This Spanish Rice with Canned Sardines, known as Arroz con Sardinas en Conserva, is possibly one of the best rice dishes that hail from Spain. We´re talking layers of amazing flavors, easy to make and all done in a little over 30 minutes.

Serves 4

spainonafork.com

INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion
4 cloves garlic
1 red bell pepper
1 carrot
1 tsp sweet smoked Spanish paprika
2 tomatoes
3 cups fish broth
1/4 tsp saffron threads
1 cup Spanish round or Arborio rice
1/3 cup frozen peas
2 cans sardines in olive oil
1 bay leaf
1 lemon
pinch sea salt
dash black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS
Finely chop the onion, roughly chop the garlic and finely chop the red bell pepper & carrot

Heat a large fry pan with a medium heat and add in the olive oil

After a couple of minutes add in the chopped vegetables, mix continuously, after 3 to 4 minutes and the veggies are lightly sauteed, add in the paprika, quickly mix together, then add in the tomatoes finely grated and season with sea salt & black pepper, mix together, then simmer without mixing the mixture

Once the grated tomato has slightly thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes, add in the fish broth, saffron and bay leaf, turn it up to a high heat and give it a gentle mix

When the broth comes to a boil add in the rice, give it one final mix so everything is evenly distributed, simmer without mixing

After 9 to 10 minutes and most of the broth has been absorbed by the rice but there is still plenty of broth left, lower to a low-medium heat, add in the frozen peas over the rice, making sure they´re evenly spread around and the canned sardines, I like to add them in a circular design as it gives the dish a beautiful presentation, continue to simmer without mixing

Once there is virtually no broth left, about 5 minutes, turn it up to a medium-heat and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, this is to achieve the socarrat, which is that layer of burnt caramelized rice underneath, then remove from the heat, cover the pan with foil paper and a dish cloth and let it sit for a couple of minutes, the uncover the pan

Garnish with lemon wedges and serve at once

Riso al Forno is comfort food at its best! This baked rice dish combines Arborio rice, peas, and cheese that’s baked in a meat sauce until golden and bubbly. And riso al forno is a great gluten free alternative to baked pastas!

Serves 8

sipandfeast.com

INGREDIENTS
For the sauce:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion diced
5 cloves garlic sliced
2 small anchovy fillets optional
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
2 pounds ground chuck
3 ounces tomato paste
2 28 ounce cans plum tomatoes hand crushed or blender pulsed
salt and pepper to taste

For the riso al forno:
2 1/2 cups Arborio rice
2 cups frozen peas thawed
2 cups scamorza shredded
1/4 packed cup basil leaves chopped
3/4 cup Pecorino Romano grated

INSTRUCTIONS
For the sauce:
Heat a large saucepan to medium-high heat with olive oil. Add the beef and cook until browned (about 7-10 minutes). Remove the meat to a plate, leaving 3-4 tablespoons of the fat in the pan.

Turn the heat down to medium and add the onion. Saute until soft (5-7 minutes) then add the garlic and anchovy and cook for another 2 minutes more or until fragrant and the anchovy dissolves. Add the hot red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds.

Return the meat to the pan and add the tomato paste. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add the plum tomatoes and mix in to incorporate. Once the sauce starts bubbling, turn the heat down to a very low simmer.

Cook for at least 20 minutes uncovered at a low simmer, stirring occasionally to avoid any sticking. Taste-test the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if required.

Assembling the riso al forno:
While the sauce is simmering parboil the rice in salted water for 8 minutes. Drain the rice and rinse under cold water. Mix the rice with the peas.

Preheat oven to 375f and set the racks near the middle level.

In a very large bowl combine the rice and peas with the sauce, reserving 3 cups of sauce for later. Also, mix in the basil, half of the scamorza cheese, and half of the pecorino.

Coat a 9×13″ baking dish with half of the remaining sauce. Pour the rice into the dish and top with the remaining sauce and cheese.

Bake the rice for 30-35 minutes or until tender. For extra color broil for 1-2 more minutes but watch carefully! Wait at least 10-15 minutes before eating so that the rice settles.

For extra color, broil for 1-2 minutes, but watch very carefully to avoid burning.

This anelletti al forno recipe is primo Sicilian comfort food: cheesy baked pasta coated in rich, meaty ragù. The dish is adaptable, so feel free to make substitutions. Asparagus, mushrooms, or cubed cooked potatoes can be swapped in for the vegetables, while ground poultry makes a fine replacement for the meat.

Serves 6-8

saveur.com

INGREDIENTS
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil or lard, plus more for greasing
1 medium carrot, peeled and finely chopped
1 medium celery stalk, finely chopped
½ medium onion, finely chopped
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 oz. ground beef
8 oz. ground pork
½ cup dry red wine
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
Pinch finely grated nutmeg
1½ (28-oz.) cans whole peeled tomatoes, tomatoes coarsely chopped, juice reserved
¾ cup peas, frozen or fresh
1 medium eggplant (12 oz.), cut into ½-in. cubes
Vegetable oil, for frying
2 Tbsp. bread crumbs
2 lb. dried anelletti, or other small pasta
4 large hard-boiled eggs, coarsely chopped
One 6-oz. slice deli ham, cut into ¼-in. cubes
12 oz. primosale or provolone cheese, cut into ¼-in. cubes
½ cup finely grated caciocavallo or Pecorino Romano cheese

INSTRUCTIONS
To a large pot set over medium heat, add the olive oil, carrot, celery, and onion and season with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft but not beginning to brown, about 20 minutes.

