the soup into bowls. Spoon a dollop of the mascarpone mixture atop the soup and serve.

From: foodnetwork.com

Pasta e Fagioli

Cook Time: 30 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 6 servings


Ingredients

4 sprigs fresh thyme
1 large sprig fresh rosemary
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup chopped onion
3 ounces pancetta, chopped
2 teaspoons minced garlic
5 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 (14.5-ounce) cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
3/4 cup elbow macaroni
Freshly ground black pepper
Pinch red pepper flakes, optional
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil


Directions

Wrap the thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf in a piece of cheesecloth and secure closed with kitchen twine. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter in a heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, pancetta, and garlic and saute until the onion is tender, about 3 minutes. Add the broth, beans, and sachet of herbs. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat, then decrease the heat to medium and simmer until the vegetables are very tender, about 10 minutes. Discard the sachet. Puree 1 cup of the bean mixture in a blender until smooth*. Before putting the puree back into the soup, add the macaroni and boil with the lid on until it is tender but still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Return the puree to the remaining soup in the saucepan and stir well. Season the soup with ground black pepper and red pepper flakes.


Ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle with some Parmesan and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil just before serving.


*When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.

From: foodnetwork.com

Penne with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes (Spring)

Cook Time: 10 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

8 ounces penne pasta
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 pounds thin asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups (about 9 ounces) cherry tomatoes
1 cup shelled fresh peas
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock
1 cup grated Parmesan
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the
pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring
occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about
1/2 cup of the pasta water.

In a large saute pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the
garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the asparagus,
season with the salt and pepper, and cook for 3 minutes until slightly
soft. Add the cherry tomatoes and peas. Cook for 2 minutes. Pour the
chicken stock into the pan and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook
until the tomatoes start to burst and the stock is reduced by half,
about 3 minutes.

Transfer the asparagus mixture to a large serving bowl. Add the cooked
pasta and 1/2 of the Parmesan. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water,
if needed, to loosen the pasta. Garnish with the remaining Parmesan
and chopped basil.

From: foodnetwork.com

Tuscan White Bean and Garlic Soup

Cook Time: 10 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 4 to 6 servings (8 cups)

Ingredients

* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 2 shallots, chopped
* 1 sage leaf
* 2 (15-ounce) cans cannelloni beans, drained and rinsed
* 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
* 4 cloves garlic, cut in 1/2
* 1/2 cup cream
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 6 slices ciabatta bread
* Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Directions

Place a medium, heavy soup pot over medium heat. Add the butter, olive
oil, and shallot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shallots are
softened, about 5 minutes. Add the sage and beans and stir to combine.
Add the stock and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the garlic and
simmer until the garlic is softened, about 10 minutes. Pour the soup
into a large bowl. Carefully ladle 1/3 to 1/2 of the soup into a
blender and puree until smooth. Be careful to hold the top of the
blender tightly, as hot liquids expand when they are blended. Pour the
blended soup back into the soup pan. Puree the remaining soup. Once
all the soup is blended and back in the soup pan, add the cream and
the pepper Keep warm, covered, over very low heat.

Place a grill pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle the slices of
ciabatta bread with extra-virgin olive oil. Grill the bread until warm
and golden grill marks appear, about 3 minutes a side. Serve the soup
in bowls with the grilled bread alongside.

From: foodnetwork.com

Halibut in Artichoke and Tomato Broth

Cook Time: 15 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

* 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus 3 tablespoons
* 4 (6-ounce) halibut fillets
* 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning fish
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning fish
* 2 shallots, sliced into thin rounds
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 pound frozen artichokes, thawed
* 1/2 cup white wine
* 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
* 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
* 1/2 teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves

Directions

Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the halibut and season with
salt and pepper. Heat a grill pan over high heat. Cook the fish on the
grill pan until just cooked through, about 4 minutes per side,
depending on thickness.

In a medium saucepan, heat the 3 tablespoons of olive oil over
medium-high heat. Add the shallots and cook for 1 minute. Add the
garlic and artichokes and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
Add the white wine and stir, scraping the brown bits off the bottom of
the pan with a wooden spoon. Add the chicken broth, tomatoes and
juice, thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Bring to a
simmer.

Ladle the artichoke and tomato broth into shallow bowls. Top with the
grilled halibut. Serve immediately.

