I know it is the end of Summer, but here in San Francisco, as the fog disappears, we get our Indian Summer. So, we are still thinking about grilling. I want to share with you some of my favorite Italian grilling recipes.
So get out your pen and paper to make your grocery list for the best barbeque Italian-style! We are going to make what is probably the most famous dish in Florence – La Bistecca alla Fiorentina. This is a big, I mean really big, steak. Traditionally, it is 3” thick, grilled rare and shared by 2+ people. Here you will learn just how to grill it to perfection – even the Fiorentini would love it.
Next, we’ll grill up some seasonal vegetables – red peppers, zucchini and tropea onions. I know, I know, by this time of the year you have had zucchini up to here, but you’ll love this recipe. When I prepared these dishes for the photo shoot, our friend, who is a foodie from New Orleans, said it was the best ever. So, give the zucchini one more try.
Another favorite summer dish from Florence is the Panzanella Salad. If you think you’ve had Panzanella before, unless you were in Italy, then you have not had Panzanella. No croutons! It is not easy to prepare it the Italian way, but I have experimented and have come up with a great solution you’ll love. What’s great about it is, not only is it fresh and just tastes like summer, but you can make it ahead and just watch while you husband does the grilling! Better yet, have a glass of wine!
Grilling on the backyard BBQ brings back lots of great memories of family get togethers and fun times. Creating memories like this, sharing a meal with family and friends, and enjoying each others’ company is something really important – here and in Italy. Let’s keep that tradition going! Buon Appetito!
Recipes:
La Bistecca alla Fiorentina
Massimo’s Grilled Red Peppers
Massimo’s Grilled Zucchini
Massimo’s Grilled Onions
Panzanella Salad