To make Creamy Tuna Fettuccine, use the olive oil from the canned tuna to cook the creamy sauce. If you’re using tuna in water, just use regular olive oil. For the pasta, use fettuccine, but you can use any type of pasta you like or whatever you have on hand.

Serves 4

spainonafork.com

INGREDIENTS
8 oz fettuccine
2 cans tuna in olive oil 4 oz each
1 shallot
6 cloves garlic
1 1/2 tbsp all purpose flour
3/4 cup low fat milk
3/4 cup vegetable broth
1/2 tsp dried thyme
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup grated Manchego cheese
sea salt & black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS
Fill a stock pot a little over half ways with water, season generously with sea salt and heat with a high heat

In the meantime, drain the cans of tuna into a fine sieve with a bowl underneath, gently flake the tuna

Heat a large fry pan with a medium heat and add in 3 tbsp (45 ml) of the olive oil from the canned tuna

Finely chop the shallot and roughly chop the garlic, then add into the hot fry pan, mix continuously, after 2 to 3 minutes add in the flour, mix continuously, after 2 minutes add in the milk and vegetable broth, mix continuously, once you end up with a slightly creamy sauce, about 4 minutes, add in the drained tuna, chopped parsley, dried thyme and season with sea salt & black pepper, mix together and then lower to a low heat

Once the water comes to a boil in the stock pot, add in the fettuccine, mix every 2 to 3 minutes, make sure to mix the creamy tuna sauce once in a while as well

Once the fettuccine is cooked al dente, using tongs, transfer directly from the stock pot into the pan with the creamy tuna sauce, turn off the heat and mix until well mixed together

Add in the grated cheese and give it one final mix, serve out of the pan or transfer into serving dishes, serve at once

This restaurant-worthy steak au poivre combines peppercorn-crusted steak that’s seared and smothered in a creamy cognac and peppercorn sauce. It’s easy to make and always impressive.

Serves 2

sipandfeast.com

INGREDIENTS
2 12 ounces New York strip steaks trimmed and removed from fridge 1 hour before
3 tablespoons black peppercorns coarsely crushed
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons neutral oil avocado, vegetable, canola, etc.
1/3 cup cognac or brandy
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter cold
1 medium shallot minced
1 tablespoon green peppercorns optional

INSTRUCTIONS
Heat a large stainless steel or cast iron pan to medium heat.

Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season with salt kosher salt. Place the crushed peppercorns in a plate and press the steaks into the peppercorns on both sides to form a crust.

Add the vegetable oil to the hot pan and once shimmering add the steaks. Cook the steaks, undisturbed, for 4 minutes per side. If the steaks have a large amount of fat on their sides, stand them up with tongs and sear until browned.

Cook the steaks until desired doneness (I prefer 120-125f initially which will allow carryover heat to bring steaks to medium-rare of 130-135f) then place the steaks on a cutting board and tent with foil. See notes below for extra thick steaks.

Pour off the excess fat from the pan and add the shallot and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until soft. Remove the pan from the heat and add the cognac. Place the pan back on the heat and turn the heat to medium-high. Cook until the cognac is almost evaporated (~2 minutes).

Add the cream to the pan and bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until the sauce coats the back of a spoon (~2-3 minutes).

Add the green peppercorns (optional) and season the sauce with salt to taste. Turn off the heat and whisk in the butter. Place 1/4 of the sauce at the bottom of two separate plates. Plate the steaks and pour the remaining sauce on top of each steak.

Notes
– 4 minutes per side in a medium hot pan is roughly the amount of time a 10 to 12-ounce NY strip steak will take to reach 130-135f after tenting.
– If you have very thick steaks (1 1/2″ plus) finish the steaks in a 350f oven until desired temp has been reached. Use an instant-read thermometer placed into the center of the steak to properly check the internal temp.

In Italy, you’ll often come across pastas with briny and salty aspects from a lot of pantry ingredients like anchovy paste and capers. Those flavors always take me back to Italy! I used them in my lemon zucchini spaghetti, and brightened it up even more with lemon, fresh herbs, aromatic ingredients like garlic and shallots, fresh zucchini… and cheese! The flavors all come together to become this really delicious pasta with a lot of flavor interest, and something about it just reminds me of summer in Italy. This lemon zucchini spaghetti would be so delicious paired with some grilled seafood – and a glass of prosecco!