Add the beef and pork, season generously with salt and black pepper, and turn the heat to medium-high. Cook, using a spoon to break up any large chunks, until browned, 5–8 minutes. Add the wine and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 6 minutes. Stir in the cinnamon and nutmeg, then add the tomatoes and their juices and bring to a simmer. Turn the heat to low, partially cover, and cook at a bare simmer until the meat is very tender and the sauce has thickened, about 2 hours. Stir in the peas and season with salt and black pepper.

While the ragù cooks, place the eggplant in a colander in the sink. Sprinkle generously with salt and toss to coat. Place a plate atop the eggplant and top it with a heavy jar, then set aside to drain for 1 hour.

Into a deep skillet set over medium-high heat, pour 1 inch of vegetable oil. When it’s shimmering but not yet smoking, add enough eggplant to fit in a single layer without crowding the pan and fry, stirring and turning the eggplant occasionally, until deep golden brown, 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate, then repeat with the remaining eggplant, adding more oil as needed.

Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F. Oil a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, then add the bread crumbs and shake to coat the pan (shake out any leftover crumbs and reserve); set aside.

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain, then transfer back to the pot and stir in 4 cups of the ragù (reserve any left over for another use).

Spoon half of the pasta into the baking dish, then top evenly with the eggs, ham, half of the primosale, and half of the caciocavallo. Top with the remaining pasta, spread it in an even layer, and sprinkle with the remaining primosale, caciocavallo, and (if any remain) breadcrumbs.

Bake until the cheese is melted about 30 minutes. Set aside for at least 15 minutes before serving

Classic Shepherd’s Pie is a comforting casserole that consists of ground lamb, carrots, and peas simmered with Guinness, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs and topped with a cheesy mashed potato layer that’s baked until golden and crisp. Shepherd’s Pie is wonderful any time of year but is especially great for St. Paddy’s day.

Serves 6

sipandfeast.com

INGREDIENTS
3 ½ pounds russet potatoes peeled
1 ¼ cups Parmigiano Reggiano grated, divided
¾ cup heavy cream plus more if too dry
1 stick butter melted
salt and pepper to taste
3 large egg yolks

For the filling:
2 pounds ground lamb
1 ½ cups frozen peas
1 large onion diced
3 celery ribs diced
3 medium carrots diced
5 cloves garlic minced
3 ounces tomato paste
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 12-ounce bottle of Guinness
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves only
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped, leaves only
2 cups low-sodium beef stock
salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS
For the Mashed Potatoes:
Fill and stockpot with potatoes and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender (about 25-30 minutes).

Rice the potatoes in a large bowl. Combine with the heavy cream, melted butter, and 1 cup of parmesan cheese. Taste test the potatoes and season very well with salt and pepper to taste. Once satisfied with the taste, mix the egg yolks into the potatoes.

For the Shepherd’s Pie:
Preheat oven to 400f and set one rack in the middle and one towards the top ⅓ of the oven.

While the potatoes are boiling make the filling. Heat a large heavy pan or pot to medium-high heat then add the lamb.

Cook until well browned (about 7-10 minutes), then break up the lamb with a wooden spoon or meat masher. Next, add the carrots, onions, and celery along with a pinch of salt. Saute until the veggies are soft (about 5-7 minutes) then add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.

Add the tomato paste, stir, and cook for 3 minutes. Next, add the Guinness and turn the heat to high. With a wooden spoon scrape the bottom of the pot to remove all of the brown bits. Cook until the liquid has almost completely evaporated (about 3-4 minutes).

Turn the heat down to medium and add the flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until there is no white flour remaining in the pan. Add the beef stock, thyme, rosemary, peas, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer and cook until the liquid has reduced by half.

Taste test the filling and adjust salt, pepper, thyme, or rosemary if required.

Add the filling to a 9×13″ baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes on the top and with a fork or spoon fluff the potatoes making mounds or points. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of grated parmesan.

Bake for 20 minutes in the center of the oven. Move the dish towards the top of the oven and broil for 1-3 minutes or until well browned but not burnt. Watch carefully! Let the shepherd’s pie sit for 10 minutes before eating so that it can settle.

Note:
– Taste test the mashed potatoes before adding the egg yolks to ensure proper seasoning. Be sure to also taste test the lamb filling and make any adjustments to the salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

From Giada’s Holiday recipes on Food Network, but can be used any time.

Serves 6

foodnetwork.com

INGREDIENTS
Kosher salt
1 pound fusilli con buco pasta, such as Rustichella d’Abruzzo or Setaro
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, smashed
2 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
1 cup mascarpone, at room temperature
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (from 1 large lemon)
1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon pink peppercorns, ground

INSTRUCTIONS
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until just short of al dente, 10 or 11 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat a large straight-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and olive oil to the hot skillet. When the butter is melted, add the garlic; cook, stirring often, until soft and fragrant. Add 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then reduce the heat to low.

When the pasta is ready, lift it out of the water and add it directly to the sauce; reserve the pasta water. Sprinkle the Parmesan over the pasta and stir to combine. Return the heat to medium, add the mascarpone, lemon zest and 3/4 teaspoon salt and toss well. Continue cooking until the pasta is al dente, another minute or two, adding pasta water as needed to thin the sauce.

Add the peas and lemon juice; toss well to combine. Add more pasta water as needed to reach the desired sauce consistency (you will most likely use about 1 1/2 cups pasta water in all).

Sprinkle with the pink pepper and additional Parmesan, if desired.