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Italian Parsley

Appetizers, Bread, Italian, Lactose Free, Recipes, Sandwiches, Side Dishes, Summertime Meal, Vegan, Vegetarian, Veggies

Artichoke Bruschetta with Capers & Tomatoes

August 11, 2024

Bruschetta! If there’s a simple way to enjoy juicy summer tomatoes this is it. This is a jazzed up version of the classic tomato and basil bruschetta with savory olives, capers and artichoke hearts. It’s one of the easiest and most delicious appetizers you can serve at your next summer gathering.

Use ripe and juicy tomatoes either cherry or larger ones diced into bite-size pieces. The key is to use good tomatoes and avoid those with mealy interiors.

All the ingredients are tossed in a bowl. Easy!

I highly recommend using good country bread and grilling it with a bit of olive oil. Grilled bread has a slightly smoky flavor and crispy browned edges that deliver the most delicious flavor.

These are seriously yummy toasts.

Artichoke Bruschetta with Capers & Cherry Tomatoes
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Artichoke Bruschetta with Capers & Cherry Tomatoes

Recipe by Kiyo
Servings

2-4

servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup coarsely chopped drained oil-packed artichoke hearts (such as Cara Mia Marinated Artichoke Hearts)

  • 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes or larger tomatoes, chopped

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

  • 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic (or to taste)

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped basil

  • 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped Italian parsley

  • 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped green olives

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion

  • 1 tablespoon brined capers, drained (coarsely chopped if capers are large)

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 4 slices sourdough or ciabatta, lightly brushed with olive oil, grilled or pan fried with olive oil until golden and crunchy

  • Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon

Directions

  • Toss together the artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, garlic, basil, parsley, olives, onion, and capers in a medium bowl. Season to taste with kosher salt and black pepper. Set aside while you grill the bread.
  • Turn your gas grill to high heat and allow to preheat for about 10 minutes. Brush olive oil on both sides of bread and grill, turning a few times until you have the desired grill marks and bread has a few charred marks. Remove bread to a plate and season with a few pinches of Maldon salt (if grilling is not an option, pan fry the bread brushed with olive oil, on both sides until golden and crunchy). Top with artichoke bruschetta and serve.

Notes

  • The artichoke bruschetta is equally delicious tossed with your favorite short pasta (farfalle, fusilli, cavatappi, penne) and served cold or at room temperature as a side dish.
Dinner, Dressing, Italian, Recipes, Salad, Side Dishes, Summertime Meal

Italian Style Iceberg Salad

July 17, 2024

Crispy iceberg lettuce, tangy pepperoncini, savory bits of salami and provolone cheese are the perfect combination for a delicious summery salad. It’s one that you can make ahead for company or pack up for your beachside picnic.

A little bit of mayonnaise is the special touch that makes this dressing extra luscious.

If you prep all the ingredients, which only takes 20 minutes, you can quickly assemble the salad just before you are ready to serve it.

This salad reminds me of how much I love iceberg lettuce. The crunchy layers of leaves are what makes this salad stand out. Add some pleasantly salty salami, cheese, olives, thinly sliced red onion for a little kick and dressing with a hint of oregano for one of the best salads ever.

Italian Style Iceberg Salad
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Italian Style Iceberg Salad

Recipe by Kiyo
Servings

4

servings

Ingredients

  • Dressing

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

  • 3 tablespoons champagne or white wine vinegar

  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon finely grated garlic

  • Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper

  • Salad

  • 1 small head iceberg lettuce

  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced into rings

  • 2 ounces provolone cheese, thinly sliced into strips

  • 1 ounce salami, thinly sliced into strips

  • Few sprigs of Italian parsley

  • 6- 8 pepperoncini, halved if large

  • Mixed pitted olives (optional)

Directions

  • Whisk oil, vinegar, mayonnaise, sugar, oregano, and garlic in a small bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Chill dressing in the refrigerator for a few hours.
  • Cut lettuce in half through stem end. Tear apart into large pieces. Arrange on a platter and scatter onion, cheese, salami and Italian parsley leaves over. Arrange pepperoncini and olives (if using) around the edge of the salad. Drizzle with some of the dressing and top with additional black pepper.