Serves 4

giadzy.com

INGREDIENTS
1 lemon (thinly sliced and seeds removed)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 shallots (sliced)
2 cloves garlic (smashed and peeled)
1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
1 teaspoon anchovy paste
1/4 cup capers (drained)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 small zucchini (about 2 pounds total, halved and sliced 1/3 inch)
1/2 pound pasta, such as Spaghetti Chittara or Vermicelli Lunghi
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup fresh dill
1/2 cup fresh basil (roughly chopped or torn)
1 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese

INSTRUCTIONS
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Season it generously with salt. Add the sliced lemons and blanch for 30 seconds. Using tongs, remove the lemons to a paper towel lined plate to drain. Dry well.

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the olive oil and heat another 30 seconds. Add the shallots and garlic to the pan and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring often with a wooden spoon for about 2 minutes or until fragrant and beginning to brown slightly. Add the anchovy paste, capers, red pepper flakes and the blanched lemon slices. Cook for another 2 minutes stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to ‘dissolve” the anchovy paste and brown the lemons. Add the zucchini and remaining salt. Cook on medium high for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Parts of the zucchini should turn deep brown while some parts remain al dente.

Meanwhile, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook for 2 minutes less than package directions, about 8 minutes. Add 1/3cup pasta water to the zucchini pan and stir to deglaze. Use a pair of tongs to remove the pasta directly to the zucchini pan. Sprinkle the bare pasta with the parmesan cheese and toss well to coat the pasta with the zucchini sauce. Some of the zucchini should have gotten rather soft to help create a silky sauce. Add another 1/2 cup water if needed to maintain the sauce. Top the pasta with the herbs and feta cheese and serve.

Inspired by the region of Liguria, Chef Michael Bonacini prepares a soft, flavourful chickpea flatbread called Farinata, that he tops with aromatic rosemary and crispy shallots.

Serves 4-6

gustotv.com/recipes

INGREDIENTS
2 ½ cups (590 ml) chickpea flour
1 ¾ (420 ml) cups water
3 shallots, sliced finely
¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil, plus 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground black pepper
2 tablespoons (30 ml) rosemary leaves

INSTRUCTIONS
In a large bowl, gradually add water to chickpea flour, whisking continuously until batter is smooth and thin. Set batter aside to stand for 6 hours or up to overnight.

When batter has finished resting, in a small pan over medium heat, fry shallots in 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of olive oil until golden brown. Remove from heat.

Position rack in middle of the oven. Preheat oven to 450 F (230 C). Place a cast iron skillet in oven to heat up.

Carefully remove skillet from oven when hot. Pour ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil into skillet and swirl to coat the bottom.

Remove and discard any foam that has formed on the top of the batter. Add salt and ground black pepper and whisk batter to combine. Pour batter into skillet.

Working quickly, scatter fried shallots and rosemary on top of batter. Carefully transfer hot cast iron skillet back into oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until bread is golden brown and set.

Let flatbread cool slightly before slicing.

For Pasta Salad with Grilled Sausages and Peppers it’s best to grill the sausages and peppers ahead of time. Use any amount of sausage and bell pepper.

Serves 8

foodandwine.com

INGREDIENTS
1 pound gemelli pasta
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon tomato paste
2 large garlic cloves, very finely chopped
1 large shallot, thinly sliced and separated into rings
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Sausage Mixed Grill, sausages and vegetables thinly sliced
2 large celery ribs, thinly sliced on the bias
1/4 pound smoked mozzarella, cut into thin strips
1 cup chopped basil

INSTRUCTIONS
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water. Transfer the pasta to a large bowl. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and toss to coat. Let cool to room temperature.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir the lemon juice with the lemon zest, tomato paste, garlic, shallot and thyme. Stir in the 6 tablespoons of olive oil and the reserved pasta cooking water. Season the dressing with salt and pepper.

