Chickpeas and Pasta with Herbs and Anchovies

Ingredients Pasta and Base 450g (1 pound) cavatelli, orecchiette, or ditalini pasta Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 60ml (¼ cup) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving Flavor Components 8-10 oil-packed anchovy fillets, roughly chopped (or vegetarian substitute - see notes) 4 medium garlic cloves, thinly sliced 30ml (2 tablespoons) chopped fresh sage 30ml (2 tablespoons) minced fresh rosemary Chickpeas Two 440g (15½-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained 120ml (½ cup) reserved chickpea liquid (aquafaba) Finishing 1-2ml (¼ to ½ teaspoon) red pepper flakes 10ml (2 teaspoons) grated lemon zest 30ml (2 tablespoons) fresh lemon juice Equipment Large pot for pasta 12-inch skillet Wooden spoon or pasta fork Fine grater for lemon zest Instructions Stage 1: Cook the Pasta (10 minutes) Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot Add pasta and 1 tablespoon salt Cook, stirring occasionally, until just shy of al dente (about 1 minute less than package directions) Reserve ¾ cup of the pasta cooking water Drain pasta and return to pot; set aside off heat Stage 2: Build the Sauce (5 minutes) Heat ¼ cup olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat Add anchovies (or substitute), garlic, sage, and rosemary Cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant and garlic turns golden (1½ to 2 minutes) Add drained chickpeas and red pepper flakes Cook, stirring and swirling the skillet, until chickpeas are sizzling and turn golden (3 to 4 minutes) Stir in reserved chickpea liquid and lemon zest Stage 3: Combine and Finish (5 minutes) Scrape the entire chickpea mixture into the pot with the pasta Set pot over medium heat Add ½ cup reserved pasta water, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper Cook, stirring constantly, until pasta reaches al dente (2 to 3 minutes) Add more pasta water as needed until sauce clings to pasta Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice Taste and adjust seasoning with salt Notes Vegetarian Anchovy Substitutes White or red miso paste (2-3 tablespoons) - provides similar umami depth Capers (2-3 tablespoons, chopped) - adds brininess and tang Kalamata or oil-cured olives (¼ cup, chopped) - brings saltiness and complexity Nutritional yeast (2-3 tablespoons) - offers umami and slight nuttiness Mushroom powder or dried porcini (1-2 tablespoons, rehydrated) - deep earthy umami Soy sauce or tamari (1-2 tablespoons) - liquid umami boost Sun-dried tomatoes in oil (¼ cup, chopped) - concentrated savory flavor Combination approach: 1 tablespoon miso + 1 tablespoon capers + splash of soy sauce Make-Ahead Tips Chickpea mixture can be prepared up to Stage 2 and refrigerated for up to 2 days Reheat gently before combining with freshly cooked pasta Variations Add a handful of baby spinach or arugula at the end for greens Include halved cherry tomatoes for freshness Top with toasted breadcrumbs for texture Use butter beans or cannellini beans instead of chickpeas Storage Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days Reheat gently with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce Not recommended for freezing as pasta texture will suffer Source Adapted from Milk Street, featuring Chef Vladimiro Gori of Osteria Su Santa Trinita ...

September 11, 2025

Whole Grain Flatbread

This simple yeasted flatbread combines nutty spelt flour with all-purpose flour for a wholesome, versatile bread that’s cooked directly on the stovetop. The addition of yogurt creates a tender crumb while oat milk keeps the recipe dairy-free friendly. These flatbreads puff beautifully when cooked and are perfect for wrapping, dipping, or serving alongside your favorite meals. Ingredients For the Dough 500g flour blend (250g spelt flour, 250g all-purpose flour) 30ml neutral oil (2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon), divided 60ml whole-milk yogurt (4 tablespoons) 7g active dried yeast (1 packet) 10g sugar (2 teaspoons) 12g kosher salt (2 teaspoons) 5g baking powder (1 level teaspoon) 240ml oat milk, warmed Equipment Large mixing bowl Clean dish towel Well-floured cutting board Rolling pin Large sauté pan or cast iron skillet Spatula Instructions Making the Dough Combine dry ingredients (5 minutes): Place the spelt and all-purpose flours in a large mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Create a well in the center and add 2 tablespoons of oil, yogurt, yeast, sugar, salt, and baking powder. ...