From: foodnetwork.com

Garlic and Citrus Chicken

Cook Time: 1 hr 50 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

* 1 (5 to 6-pound) whole roasting chicken, neck and giblets discarded
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 1 orange, quartered
* 1 lemon, quartered
* 1 head garlic, halved crosswise, plus 3 garlic cloves, chopped
* 2 (14-ounce) cans reduced-sodium chicken broth
* 1/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
* 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves
* Kitchen string or butcher twine

Directions

Position the rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F.

Pat the chicken dry and sprinkle the cavity with salt and pepper.
Stuff the cavity with the orange, lemon, and garlic halves. Tie the
chicken legs together with kitchen string to help hold its shape.
Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper.

Place a rack in a large roasting pan. Place the chicken, breast side
up, on the rack in the pan. Roast the chicken for 1 hour, basting
occasionally and adding some chicken broth to the pan, if necessary,
to prevent the pan drippings from burning. Whisk the orange juice,
lemon juice, oil, oregano, and chopped garlic in a medium bowl to
blend. Brush some of the juice mixture over the chicken, after it has
baked 1 hour. Continue roasting the chicken until an instant-read meat
thermometer inserted into the innermost part of the thigh registers
170 degrees F, basting occasionally with the juice mixture and adding
broth to the pan, about 45 minutes longer. Transfer the chicken to a
platter. Tent with foil while making the sauce (do not clean the pan).

Place the same roasting pan over medium-low heat. Whisk in any
remaining broth and simmer until the sauce is reduced to 1 cup,
stirring often, about 3 minutes. Strain into a 2-cup glass measuring
cup and discard the solids. Spoon the fat from the top of the sauce.
Serve the chicken with the pan sauce.

From: foodnetwork.com

Orecchiette with Mini Chicken Meatballs

Cook Time: 10 min
Level: Intermediate
Yield: 4 to 6 servings (about 60 mini meatballs)

Ingredients

* 1 pound orecchiette pasta
* 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 1 tablespoon whole milk
* 1 tablespoon ketchup
* 3/4 cup grated Romano
* 3/4 teaspoon salt
* 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 1 pound ground chicken
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock, hot
* 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
* 8 ounces bocconcini mozzarella, halved
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the
pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring
occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes.

In a medium bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, parsley, eggs, milk,
ketchup, Romano cheese, and the salt and pepper. Add the chicken and
gently stir to combine.

Using a melon baller (or a teaspoon measure), form the chicken mixture
into 3/4-inch pieces. With damp hands, roll the chicken pieces into
mini meatballs.

In a large (14-inch) skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
Working in batches, add the meatballs and cook without moving until
brown on the bottom, about 2 minutes. Turn the meatballs over and
brown the other side, about 2 minutes longer. Add the chicken stock
and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Using a wooden spoon, scrape up the
brown bits that cling to the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to low and
simmer until tomatoes are soft and meatballs are cooked through, about
5 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.
Transfer pasta to a large serving bowl and add the Parmesan. Toss to
lightly coat orecchiette, adding reserved pasta water, if needed, to
loosen the pasta. Add the meatball mixture, mozzarella cheese, and 1/2
cup of the basil. Gently toss to combine. Garnish with the chopped
basil.

From: foodnetwork.com

Lentil Soup

Cook Time: 1 hour
Level: Easy
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

* 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 garlic cloves, chopped
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes
* 1 pound lentils (approximately 1 1/4 cups)
* 11 cups low-salt chicken broth
* 4 to 6 fresh thyme sprigs
* 2/3 cup dried elbow pasta
* 1 cup shredded Parmesan

Directions

Heat the oil in a heavy large pot over medium heat. Add the onion,
carrots, and celery. Add the garlic, salt, and pepper and saute until
all the vegetables are tender, about 5 to 8 minutes. Add the tomatoes
with their juices. Simmer until the juices evaporate a little and the
tomatoes break down, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes. Add the
lentils and mix to coat. Add the broth and stir. Add the thyme sprigs.
Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover and simmer over low heat until
the lentils are almost tender, about 30 minutes.

Stir in the pasta. Simmer until the pasta is tender but still firm to
the bite, about 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle with the Parmesan, drizzle with
olive oil, and serve.

