Manu’s Menu

Authentic Italian Home Cooking & More

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Sweet Taralli arranged in a wooden bowl with a few biscuits placed on a folded napkin.

Sweet Taralli

Make Sweet Taralli for a warm afternoon pick-me-up. They pair well with tea and stay crisp for days, giving you a simple treat for busy moments.

Italian Tuna Loaf

Italian Tuna Loaf

My kids don’t like seafood much… but they do make an exception for tuna. So, with that in mind, I try and use tuna in different ways and recipes so that they don’t get bored of eating it. Today I will share with you my recipe for an Italian classic dish that we call Polpettone…

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TerraCycle and NESCAFÉ Dolce Gusto Capsule Recycling Program Review

Coffee is very important for us Italians. I would probably say that it is an essential part of our culture and no good meal is considered as such unless it concludes with a good cup of espresso.  One of the main issues Italians have when travelling abroad is the never-ending search for a “good coffee”….

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Mint Chicken Pita Pockets

Mint Chicken Pita Pockets

These Mint Chicken Pita Pockets are another low-fat lunch idea I developed when I was having gallstone issues. I made it with fat-free mayo, but you can use your favourite brand/type. I used my recipe for Poached Chicken in a Mint Sauce to fill these pita pockets and I also added some lettuce and tomatoes…

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Warm Pizza Dip

Warm Pizza Dip

You know how I always complain about “Australian mozzarella”? It always feels like plastic and it never stretches enough, like real mozzarella should. Remember my video on how mozzarella is made in Italy? Well, my dear Sydneysiders, I have great news for you. I found a place that makes very good fresh mozzarella: La Stella…

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A stack of cooked wholemeal chapatis cooling on a rack.

Wholemeal Chapati

A stack of homemade Wholemeal Chapati tastes amazing with curries, stews, or grilled dishes. Ideal for dipping, scooping, and wrapping when you want a simple flatbread.

Prosciutto Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Meatloaf

Prosciutto Sun-dried Tomato Chicken Meatloaf

As you know, after my gallbladder removal, I have started to gradually re-introduce fats into my diet. I love meatloaf (my mum makes a mean one – click here for the recipe), but I still find beef mince a bit too heavy to digest. So, I have decided to try a chicken meatloaf. That’s how…

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Freshly baked banana bread topped with mixed nuts beside a milk bottle.

Copycat Starbucks Banana Nut Bread

Moist Copycat Starbucks Banana Nut Bread with banana and walnut aroma creates a light dessert that feels homely, served slightly warm with a scoop of ice cream.

Chicken Tonnato Wrap

Chicken Tonnato Wrap

If you follow my blog, you will know that I have recently been operated to remove my gallbladder, as I had gallstones. In the weeks before the surgery, I had to follow a strictly low-fat (fat-free, really!) diet. This Chicken Tonnato Wrap was one of my favourite lunches. It was filling, healthy and satisfying.  I…

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Pasta with Garlic and Parsley served in a white ceramic bowl.

Pasta with Garlic and Parsley (Pasta con Aglietto e Prezzemolino)

Simple ingredients make Pasta with Garlic and Parsley a quick Italian dish with silky strands, mellow garlic flavour and a fresh herbal finish.

Close-up top view of baked homemade Doritos piled in a white bowl.

Homemade Doritos

Fresh-from-the-oven Homemade Doritos bring a warm, crunchy texture with cheese and spice that pair well with dips, spreads, and relaxed get-togethers.

Curried chicken salad served in a white bowl with grapes, apples, and a creamy dressing, topped with a sprinkle of curry powder.

Curried Chicken Salad

If you like having something prepared ahead, this Curried Chicken Salad holds its texture well and stays fresh for days. Easy to portion and simple to serve.

Vietnamese iced coffee mixed with ice and condensed milk served in a glass.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee

A chilled glass of Vietnamese Iced Coffee brings strong coffee flavour and gentle sweetness and works well alongside toast, pastries, or a simple breakfast spread.

Pear Gorgonzola Gelato in Hazelnut Balsamic Tuiles

Pear Gorgonzola Gelato in Hazelnut Balsamic Tuiles

Today I am teaming up with Jomei’s Fine Foods for a very special recipe I developed to showcase their newest product: their Organic Sweet Balsamic Reduction.  The moment I tasted it, I knew I wanted to make something sweet with it, but I wanted to go beyond the usual pairing of balsamic vinegar and strawberries. You…

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Six tuna sushi roll pieces arranged on a black plate over a wooden board.

