What my Sardinian MIL Cooked for Lunch This Week
From Linguine Alle Vongole to Succulent Sardinian Stewed Rabbit, Here's What's Cooking in the Sardinian Blue Zone This Week
Monday: Linguine Alle Vongole
We always have pasta on Mondays and today’s pick was the quintessential Italian coastal cuisine, Lingiune Alle Vongole.
Tuesday: Skirt Steak & Potato Puree
Being perfectly honest, as an American, the skirt steak is not my favorite, but it’s a quick and easy meal to prepare. Seasoned with just salt, parsley and garlic, the steak pairs well with a buttery potato puree.
Wednesday: Penne Pasta with Salmon & Cream
Pasta with cream and salmon (or alternatively imitation crab) is an Italian classic and it’s super easy to prepare.
To make it: While your pasta is cooking, heat up some garlic (add shallots too if you like them) in some olive oil, once the garlic is browned, remove it and add the smoked salmon until cooked. Set this aside in a bowl and add heavy cream (panna in italian) and mix well. Add a bit of the cooking water from the pasta and then add your drained pasta and mix. Top with parsley and black pepper.
Thursday: Artichoke Minestra
A traditional seasonal soup in Sardinia. We use Sardinian Spiky Artichokes here, but you can make this soup using canned artichoke hearts.
Friday: Grilled Salmon
Every Friday we have fish. Usually my MIL makes a white mediterranean fish, either Orata or Spigola for us, but sometimes she prepares salmon for me and my son since we prefer it. Making the salmon is simple, it’s breaded in breadcrumbs, parsley, and salt and pepper and then pan grilled.
Saturday: Tortellini al Sugo
Saturdays are usually a heavier pasta, this time tortellini. And yes, it’s store-bought. You can find the recipe for the sauce here: Nonna's Sugo
Sunday: Braised Rabbit
For Sunday lunch we had Sardinian stewed rabbit, also known as coniglio a’ succhittu, as well as fresh tomatoes and homemade marinated artichokes. The recipe for homemade marinated artichokes is in the works! But you can find the recipe for the stewed rabbit here: Sardinian Rabbit Recipe
I'm struck by how simple the plates are. The Steak with just a small amount of potatoes. My american brain thinks it's missing another scoop of potatoes and something green!
Yum! Makes me miss my Italian MiL cooking for me!