Gorgonzola and Porcini Mushroom Risotto

Cook Time: 25 min
Level: Intermediate
Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

* 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
* 1 1/2 ounces dried porcini mushrooms
* 3 tablespoons butter
* 1 medium onion, diced
* 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
* 1/2 cup dry white wine
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
* 3/4 cup (3 ounces) Gorgonzola, crumbled
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
* 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

In a medium saucepan, bring the stock to a boil over medium-high heat.
Add the porcini mushrooms. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside
for 30 minutes until the mushrooms are tender. Using a slotted spoon,
remove the mushrooms and set aside.

Reheat the stock to a simmer and keep warm over low heat.

In a large, heavy saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over
medium-high heat. Add the onion and mushrooms and cook until the
onions are tender but not brown, about 3 minutes. Add the rice and
stir to coat with the butter. Add the wine and simmer until the wine
has almost evaporated, about 3 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of warm stock and
stir until almost completely absorbed, about 2 minutes. Continue with
remaining stock, adding 1/2 cup at a time, and allowing each addition
to be absorbed, until the rice is tender to the bite and the mixture
is creamy, about 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir
in the Parmesan, Gorgonzola, chives, salt and pepper. Transfer the
risotto to a serving bowl. Serve immediately.

Chicken Stew

Cook Time: 35 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 stalks celery, cut into bite-size pieces
* 1 carrot, peeled, cut into bite-size pieces
* 1 small onion, chopped
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can chopped tomatoes
* 1 (14-ounce) can low-salt chicken broth
* 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces
* 1 tablespoon tomato paste
* 1 bay leaf
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
* 2 chicken breast with ribs (about 1 1/2 pounds total)
* 1 (15-ounce) can organic kidney beans, drained (rinsed if not organic)
* Serving suggestion: crusty bread

Directions

Heat the oil in a heavy 5 1/2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the
celery, carrot, and onion. Saute the vegetables until the onion is
translucent, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Stir in the tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, basil, tomato
paste, bay leaf, and thyme. Add the chicken breasts; press to
submerge.

Bring the cooking liquid to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low
and simmer gently uncovered until the chicken is almost cooked
through, turning the chicken breasts over and stirring the mixture
occasionally, about 25 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the chicken
breasts to a work surface and cool for 5 minutes. Discard the bay
leaf. Add the kidney beans to the pot and simmer until the liquid has
reduced into a stew consistency, about 10 minutes.

Discard the skin and bones from the chicken breasts. Shred or cut the
chicken into bite- size pieces. Return the chicken meat to the stew.
Bring the stew just to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper, to
taste.

Ladle the stew into serving bowls and serve with the bread.

Cheese Tortellini in Light Broth

Cook Time: 20 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

* 8 cups low-salt chicken broth
* Freshly ground black pepper
* 2 (9-ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves

Directions

Pour the broth into a heavy large saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil
over high heat. Season the broth with pepper, to taste. Add the
tortellini. Simmer over medium heat until al dente, about 7 minutes.

Ladle the broth and tortellini into soup bowls. Top with parsley and
Parmesan crisps and serve.

Parmesan Crisps:

Yield: 8 to 10 crisps

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Pour a heaping tablespoon of Parmesan onto a silicone or parchment
lined baking sheet and lightly pat down. A silicone baking sheet is
highly recommended. Repeat with the remaining cheese, spacing the
spoonfuls about a 1/2 inch apart.

Bake for 3 to 5 minutes or until golden and crisp. Cool.

Veronica's Veggie Meatloaf with Checca Sauce

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 min
Level: Intermediate
yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

Checca Sauce:

* 1 pint cherry tomatoes (about 2 cups, or 12 ounces), halved
* 3 scallions (white and pale green parts only), coarsely chopped
* 3 cloves garlic, chopped
* 8 fresh basil leaves
* 3 tablespoons olive oil
* Pinch salt
* Pinch freshly ground black pepper

Lentil Loaf:

* 3/4 cup lentils (about 5 ounces)
* 3 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth
* 1 cup uncooked short-grain brown rice, rinsed well
* 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
* 1/2 cup shredded carrots
* 1 celery rib, sliced
* 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
* 2 tablespoons butter, divided
* 10 ounces fresh baby spinach leaves (about 4 cups)
* 1 1/2 cups cubed whole milk mozzarella cheese, divided (about 8
ounces total)
* 2 eggs, lightly beaten
* 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus 2 tablespoons
* 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 1 tomato, sliced

Directions

For the Checca Sauce: Combine the cherry tomatoes, scallions, garlic,
basil, and oil in a processor. Pulse the tomatoes until they are
coarsely chopped, being careful not to puree. Set aside. Season the
sauce with salt and pepper.