Skinny Tuna Sushi Roll

Homemade sushi night made simple with a Skinny Tuna Sushi Roll full of lean tuna, creamy mayo, and fresh cucumber crunch.

Close-up of M&M’s forming a gravity effect on a Kit Kat cake with a flowing candy stream.

Gravity Defying M&M’s Kit Kat Cake

Make every birthday sweeter with a Gravity Defying M&M’s Kit Kat Cake, a chocolate creation wrapped in Kit Kats and topped with floating M&M’s, an instant favourite for birthdays and family celebrations.

Eggless Chocolate Cake

Eggless Chocolate Cake

Recently we celebrated my eldest daughter’s 9th birthday. We usually have a party at our place and I take care of the food (remember the Frozen theme?), but this year we had to do something a bit different. Due to my recent surgery, I was not able to organise the usual spread of food, so…

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Chicken Involtini with Fontina, Speck and Peas

Chicken Involtini with Fontina, Speck and Peas

I love chicken involtini. Well, to be honest I love all involtini, especially when they are filled with cheese! I am always looking for different stuffing. In this case, I filled the rolls with Fontina cheese and smokey Italian Speck. I then cooked them with peas and a little bit of cream – mainly to…

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Turkey Eggplant Caviar Lettuce Wrap

Turkey Eggplant Caviar Lettuce Wrap

If you follow my blog, you will know that I have recently been operated to remove my gallbladder, as I had gallstones. In the weeks leading to the surgery, I had to follow a strictly low-fat diet. As such, I had to come up with alternatives for my meals that included no more than 2…

Read More »

Eggplant Caviar

Eggplant Caviar

Eggplant is one of my favourite ingredients when it comes to make anything with vegetables. It is a very common ingredient in Italian cooking, especially in the south where it is present at almost every meals during the summer months, when eggplant is at its best. Today I will share with you a recipe for…

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No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

I made these No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars to take to a friend’s get together. I love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate and these also had an added bonus: puffed rice. Don’t you just love how crispy puffed rice is? Every time I eat it, I get transported back to my childhood,…

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Celery stick being dipped into olive oil vinaigrette beside carrots and cherry tomatoes.

Pinzimonio (Tuscan Crudités)

Pinzimonio is a traditional Italian crudités platter served with olive oil and vinegar for dipping. It comes together in minutes and makes a fresh appetiser or colourful platter.

Shredded Chicken Salad with Ranch Dressing

Shredded Chicken Salad with Ranch Dressing

It must be quite hot up in the Northern hemisphere. It’s the middle of winter here in Australia, but as it never really gets “cold” (not the cold I am used to anyway), I still like to have salads, especially for lunch. Today’s salad is a very easy one and it uses leftover chicken. I…

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Pesche al Vino

Pesche al Vino

Today’s recipe takes me back to my summers in Sicily where my aunt would often finish a delicious meal with these Pesche al Vino – aka Italian Peaches in Wine. She would skip the sugar to be completely honest, but the smell of the ripe peaches macerated in wine is still vivid in my mind….

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Tuna Dill Salad Pita Pockets

Tuna Dill Salad Pita Pockets

Due to my gallbladder issues, I have been on a low fat (almost fat-free) diet for over 2 months. Finding appetising recipes that have no more than 2 grams (0.07 oz!!) of fat per serving was not easy, but these Tuna Dill Salad Pita Pockets fit the bill if made with fat-free or very low…

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Chicken with Black Olive Tapenade

Chicken with Black Olive Tapenade

I often cook chicken at home as it is my kids’ favourite kind of meat, so I know they will eat it without making a fuss. Today’s recipe is Chicken with Black Olive Tapenade and it is a variation of a Rabbit recipe I published a long time ago. In this case, I use chicken…

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Buttered Potatoes

Buttered Potatoes

Today I want to share with you a quick side dish recipe: Buttered Potatoes. I often make these potatoes instead of mash when I don’t have a lot of time. They taste delicious and absolve the same purpose of mash: to soak up all the yummy sauce or gravy of the dish they accompany. And…

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Welcome to Manu’s Menu!

Hi! I am Manu, the author of Manu's Menu. I was born and brought up in Italy and my blog can show you how to create authentic Italian food in your own home! Read More…

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Video Recipe: Orecchiette with Crudaiola Sauce

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manusmenu

Food blogger, cookbook author, food photographer & stylist.