Notes

  • Dressing can be made up to 5 days in advance.
Bread, Dinner, Eggs, Fish, Italian, Lactose Free, Recipes, Sandwiches

Italian-Style Tuna Sandwich

August 29, 2021

Italian-Style Tuna Sandwich

We love all types of sandwiches but tuna is one of our favorites.  Whether it is tuna salad with mayonnaise, celery, onion and a dash of dried dill, or tuna in olive oil on John’s toasted sourdough, we enjoy all of them.  This particular version is a real treat.  A salsa verde made with Italian parsley, rich olives, briny capers and anchovy fillets plus zesty lemon and olive oil make this sandwich very special.  The salsa verde is refreshing and pairs well with the tuna and hard-boiled eggs.  This is truly a sandwich “to die for.”

Italian-Style Tuna Sandwich

Tuna in Olive Oil Selection

We buy all sorts of tuna in olive oil.  One of my favorites is As do Mar.  You can find this brand on line or in specialty stores, but I have never seen it in Hawaii markets.  Genova tuna is available at Costco for a very fair price.  Ortiz is another high-end tuna.  The small cans are perfect for two.  We used Ortiz tuna in the jar, above right, for this sandwich.  Beautiful thin tuna steaks are delicious.  You can find this item at Whole Foods in Kahului.  You will pay a dear price for this luxury item, but think of it as a treat that you deserve now and then.  

Italian Parsley from the Garden

We always have Italian parsley growing in the garden.  It is the herb I use most.  It’s great to be able to snip a few sprigs off the plant when you need them.  

Anchovies, Garlic, Lemon Zest, Olives & Capers

Ortiz tuna is top notch and so are their anchovies.  There is no comparison to the ones you might find at the grocery stores.  You can find Ortiz anchovies in the    R. Fields section at Foodland Farms in Wailuku.

Salsa Verde

The salsa verde is delicious and gorgeous.  If you have leftovers, mix it up with pasta shells to make a delicious salad.  Toss some good feta into the salad and you’re all set.

Italian-Style Tuna Sandwich

Be sure to serve the sandwich on good bread.

Italian-Style Tuna Sandwich

Italian-Style Tuna Sandwich
 
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Adapted from NYT Cooking
Author:
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • Salsa Verde: 1 cup lightly packed Italian parsley leaves, washed and dried
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium-large garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons roughly chopped green olives
  • 2 large anchovy fillets, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon capers, drained
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • pinch of crushed red pepper
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • Sandwiches: 2 ciabatta rolls or 1 small baguette
  • lettuce leaves or arugula
  • 6 ounces best quality tuna in olive oil, drained
  • 2 hard boiled eggs, halved
Preparation
  1. Whiz parsley leaves and ½ cup olive oil in a food processor or blender to a pesto-like consistency, then transfer to a small bowl. Add garlic, chopped olives, anchovies, capers, lemon zest and red pepper to parsley mixture. Stir well. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste. The olives, anchovies and capers are quite salty on their own so additional salt may not be needed.
  2. Split ciabatta rolls or baguette with a serrated knife. Spread cut sides with salsa verde. Put a few lettuce leaves on the bottom piece of the bread and arrange tuna evenly over the lettuce. Top with sliced hard-boiled eggs (salt and pepper each piece). Drizzle with more salsa verde then press sandwich closed. Cut baguette into two even portions and serve.

 

Dinner, Fish, Italian, Lactose Free, Recipes

Tuna Spaghetti with Green Olive Pesto

May 26, 2021

Tuna Spaghetti with Green Olive Pesto

This is a very tasty dish for those who enjoy a different style of pasta.  It is loaded with flavor thanks to the tuna in olive oil and green olive pesto.  It’s very easy to prepare, and you can even make the pesto in advance and freeze it.  This pesto is dairy free which is a plus for those of us who are lactose intolerant.  

