Italian Recipes

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 finely chopped sweet onion
• 6 zucchinis, peeled, chopped
• Salt and ground pepper
• 4 cups chicken stock/ canned broth
• ¼ cup cream
• 2 tbsp fresh oregano, finely chopped

Directions:

Heat some olive oil in a large plan under medium heat. Add up the onion, stir until they get soft. Follow up the zucchinis along with some pepper and salt. Cook them altogether until they reach the color of golden brown. This would take about 5 minutes.

Bring to a simmer the stock and oregano. Cover and wait until the veggies are tender that would last for about 15 minutes. After which, you can already take away the pot from the stove.

Using a blender, puree the soup in tiny portions until they are completely smooth. Pour it all back in the pot, add the cream and let it simmer for a couple of more time. Add some pepper and salt if you like.

This soup is served best immediately but can also be stored in the refrigerator and reheated.

Photo via flickr.com

Zucchine Trifolate
Serving salad is the best way to start a meal. It’s easy, healthy and something that everyone enjoys. Go ahead and make it interesting. Make it an encouragement for everyone to try eating healthier food.

Courgettes, sautéed with olive oil, garlic and parsley

700 g (1 2/3 lb) courgettes (zucchini)
1-2 cloves of garlic
Bunch of fresh parsley
8 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Chilli pepper, if you like
Salt

Trim the ends of courgettes, wash under running water and cut into slices crossways. Put olive oil, chilli pepper and garlic cloves in a non-stick frying pan; fry lightly garlic until it becomes golden and then remove it and add courgettes slices. Keep on cooking, covered, over a fierce heat, stirring now and then.
Meanwhile clean, wash and chop parsley. At the end of cooking, season to taste with salt and add parsley. Switch off the gas.
Serve hot or warm.

Who says you can only have Italian on special occasions? This recipe will only take you 30 minutes maximum.

Ingredients
U.S. Metric Conversion chart
1 pound(s) fresh or frozen gnocchi
2 tablespoon(s) butter
2 medium shallots, chopped
1 pound(s) zucchini (about 3 small), very thinly sliced lengthwise
1 pound(s) cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
1/4 teaspoon(s) grated nutmeg
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/2 cup(s) grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup(s) chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1.Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Cook gnocchi according to package instructions until they float, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain.
2.Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until the butter is beginning to brown, about 2 minutes. Add shallots and zucchini and cook, stirring often, until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add cherry tomatoes, salt, nutmeg and pepper and continue cooking, stirring often, until the tomatoes are just starting to break down, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and parsley. Add gnocchi and toss to coat. Serve immediately.