A batch of homemade flaxseed crackers is always ha A batch of homemade flaxseed crackers is always handy to have in the kitchen.

They're crisp, easy to store, and pair well with dips, soft cheeses, fresh vegetables, or your favourite toppings whenever you need a quick snack.

#flaxseedcrackers #mealprep #healthysnacks #homemade #manu #manusmenu
Creamy goat cheese, crunchy pistachios, and a driz Creamy goat cheese, crunchy pistachios, and a drizzle of honey 🍯

The combination of creamy, sweet, and crunchy textures makes this such an easy appetiser to put together when you want something simple but a little different.

Serve with crusty bread or your favourite crackers and enjoy. 

#pistachios #HoneyDrizzle #sharingplatter #manusmenu
After sharing the scrambled eggs and tomato toast After sharing the scrambled eggs and tomato toast recently, I thought it would be a good time to highlight one of my favourite herb blends 🌿

Herbes de Provence is a traditional French herb blend usually made with herbs such as thyme, rosemary, oregano, and savoury.

It's a simple way to add extra flavour to everyday ingredients and works especially well with eggs, tomatoes, roasted vegetables, potatoes, chicken, and soups.

Have you used Herbes de Provence before?

#herbesdeprovence #frenchcooking #mediterraneanfood #herbblends #manu #manusmenu
Scrambled eggs with tomato on toast is one of thos Scrambled eggs with tomato on toast is one of those simple meals that always works 🍅

Warm, savoury, filling, and made with ingredients most people already have at home.

#scrambledeggs #QuickMeals #breakfastideas #homemademeals #manu #manusmenu
This calamari risotto turned out creamy, rich, and This calamari risotto turned out creamy, rich, and so satisfying 🍚

Made as a low FODMAP recipe, it’s a homemade seafood dinner option that feels filling and easier to enjoy for those with sensitive stomachs or lower FODMAP dietary needs.

 #lowfodmap #calamaririsotto #seafoodrecipes #homemademeals #manu #manusmenu
Pumpkin has a naturally gentle sweetness, which is Pumpkin has a naturally gentle sweetness, which is why ingredients like ginger, coconut cream, herbs, curry paste, or lime work so well with it.

Those subtle layers of flavour help create soups that feel comforting, warming, and more rounded 💛

 #pumpkinsoup #thaifood #homemademeals #homemade #manusmenu
Smooth, creamy, and filled with delicious Thai-ins Smooth, creamy, and filled with delicious Thai-inspired flavours 🍲 This pumpkin soup makes such a lovely homemade dinner idea ✨

#PumpkinSoupRecipe #homemadefood #thaifood #manu #manusmenu
A sweet homemade treat for the person who made lif A sweet homemade treat for the person who made life sweeter first 💖
These chocolate date hearts are filled with soft dates, rich chocolate, and a little homemade love for Mother’s Day 🌷

 #mothersday #mothersdaygiftideas #datehearts #manusmenu
more stories beyond the menu ✈️ #MatchaMoments #t more stories beyond the menu ✈️

#MatchaMoments #travelreels #travelwithmanuela
A simple treat for Mother’s Day 🌸 These chocolate A simple treat for Mother’s Day 🌸

These chocolate covered dates pair perfectly with a warm cup of tea and make a lovely homemade gift or afternoon treat.

Simple, sweet, and easy to make at home.

#mothersday #chocolatecovereddates #HomemadeTreats #dessertideas #teatime #manusmenu
This iced chai is simple to make and perfect when This iced chai is simple to make and perfect when you want something calm and comforting.

Made with a few ingredients and warm spices, it’s a drink you can easily prepare at home without much effort.

Sometimes it’s the simple drinks that you keep coming back to. 💓

#icedchai #homedrinks #teatime #homemade #manu #manusmenu
Ever wondered why your iced matcha tastes differen Ever wondered why your iced matcha tastes different every time?

It’s not just about the ingredients. Small details like the quality of the matcha, how you sift it, and how you whisk it can completely change the result.

Even the texture and colour can tell you a lot before you even take a sip.

Once you start paying attention to these steps, it becomes much easier to get a smoother, more balanced matcha at home 🍵

 #matcha #icedmatcha #Matchalatte #JapaneseTea #manusmenu
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