For the Lentil Loaf: Place the lentils in a large saucepan of cold
water. Bring the water just to a boil over high heat. Carefully drain
the boiling water and rinse the lentils. Meanwhile, in a heavy large
saucepan over medium heat, bring the broth to a boil. Add the rice and
return the liquid to a boil. Decrease the heat to low, cover the rice,
and gently simmer without stirring for 10 minutes. Stir in the
lentils, onion, carrot, and celery. Cover and continue cooking without
stirring until the rice and lentils are tender and the liquid is
absorbed, about 30 minutes longer. Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the
corn over the rice and lentils and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
Uncover and fluff the rice with a fork. Cover and let stand for 5 more
minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Spread 1 tablespoon of the butter over a 10 by 4 1/2 by 3-inch loaf
pan. In a heavy, large skillet, cook the spinach over medium heat
until the spinach wilts, about 3 minutes. Drain and squeeze the excess
liquid from the spinach. Transfer the spinach to a work surface and
coarsely chop.

In a large bowl, gently mix the lentil mixture, spinach, 1 cup of the
mozzarella cheese, eggs, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, basil, salt,
pepper, and half of the checca sauce. Spoon the mixture into the
prepared pan. Arrange the sliced tomatoes in a row over the lentil
mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and
2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese. Dot the top with the remaining 1
tablespoon of butter.

Bake uncovered until the loaf is heated through and the topping is
melted and starting to brown, about 30 minutes. Let cool for 15
minutes. Slice the loaf into 2-inch slices, arrange on plates, and
serve with the remaining checca sauce.

From: foodnetwork.com

Champagne Risotto

Cook Time: 35 min
Level: Intermediate
Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

* 4 thin slices prosciutto
* 3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
* 12 asparagus spears, cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces
* 2 tablespoons butter, divided
* 1 shallot, finely chopped
* 3/4 cup Arborio rice or medium-grain white rice
* 3/4 cup Champagne
* 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

Place the slices of prosciutto on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake
until the prosciutto slices are almost completely crisp, about 6 to 8
minutes. The slices will crisp up even more as they cool. Reserve for
garnish.

In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Reduce heat
to a simmer. Blanch the asparagus in the chicken stock for 2 minutes.
Remove the asparagus with a slotted spoon. Set the asparagus aside and
keep the chicken stock at a low simmer.

In another medium saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter. Add the
shallot and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Add the Arborio rice
and stir to coat in the butter. Continue toasting the rice, stirring
constantly, for about 3 minutes more. Add the Champagne and simmer
until the liquid has almost evaporated, about 3 minutes. Add 1/2 cup
of the simmering broth and stir until almost completely absorbed,
about 2 minutes. Continue cooking the rice, adding the broth 1/2 cup
at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition of broth to
absorb before adding the next, until the rice is tender but still firm
to the bite and the mixture is creamy, about 20 minutes total. Remove
from the heat. Gently stir in the asparagus, remaining butter,
Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Spoon the risotto into serving dishes and
garnish by breaking the crisp prosciutto into smaller pieces over the
top of the risotto. Serve immediately.

From: foodnetwork.com

Dirty Risotto

Ingredients

5 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
2 ounces pancetta, chopped
1 link (about 6 ounces) spicy Italian sausage, casing removed
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
4 ounces button mushrooms, coarsely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups Arborio rice or medium-grain white rice
3/4 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves


Directions

In a medium saucepan, bring the broth to a simmer. Cover the broth and keep warm over low heat.

In a large heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the pancetta and sausage and saute until golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Add the onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms and saute until tender, scraping up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan, about 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Add the rice and stir to coat. Add the wine and simmer until the wine has almost completely evaporated, about 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup of simmering broth and stir until almost completely absorbed, about 2 minutes.

Continue cooking the rice, adding the broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly and allowing each addition of broth to absorb before adding the next, until the rice is tender but still firm to the bite and the mixture is creamy, about 25 to 30 minutes total. Remove from the heat.

Stir in 3/4 of the Parmesan. Transfer the risotto to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with the parsley and remaining Parmesan and serve immediately.

From: food network