Add 1/4 cup of the dressing to the pasta and toss. Add the sausages, peppers, radicchio, celery, mozzarella and the remaining dressing and toss well. Season the pasta salad with salt and pepper, sprinkle with the basil and serve.

Is there anything more comforting than a big, juicy piece of brisket? This recipe for Thyme and Garlic Brisket is simple to make and is perfect for any family gathering or holiday dinner. The garlic and thyme give the brisket a delicious flavor, and the dutch oven ensures that it will be tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Serves 6

whatsgabycooking.com

INGREDIENTS
6 cloves garlic finely chopped
½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more for seasoning
8 sprigs fresh thyme
¼ cup olive oil
4 pound beef brisket
Freshly cracked black pepper
8 large shallots halved
2 cups dry red wine
16 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 handful fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
3 bay leaves

INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

Combine the garlic and salt and finely chop to form a bit of a paste. Add the thyme leaves and continue to chop until incorporated. Put the paste in a small bowl with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and stir to combine.

Generously season both sides of the brisket with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Place a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and coat with the remaining olive oil. Place the brisket in the Dutch Oven and sear for 4-5 minutes on both sides until golden.

Place the shallots into the Dutch Oven around the brisket and brush the thyme and garlic paste over the top of the brisket. Add the wine, tomatoes, parsley and bay leaves. Cover the pan tightly with the lid or a sheet of aluminum foil and transfer to the oven. Bake for about 3 to 4 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices, until the beef is fork tender.

Carefully remove the brisket to a cutting board and let it rest for 15 minutes. Transfer the shallots out of the Dutch Oven and onto a serving platter. Skim off any excess fat and transfer the Dutch Oven with the pan juices to a burner over medium-high heat. Boil and stir for 5 minutes until the sauce reduces by ½.

Slice the brisket against the grain, transfer to the platter with the shallots and pour the reduced pan juices on top. Serve as needed.

Saucy White Beans and Greens on Toast is a combination of canned cannellini and cranberry beans cooked with spinach, jalapeño, cumin, and citrus is a cozy, quick dinner.

Serves 4

foodandwine.com

INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 medium shallots, halved and thinly sliced (about 2/3 cup)
4 medium garlic cloves, thinly sliced (about 1 tablespoon)
1 medium jalapeño chile, stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped
2 teaspoons cumin seeds
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 (14-ounce) can cannellini beans (undrained)
1 (14-ounce) can cranberry beans (see Note), drained but not rinsed
2 1/2 cups lightly packed fresh spinach
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus grated lemon zest for serving
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, plus grated lime zest for serving
4 (1-inch-thick) rustic bread slices
Shredded Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh chives

INSTRUCTIONS
Heat butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium until butter is melted. Add shallots, garlic, jalapeño, and cumin seeds; sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until shallots are softened and cumin is fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add wine; cook, stirring often, until nearly evaporated, about 3 minutes. Add broth, and bring to a simmer over medium-high.

Stir cannellini beans and their liquid and drained cranberry beans into broth in saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium, and cook, gently stirring occasionally, until hot, about 5 minutes. Add spinach, and cook, stirring often, until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and lime juice; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add 2 bread slices; cook, turning once or twice, until nicely toasted on both sides, 3 to 5 minutes. Place 1 slice in each of 2 bowls. Repeat process with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and remaining 2 bread slices. Spoon saucy beans evenly over bread slices. Sprinkle with shredded Parmesan, chives, lemon zest, and lime zest. Serve immediately.

Mushroom Risotto brings on the savory flavor with mushrooms. Use this as an opportunity to experiment with interesting mushrooms you find at the farmer’s market or the grocery store – the more variety, the more flavor you’ll get!

Serves 4

giadzy.com

INGREDIENTS
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1-pound mixed mushrooms, such as shitake and cremini, trimmed and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt
2 shallots, roughly chopped
1 cup carnaroli rice
1 cup dry white wine
2 cups low sodium vegetable broth
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more to finish
2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
Truffle oil, to finish, if desired

INSTRUCTIONS
Heat a medium Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat another 30 seconds. Add the mushrooms to the hot oil along with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook stirring often, until the mushrooms are golden brown, about 10 minutes. Be patient. They will release their liquid first before beginning to brown. As the liquid evaporates, add the remaining tablespoon of oil.