September 5, 2025

Braised Whole Cauliflower alla Diavola

Whole cauliflower gets the pot-roast treatment in this Italian-inspired dish, braising in a spicy tomato sauce enriched with garlic and green olives. The cauliflower emerges fork-tender and infused with flavor, topped with golden-brown pecorino Romano that creates an irresistible crust. Ingredients 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving 6 medium garlic cloves, thinly sliced 3/4 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano Kosher salt and ground black pepper 120ml (1/2 cup) dry white wine 1 can (794g/28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand 120ml (1/2 cup) pitted green olives, roughly chopped 1 head cauliflower (900g-1.1kg/2 to 2 1/2 pounds), trimmed 60g (2 ounces) pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated (about 240ml/1 cup), plus more for serving 60ml (1/4 cup) fresh basil leaves, lightly packed and roughly chopped Optional Accompaniments Creamy polenta Crusty bread for serving Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling Equipment Dutch oven with lid (5-6 quart capacity) Sharp knife for trimming Skewer for testing doneness Wide metal spatula Large spoon or tongs Instructions Preparation Position oven rack: Adjust rack to lower-middle position. Preheat oven: Heat to 425°F (220°C). Trim cauliflower: Remove any leaves and trim the base flat, keeping the head intact. Making the Braising Liquid Bloom aromatics: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, combine oil, garlic, pepper flakes, oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until garlic is lightly browned, 2-3 minutes. Add wine: Pour in white wine and simmer until reduced to approximately 2 tablespoons, 5-6 minutes. Build sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes with their juices, olives, 120ml (1/2 cup) water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then remove from heat. Braising Process Stage 1 - Initial braising (50-55 minutes): Place cauliflower stem-end down in the pot. Spoon some sauce over the top to coat. Cover with lid, transfer to oven, and cook until a skewer inserted straight down into the center meets just slight resistance, 50-55 minutes. ...

August 30, 2025

Roasted Cauliflower

High-heat roasting transforms cauliflower wedges into golden, caramelized pieces with crispy edges and tender centers. This simple technique preserves the vegetable’s natural shape while developing deep, nutty flavors. Ingredients 1 medium head cauliflower (approximately 900g/2 pounds) 60ml (4 tablespoons) olive oil, divided, plus more for drizzling Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper Optional Variations Spices: cumin, coriander, paprika, or za’atar Alternative oils: avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or ghee Finishing touches: lemon juice, tahini sauce, or herb oil Equipment Half-sheet pan (18" x 13") or large rimmed baking sheet Parchment paper or silicone baking mat Aluminum foil Sharp chef’s knife Spatula (preferably offset or fish spatula) Instructions Preparation Position oven rack: Move rack to the lowest position in the oven. Preheat oven: Heat to 475°F (245°C). Prepare baking sheet: Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat. Cutting the Cauliflower Trim cauliflower: Remove any outer leaves and trim the stem flush with the bottom of the head, creating a flat base. Cut into wedges: Stand cauliflower upright on its base. Cut the head in half through the core, then cut each half into 4 equal wedges, creating 8 total wedges. Keep the core intact to hold florets together. Seasoning Arrange on sheet: Place cauliflower wedges cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Season first side: Drizzle 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil over the wedges. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Gently rub to distribute evenly. Flip and season second side: Carefully turn each wedge to expose the other cut side. Drizzle remaining 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roasting Process Stage 1 - Covered roasting (10 minutes): Cover the baking sheet tightly with aluminum foil. Place in oven and roast for 10 minutes. ...

July 15, 2025

Baked Lemon Pudding

This delightful Baked Lemon Pudding, adapted from JR Ryall’s “Ballymaloe Desserts” cookbook, offers a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. As it bakes, it naturally separates into two distinct layers: a custardy bottom and a spongy top. Ingredients 15 g (1 tablespoon) unsalted butter, softened 225 g (1 cup plus 2 tablespoons) granulated sugar 3 large eggs, separated 30 g (3 tablespoons) all-purpose flour 2 large lemons, zested and juiced (about 30 ml zest and 90 ml juice) 250 ml (1 cup) whole milk Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting Softly whipped cream, for serving Equipment 1.2 L (5-cup) ceramic or glass baking dish Medium mixing bowl Large mixing bowl Wooden spoon Whisk Electric mixer (optional) Instructions Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and position a rack in the middle. ...

October 29, 2024 · JR Ryall

Miso-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

A simple yet flavorful preparation of Brussels sprouts, enhanced with the savory umami of white miso paste and a touch of sweetness from honey or maple syrup. The hot cast iron skillet helps achieve a beautiful caramelization on the cut surfaces of the sprouts. Source Original recipe transcription Change Log Initial documentation Yield Serves 3-4 as a side dish Special Equipment Large cast iron skillet Preheat Oven Temperature: 400°F (205°C) Position rack in center of oven Place cast iron skillet in oven to preheat Ingredients Brussels sprouts, halved (approximately 450g or 1 pound) White miso paste (30g or 2 tablespoons) Neutral oil like grapeseed or avocado (15ml or 1 tablespoon) Rice vinegar (5ml or 1 teaspoon) Honey or maple syrup (15ml or 1 tablespoon) Garlic, minced (2 cloves) Preparation Wash and trim Brussels sprouts, cutting them in half lengthwise In a large bowl, combine white miso paste, neutral oil, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and minced garlic Toss halved Brussels sprouts in the miso mixture until evenly coated Bake/Cook Carefully remove the hot cast iron skillet from the oven Place the coated Brussels sprouts cut-side down on the hot skillet Return skillet to oven and roast at 400°F (205°C) for 20-25 minutes until crispy on the outside and tender inside The sugars in the miso and honey will help them caramelize beautifully

