Mediterranean Orzo

Mediterranean Orzo

I think orzo is underrated. It cooks really fast and acts and taste just like regular pasta, which means its absorbs any of the goodness you add to it. I also think it’s really versatile, which means it doesn’t have to be just Italian. That being said, I made a super simple Mediterranean Orzo with …

Oil n’ Garlic Spaghetti with Caramelized Onions & Parmesan

Oil n’ Garlic Spaghetti with Caramelized Onions & Parmesan

I think if someone asked me what my favorite simple pasta dish was I’d probably say Oil n’ Garlic (or vodka or pesto or pink sauce, etc etc..EVERYTHING). No, but really – I love Oil n’Garlic pasta. It’s garlicky, and smooth and when topped with parmigiana cheese -adds just the right amount of salt. One …

Chile Relleno

Chile Relleno

A lot of what I make is based on what’s good in the grocery store that day. Earlier this weekend, I went to the grocery store just to get 2 items. But of course, I cam out with 5 bags full of unnecessary (but very necessary) items. I found some beautiful fresh Poblanos and instantly …

Eggplant Rollatini with Spinach Pesto

Eggplant Rollatini with Spinach Pesto

This past Christmas we decided to relax at home and I cooked up a vegetarian Italian feast! I decided to make Eggplant Rollatini as the main dish, but of course with a twist. I first made a homemade marinara sauce using San Marzano crushed tomatoes the night before. I spiced up the traditional ricotta filling …

Garlicky Broccoli & Brussel Sprouts with Almonds

Garlicky Broccoli & Brussel Sprouts with Almonds

I love green vegetables (how can I not, I’m vegetarian!). I specifically loveee broccoli, spinach, brussel sprouts, asparagus, etc etc ETC. I had some fresh broccoli and brussel sprouts on hand, so I decided to combine them. Below is a super simple and fast side dish you can put together if you have these veggies …

Burrata with Truffled Cherry Tomato-Basil Salad

Burrata with Truffled Cherry Tomato-Basil Salad

Does this really need an introduction? Burrata with Truffled Cherry Tomato-Basil Salad: 1 fresh burrata cheese – good quality burrata is now available at Costco (Whole Foods sells the same brand) 1 box fresh cherry tomatoes – can be any size box, no real measurements here a hefty handful of fresh basil black pepper salt …

Stuffed Italian Hot Peppers

Stuffed Italian Hot Peppers

There are a lot of vegetables that are overlooked, especially when it comes to vegetables used in Italian cooking. My family (especially my dad) have always loved long Italian hot peppers – they’re usually offered at Italian restaurants in Staten Island. This Christmas when we decided to cook an Italian feast I decided I’d make …

Rose Red Velvet Cake Truffles with Cardamom-Chocolate Ganache

Rose Red Velvet Cake Truffles with Cardamom-Chocolate Ganache

I don’t think these need much of an introduction, but just picture moist red velvet cake flavored with the delicate flavors of rose and en-robed in rich cardamom chocolate ganache. Yeah. Trust me, even those who don’t like “exotic flavors” (hate those people), will love these. Perfect for Holiday parties! I actually made these for …

Spicy Veggie Quesadilla with Roasted Pepper Crema

Spicy Veggie Quesadilla with Roasted Pepper Crema

It was Mexican night at the Naik household this past weekend! We wanted something simple yet satisfying, and of course I just worked with ingredients that we already had on hand – was not about to venture out in the freezing cold for some nachos ya know. We decided on Quesadillas since we had a …

Open Faced Paneer Sandwich with Avocado Cream & Pomegranate

Open Faced Paneer Sandwich with Avocado Cream & Pomegranate

        We had a little family gathering this weekend, and instead of making the usual appetizers, I decided to create something with food/ingredients that we already had in the house. The day before my mom had made an Indo-Chinese paneer manchurian, and we had tons of leftover. I also noticed that we …