Italian Parsley, Lemon, Almonds, Green Olives, Tuna in Olive Oil

Our local Costco now sells Genova tuna in olive oil so we stock up on it because it’s an excellent price to quality ratio.

Green Olive Pesto, Genova Tuna

The pesto ingredients get a quick whirl in the food processor and voila!  You’ll have a tasty olive pesto that is a nice change from a typical basil pesto.  Even if you choose not to use the tuna, the pesto is wonderful on pasta or slathered on grilled bread.   

Green Olive Pesto

Tuna Spaghetti with Green Olive Pesto

I used spaghetti for this recipe however you can use whatever pasta shape that suits you. 
Tuna Spaghetti with Green Olive Pesto

Tuna Spaghetti with Green Olive Pesto
 
Save Print
Adapted from Genova Seafood Recipe
Author:
Serves: 2 - 4
Ingredients
  • 2 cups lightly packed Italian parsley leaves
  • ½ cup pitted green olives (I use olives from Whole Foods olive bar)
  • ¼ (heaping) cup roasted unsalted or lightly salted almonds
  • ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest (more for serving, optional)
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • ½ teaspoon chili pepper flakes
  • ½ pound dried spaghetti
  • 1 7-ounce can Genova yellowfin tuna in olive oil, drained
Preparation
  1. Pesto: Place the parsley, olives, almonds, olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, chili flakes in a food processor. Process until a chunky paste forms, 15-20 seconds.
  2. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and transfer to a serving bowl. Add tuna to pasta. Toss in olive pesto until noodles are well coated. Serve warm or at room temperature with more lemon zest.

 

Dinner, Fruit, Gardening, Lactose Free, Recipes, Salad, Side Dishes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Avocado Salad with Herbs & Capers

March 26, 2021

Avocado Salad with Herbs & Capers

Now that it’s avocado season, we have been enjoying avocado sandwiches with cheddar, chunky guacamole, avocado toast, and avocado eggs Benedict.  The Green Gold tree in our back yard is a heavy bearer and the avocados are incredibly tasty.  So here we have a new addition to our ever expanding recipe file.  The tart dressing and herby flavors compliment the rich, velvety avocado slices.  This salad is a keeper.

Green Gold Avocados

The Green Gold avocado has to be one of the best varieties to grow in Hawaii (a cultivar developed by the University of Hawaii).  The trees are heavy bearers and produce beautiful fruit that are rich and creamy and known for their high oil content.  If you are thinking of planting an avocado tree I highly recommend seeking out the Green Gold.

Herb Dressing

The dressing is reminiscent of a chimichurri sauce. A good splash of red wine vinegar gives the right acidic touch to the herbs, jalapeño and garlic.

Green Gold Avocado, Green Onions, Jalapeño, Garlic, Cilantro & Parsley

The addition of a jalapeño makes for a nice pop of heat.  Since jalapeños vary in their level of spiciness, test the one you use and add more or less according to your taste.  If you don’t have one, sprinkle in some red chili flakes.  You could even use pickled jalapeños if you have those in your refrigerator.

Avocado Salad with Herbs, Capers & Grilled Sourdough Bread

My favorite way to serve this salad is with good, crusty grilled sourdough bread.  Drizzle some of the dressing onto the grilled bread, or scoop some of the avocado salad onto the bread.  Delicious.

