Rustic Italian Bowls Recipes

RUSTIC ITALIAN BOWLS

Steps:

• Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt; keep warm.
• Heat oil and red pepper flakes in medium non-stick skillet on medium-high heat. Add onions; cook 3-4 minute or until softened, stirring frequently. Add peppers and zucchini; cook 3 minute or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
• Warm sauce in same pot on medium heat. Stir in greens and cook just until wilted. Stir in cooked pasta. Divide mixture among 6 serving bowls.
• Top evenly with vegetable mixture and remaining ingredients.
• All that's need is a side of garlic bread.

ITALIAN BREAD BOWLS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
• Add salt, oil and 4 cups flour to the yeast mixture; beat well. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well with an electric mixer at medium speed after each addition.
• When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.
• Punch dough down, and divide into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a 4 inch round loaf. Place loaves on lightly greased baking sheets sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, until doubled in bulk, about 35 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). In a small bowl, beat together egg white and 1 tablespoon water; lightly brush the loaves with half of this egg wash.
• Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Brush with remaining egg mixture, and bake 10 to 15 more minutes or until golden. Cool on wire racks.
• To make bowls: Cut a 1/2 inch thick slice from top of each loaf; scoop out centers, leaving 3/4-inch-thick shells. Fill bread bowls with hot soup and serve immediately.

RUSTIC ITALIAN MINESTRONE

Steps:

• In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot and celery and cook for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the garlic, season with salt and pepper and cook for 2 minutes more.
• Add the tomatoes, vegetable or chicken broth and herbs, bring to a boil and turn down to a simmer.
• Add the green and cannellini beans and simmer for 2 minutes.
• Add the zucchini and pasta and simmer for 10 minutes, or until all of the vegetables are tender and the pasta is al dente. Season with salt and pepper.
• Serve the soup in large bowls with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese.

ITALIAN BREAD BOWLS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
• Add salt, oil and 4 cups flour to the yeast mixture; beat well. Stir in the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, beating well with an electric mixer at medium speed after each addition.
• When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 minutes.
• Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil.
• Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 40 minutes.
• Punch dough down, and divide into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a 4 inch round loaf.
• Place loaves on lightly greased baking sheets sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, until doubled in bulk, about 35 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• In a small bowl, beat together egg white and 1 tablespoon water; lightly brush the loaves with half of this egg wash.
• Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Brush with remaining egg mixture, and bake 10 to 15 more minutes or until golden. Cool on wire racks.
• To make bowls: Cut a 1/2 inch thick slice from top of each loaf; scoop out centers, leaving 3/4-inch-thick shells. Fill bread bowls with hot soup and serve immediately.