March 5, 2025

Olive Oil Zucchini Bread

Ingredients Yield: One 8-inch loaf Butter, for the pan 185g grated zucchini (1½ cups) 105g dark brown sugar (½ cup) 80ml olive oil (⅓ cup) (or other oil such as safflower or canola) 80ml plain Greek yogurt (⅓ cup) 2 large eggs 5ml vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) 190g all-purpose flour (1½ cups) 3g salt (½ teaspoon) 3g baking soda (½ teaspoon) 2g baking powder (½ teaspoon) 4g ground cinnamon (1½ teaspoons) 1g ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon) 2g finely grated lemon zest (1 teaspoon) 55g chopped walnuts (½ cup) (optional) Method Preheat oven: Heat oven to 175°C (350°F). Butter an 8-inch loaf pan. ...

July 4, 2024

Spicy White Bean Stew With Broccoli Rabe

Yield: 4 servings Ingredients 1 large bunch (or 2 small bunches) broccoli rabe or kale, thick stems separated from the leaves ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil, plus more for drizzling 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 1 medium red or yellow onion, thinly sliced Kosher salt and black pepper 2 to 3 tablespoons (30-45 grams) harissa or tomato paste Red-pepper flakes (Aleppo peppers work well) 3 (15-ounce) cans large beans, such as pinto, navy, cannellini, butter or great Northern, drained and rinsed 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable broth 1 preserved lemon, thinly sliced, or 1 lemon, halved, for squeezing 1 cup (about 60 grams) parsley or cilantro, leaves and tender stems 2 ounces (56 grams) feta or other salty cheese, such as queso fresco or pecorino, crumbled (optional) Fried or medium-boiled eggs, for serving (optional) Preparation Step 1 Tear broccoli rabe or kale leaves into bite-size pieces and set aside. Chop the stems into about ¼-inch pieces; set aside. ...

February 10, 2024

Cheddar and Herb Gougères

Cheddar and Herb Gougères Makes about 60 gougères Ingredients 170g (¾ cup or 1½ sticks) unsalted butter 180ml (¾ cup) whole milk 1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt 188g (1½ cups) all-purpose flour 5 large eggs 1 large egg, separated 3 scallions, thinly sliced 226g (8 oz.) sharp yellow cheddar, grated, divided 2 Tbsp. finely chopped dill 1 Tbsp. whole grain mustard ¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper Instructions Step 1: Prepare Oven and Dough Base Preheat and set up: Place racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 425°F (220°C). Melt butter: Heat 170g (¾ cup or 1½ sticks) unsalted butter, 180ml (¾ cup) whole milk, 1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt, and 180ml (¾ cup) water in a medium saucepan over medium-high, whisking occasionally to prevent scorching, until butter is melted and mixture is boiling. Add flour and beat: Immediately remove pan from heat and add 188g (1½ cups) all-purpose flour all at once. Whisk until incorporated and a paste forms. Return to medium-high heat and cook, mixing vigorously with a wooden spoon, until dough is the consistency of smooth mashed potatoes, about 30 seconds. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until dough starts to dry out, creates a film on bottom of pot, and releases a lot of steam, about 3 minutes. Step 2: Mix in Eggs Add eggs to dough: Transfer dough to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on medium speed 1 minute. Reduce speed to medium-low and add 5 large eggs one at a time, beating to combine after each addition. Scrape down sides of bowl with a rubber spatula. Beat in 1 large egg white. Increase speed to medium and beat until dough holds medium-soft peaks when you lift paddle out of dough, 8–10 minutes. ...

January 10, 2024

Upside Down Hazelnut Honey Spice Cake with Caramelized Apples

Source https://marissarothkopf.substack.com/p/hazelnut-honey-spice-cake-with-caramelized Ingredients For the caramel: 3 medium apples (e.g., 2 Granny Smith and 1 Gala) Fresh lemon juice 57 grams (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter 50 grams (1/4 cup) granulated sugar 85 grams (1/4 cup) honey 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon salt For the cake: 71 grams (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour 71 grams (1/2 cup) hazelnut flour 3 tablespoons corn starch 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 100 grams (1/2 cup) granulated sugar 169 grams (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, room temperature 127 grams (1/4 cup) honey 3 large eggs, room temperature Instructions Prep the pan and oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter a 9” cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and thinly slice the apples. Toss with lemon juice. Make the caramel: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Stir in honey and sugar until the mixture turns light brown. Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla and salt. Pour the caramel into the cake pan. Arrange apple slices on top of the caramel. Make the cake: In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. In another bowl, cream together butter, honey, and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Spoon the batter over the apples, spreading it evenly to the edges of the pan. Bake for 30 minutes. If the center still wiggles, reduce the heat to 325°F and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Let the cake cool for about 15 minutes, then invert onto a plate. Remove the parchment and rearrange any apples as needed. Serve warm or at room temperature. Best if made within 24 hours of serving. ...

January 5, 2024