Can’t make it to Mamma’s Boy Trattoria tonight and need to to re-create the same atmosphere at home? Look no further as we’ve got you covered!
If you’re a novice cook, you may have already found yourself relying on a few basic dishes, such as packet ramen or pasta with store-bought marinara sauce. Well there’s no need to worry! Italian cuisine is not only renowned for its comfort food, it is also an excellent starting point for beginners as many classic dishes are surprisingly simple to make.
Here’s a beginner-friendly, but also timeless menu, ensuring you'll continue to enjoy them for years to come.
APERITIVO: ANTIPASTO
To kick off your meal, it's customary to enjoy a light snack along with a glass of bubbly, like prosecco, or your favorite Italian cocktail, such as an Aperol Spritz. Traditionally served as an appetizer course, you can offer small plates of olives, nuts, or cheeses. For something heartier, try creating a charcuterie board incorporating mortadella, salami, or prosciutto with various cheeses and bread. This is very simple and easy to prepare and no cooking is required (yet!).
PRIMO (FIRST COURSE): 4-INGREDIENT SPAGHETTI AGLIO E OLIO
With only four simple ingredients - spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes, classic Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a breeze to prepare. This dish can be ready in just 20 minutes, and it never fails to impress.
Ingredients:
250g Spaghetti
1/4 cup olive oil: Since olive oil is the main ingredient in this sauce, use the best-quality extra virgin olive oil you can find as it will make a difference!
Garlic: 4 cloves very thinly sliced (if you are a big fan, free free to add more!)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or add more to taste)
Optional garnishes: The two most popular toppings for this classic Italian dish are finely-minced fresh parsley and/or freshly-grated Parmesan. Add both if you love them but they are optional
Recipe:
Begin by cooking the spaghetti in a pot of boiling, generously-salted water until it is almost al dente, leaving it to boil for one minute less than the recommended cooking time.
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat, and add sliced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the garlic is lightly golden.
Using tongs, transfer the pasta immediately to the sauté pan once it is cooked, along with 1/2 cup of the hot starchy pasta water. Toss the pasta continuously until it is evenly coated in the garlic sauce. If the sauce appears dry, add another 1/4 cup of starchy pasta water.
Give the pasta a quick taste to check the seasoning, adding an extra pinch of salt and/or crushed red pepper flakes if necessary.
Finally, serve immediately while it is hot and garnish it with your choice of toppings.
SECONDI: AGNELLO A SCOTTADITO (GRILLED LAMB RIBS)
Agnello alla Scottadito, or grilled lamb chops, is such an easy to prepare and mouth-watering dish. The lamb chops are cooked to perfection, with a crispy exterior and tender, juicy center. Seasoned with Italian herbs and fresh aromatics, this simple yet delicious recipe is sure to wow your date. Be prepared to pick up rib after piping-hot rib, and savor the rich flavors of this classic Italian dish.
Ingredients:
3 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
¼ cup olive oil
Freshly ground pepper to taste
8 – 12 rib lamb chops well-trimmed of fat
Salt to taste
Lemon slices
Recipe:
Combine garlic, rosemary, olive oil, and pepper in a small bowl. Brush the mixture over the lamb chops, which have been placed in a shallow dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Prepare a charcoal grill fire or preheat the broiler. Brush the grill rack or the rack of a broiler pan with oil. Place the lamb chops on the rack and grill or broil, turning as necessary, for about 10 minutes, until they are browned and crispy on the outside but still pink and juicy on the inside.
Once done, transfer the lamb chops to warmed individual plates. Sprinkle with salt and serve immediately. Optional lemon slices can be served on the side.
DESSERT:
Cheat your way with ready-made options. We recommend the following:
Gelato: Grab a quality tub of your favourite Italian gelato. Whether you prefer classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla or more adventurous options like pistachio or stracciatella, there's a gelato flavor out there to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Cannoli: Freshly filled cannoli is a classic Italian pastry that has been delighting dessert lovers for generations. This sweet and crispy treat consists of a tube-shaped shell made from fried pastry dough that is filled with a creamy, sweetened ricotta cheese or custard filling.
Affogato: An irresistible Italian dessert that combines two of life's greatest pleasures: coffee and gelato. This indulgent treat is simple yet elegant, featuring a scoop of rich, creamy gelato drowned in a shot of hot espresso. As the espresso hits the cold gelato, it melts and blends together, creating a decadent, creamy, and bittersweet flavor that is truly unforgettable.
Chocolate pannetone: An indulgent, decadent and classic Italian dessert comprising of a sweet bread loaf that is studded with chunks of rich, dark chocolate, creating a luxurious and satisfying treat. The bread is light and fluffy, with a tender crumb and a hint of citrus zest that balances out the richness of the chocolate. Simply add a dollop of cream for added wow factor.