When the mushrooms are browned, add the shallots and another 3/4 teaspoons salt. Cook, stirring often, until the shallots are fragrant, about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and add the rice. Stir to combine and toast the rice, another minute. Deglaze with the white wine scraping up any brown bits form the bottom of the pan. Cook, stirring often, until the liquid is almost entirely absorbed, about 1 minute. Add 1 cup of vegetable broth and cook, stirring often until the liquid is almost entirely absorbed. Continue to cook, adding another cup of vegetable broth followed by 1 cup of water with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring often until the rice is just tender and the mixture is creamy, about 15 minutes. Stir in the butter and cheese. The risotto should have movement. Divide into bowls. Sprinkle with more parmesan cheese and the chives.

In Coconut-Creamed Swiss Chard unsweetened coconut milk and refined coconut oil combine to add a creamy richness to this vegan Swiss chard side from chef Rocco DiSpirito. Reducing the coconut milk deepens its flavor and lends a velvety texture that truly mimics dairy.

Serves 2-4

foodandwine.com

INGREDIENTS
1 (15-ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk, well shaken and stirred
4 quarts water
3 tablespoons plus 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1 (1-pound) bunch Swiss chard
1/4 cup finely chopped shallot
2 tablespoons refined coconut oil [maybe use butter if not concerned about being vegan]
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS
Cook coconut milk in a large high-sided skillet over low, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half, about 30 minutes. Pour into a liquid measuring cup or small bowl; set aside. Wipe skillet clean.

While coconut milk cooks, bring 4 quarts water and 3 tablespoons salt to a boil in a large pot. Separate Swiss chard leaves from stems. Tear each leaf into 3 or 4 pieces. Chop stems into 1/4-inch pieces.

Transfer stems to boiling water; cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a large bowl. Add leaves to boiling water; cook until bright green and almost tender, about 1 minute. Drain. Add leaves to stems in bowl.

Add shallot and coconut oil to cleaned skillet; cook over medium-high, stirring often, until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add reduced coconut milk and Swiss chard stems and leaves; cook, stirring constantly, until mixture is warmed through and Swiss chard is coated, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in pepper and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Serve immediately.

Warm Sausage and Lentil Salad is an earthy French classic with smoked sausages, greens lentils and pungent mustard vinaigrette is custom-tailored for winter weekends in front of the fire. Updated twist: toasted walnuts add great crunch.

Serves 4

foodandwine.com

INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, plus more for serving
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for serving
Kosher salt
Pepper
2 carrots, finely chopped
1/2 small fennel bulb, finely chopped
1 1/4 pounds garlic sausages, preferably French
1 1/2 cups green lentils, preferably du Puy (10 ounces)
2 shallots, halved
3 thyme sprigs
1 bay leaf
1 cup shelled walnuts (4 ounces)
1/4 cup chopped parsley, plus more for serving

INSTRUCTIONS
In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar with the mustard. Slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup of the olive oil, whisking constantly, until incorporated. Season with salt and pepper.

In a large nonreactive pot, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Add the carrots and fennel, and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender, about 8 minutes. Place the vegetables on a plate.

In the same pot, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil until shimmering. Add the sausage, and cook over moderate heat, turning occasionally, until browned, about 8 minutes. Add the lentils, shallots, thyme, bay leaf, and 5 cups of water; bring to a boil. Cover and simmer until the sausage is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Using tongs, remove the sausage to a work surface. Cover and cook the lentils until tender, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°. Spread the walnuts on a small rimmed baking sheet, and toast until browned, 8 to 9 minutes, tossing once halfway through. Let cool, and coarsely chop.

Partially drain the lentils, leaving them saucy. Discard the shallots, thyme, and bay leaf. Add the carrots and fennel to the lentils, season with salt and pepper, and toss with the vinaigrette. Thinly slice the sausage, and add to the lentils. Stir in the 1/4 cup of parsley. Top with the walnuts, sprinkle with more parsley, and drizzle with olive oil. Serve with mustard.