Avocado Salad with Herbs, Capers & Grilled Sourdough Bread

Avocado Salad with Herbs & Capers
 
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Adapted from NYT Cooking
Author:
Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 1 medium bunch cilantro
  • 1 medium bunch Italian parsley
  • 2 scallions, very finely chopped
  • 1 medium garlic clove, finely grated or minced
  • 1 small or ½ medium jalapeño, seeded and very finely chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 medium avocados, peeled, pitted and sliced
  • 2 teaspoons capers, drained
  • Maldon sea salt or other flaky salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
Preparation
  1. Reserve ½ cup of both whole cilantro leaves and parsley leaves. Finely chop the rest of the leaves and transfer to a medium bowl. Add scallions, garlic, jalapeños, salt and vinegar. Stir in oil. Taste and add more salt, vinegar or both if needed.
  2. Scatter the reserved whole cilantro and parsley leaves over two serving plates. Fan the avocado slices over the top, and sprinkle lightly with salt to taste. Spoon herb dressing over the avocado slices, making sure to include the oil in the bowl (you may not use all of the dressing), and top with the capers. Sprinkle with Maldon sea salt and pepper. Serve with crusty grilled sourdough bread brushed with olive oil.

 

 

Dinner, Lactose Free, Potato Salad, Recipes, Salad, Side Dishes

Julia’s American-Style Potato Salad

July 25, 2020

Julia's American-Style Potato Salad

This American-Style Potato Salad recipe that comes from Julia Child is everything a potato salad should be.  Creamy potatoes, savory bits of bacon, hard boiled eggs, celery and onions.  A few tablespoons of sour cream add a zingy flavor.  It’s a dish that will appeal to everyone who loves a good potato salad.

Yukon Gold Potatoes

Yukon Gold potatoes are the best option for this salad.  Tender and creamy, they hold their shape very well. They are the potatoes I use most often.

Crispy Bacon, Hard Boiled Eggs, Chopped Pickles, Onion and Celery + Parsley & Chives

Julia's American-Style Potato Salad

The cooked potatoes soak up a cider vinegar and chicken broth (or potato water) bath before the other ingredients are mixed in.  The potatoes are luxuriously creamy when prepared this way.

Julia's American-Style Potato Salad with Ahi Burger

I save a bit of bacon, chives, and sometimes a tablespoon of chopped hard boiled egg to sprinkle over the top of the salad just before serving.  Mahalo Julia for another great recipe that will be a regular feature on my menus.

Julia's American-Style Potato Salad

Julia's American-Style Potato Salad
 
Save Print
Adapted from Julia Child's recipe
Author:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 2 pounds medium-sized Yukon Gold potatoes (try to select potatoes that are similar in size)
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons chicken broth or potato cooking water
  • ½ cup finely chopped sweet onion
  • ½ cup finely chopped celery
  • 4 slices crispy cooked bacon, chopped or crumbled
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped pickle, sweet or dill
  • 3 hard boiled eggs, peeled and sliced thin
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped Italian parsley
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • ⅔ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons lactose free sour cream (or regular sour cream)
  • *If you want to top the salad with some bacon and diced hard boiled egg before serving reserve ½ hard boiled egg and a tablespoon of chopped bacon.
Preparation
  1. Peel the potatoes and cut into ⅓-inch thick slices. Cut each slice into a half-round or quarter-round slices depending on how large your potatoes are. Place potatoes in a large saucepan with water just to cover. Add 1½ teaspoons salt. Heat to a simmer, and cook potatoes for about 6 minutes, or until just cooked through. Test for doneness after cooking for 5 minutes. If the potatoes need more time continue to cook and test after each additional minute to ensure they do not overcook. Immediately remove from the heat and drain potatoes in a colander (save 2 tablespoons of cooking water). Once drained, transfer potatoes to a large, wide bowl. Stir the cider vinegar and chicken broth (or potato water) together. Drizzle over the potatoe pieces. Gently toss potatoes with a thin spatula. Let potatoes sit for about 20 minutes to absorb the liquid, tossing once or twice during that time.
  2. Add the prepared onion, celery, bacon, pickle, hard boiled eggs, chives and parsley. Whisk the mayonnaise and sour cream together. Stir in the mayonnaise mixture and gently fold everything together. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Sprinkle chopped bacon and hard boiled egg over the top before serving (optional).

 

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