Manu’s Menu

Authentic Italian Home Cooking & More

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Italian Salad

Italian Salad

Some readers have asked me to share more Italian side dishes on the blog. I actually hadn’t realised that I didn’t have many! It’s probably because Italian side dishes are pretty easy and straightforward and I never think they are “blog worthy”. But then again, they may be straightforward for me, having grown up in…

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Brioche Potatoes

Brioche Potatoes

Today I am back with a delicious side dish: Brioche Potatoes. This was one of my grandmother Bice’s specialty and now that my mum is in town, we have made them again. It is a very easy recipe, really, what what sets these potatoes apart is their shape. They are called “Brioche” because they have…

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Middle-Eastern Chargrilled Pumpkin Salad

Middle-Eastern Chargrilled Pumpkin Salad

I made this Middle-Eastern Chargrilled Pumpkin Salad as one of the side dishes for our Christmas Eve dinner, as it paired really well with the stuffing of the roast pork I had made. I loved the blend of Middle Eastern spices that goes into this warm simple salad. Sumac is one of my all time…

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Honey Glazed Baby Carrots

Honey Glazed Baby Carrots

I made these Honey Glazed Baby Carrots as one of the side dishes for our Christmas Eve dinner. I love baby carrots as they taste sweet and delicious and this is one of my favourite dishes. It also helps that it is very quick and easy to make, which makes it the perfect addition to…

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Sicilian Bell Pepper Involtini

Sicilian Bell Pepper Involtini

Today’s recipe is a very simple appetiser or side dish idea: Sicilian Bell Pepper Involtini. I love capsicums (or bell peppers), I always have. I have already shared a Bell Pepper Involtini recipe before, but this one is different. They are filled with what we call the ”Zangaras’ trademark”, as we use this same stuffing…

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Finished Sicilian eggplant bake in a red baking dish.

Sicilian Eggplant Bake

Layers of roasted eggplant, sweet tomatoes, and gooey cheese make this Sicilian Eggplant Bake taste like home-cooked perfection.

Swordfish Caponata served in a rustic bowl with fresh basil and warm bread on the side.

Swordfish Caponata

A Sicilian classic with a seafood twist, Swordfish Caponata blends tender eggplant and firm fish in a rich sweet and sour tomato glaze.

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.

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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Espinacas a la Catalana

Espinacas a la Catalana

Today I am taking you back to Spain, to Catalonia to be precise. I have realised I don’t have many side dishes on the blog, so this recipe for Espinacas a la Catalana is an attempt to fix the problem. When I was a child I used to dislike spinach. They tasted bitter and just…

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Italian Grilled Vegetables

Italian Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables are a staple at our place especially in spring and summer. In fact, this recipe is dedicated to all my friends in the Northern hemisphere (though my readers who are going into winter should definitely bookmark it for later!). When I met my husband, he barely ate any vegetable. True story. But these…

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Aloo Tikki

Aloo Tikki

Today’s recipe is a delicious Indian appetiser. Well, it’s more like a snack really, but it is also served as an appetiser at restaurants. I personally love Aloo Tikki and I often make them at home. You could say that they are the Indian version of potato croquettes and they are packed with flavour thanks…

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Korokke

Korokke

Korokke (コロッケ) were my youngest daughter’s favourite snack during our trip to Japan!  Korokke are potato croquettes coated in panko and then deep fried. In Japan you can find many different kinds of korokke and I have already shared with you the recipe for Beef Korokke and Cheese Korokke. Today’s recipe is the basic version…

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Spiced Potato Wedges with Easy Sweet Chilli Sauce

Spiced Potato Wedges with Easy Sweet Chilli Sauce

It is time again for the “Secret recipe club” reveal! I am sure you all know what the club is about, but for the few of you who still don’t know about it, here goes a brief explanation. It is a great concept… each month you are assigned a participating food blogger to make a…

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Warm Maftoul Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Warm Maftoul Salad with Roasted Vegetables

I love salads, but sometimes I feel like eating something warm instead. I had some pearl couscous (maftoul) in my pantry and when I looked through the vegetables that I had in my fridge I thought it may be a good idea to make a warm Maftoul salad with all of that. I must admit…

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Cheese Korokke

Cheese Korokke #SundaySupper

This week the Sunday Supper team is sharing Asian recipes!!! And, as you know, I have been sharing a few Japanese recipes lately, so this week’s theme couldn’t have come at a better time! During our recent Japanese holiday, we had so much amazing food. Korokke (コロッケ) were my youngest daughter’s favourite snack! Korokke are potato…

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Puntarelle alla Romana

Puntarelle alla Romana

During my recent trip to Italy, I didn’t really forget about my readers! Even though I was on holiday, I still did a little cooking. There are a few dishes that I have always wanted to share with you, but never could, as I was not able to find the ingredients for them. So… I…

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Beef Korokke

Beef Korokke

During our recent Japanese holiday, we had a lot of amazing food. In fact, Japanese cuisine is so much more than just (fantastic) sushi and sashimi! My youngest daughter especially liked korokke (コロッケ), aka potato croquettes coated in panko and then deep fried. Need I say more? Maybe I should also specify that there are…

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Halloumi and cherry tomatoes tossed together in a bowl with fresh basil.

Tomato and Halloumi Salad

Golden pan-fried halloumi and juicy tomatoes come together in Tomato and Halloumi Salad. A quick toss with vinaigrette keeps it light and easy to serve.

Gyoza

Gyoza

I love potstickers and Japanese Gyoza – 餃子(ぎょうざ) are my absolute favourite!  I love the crunchy skin and the soft and tasty filling. ManuLove travelling as much as cooking? Many of the recipes I share are inspired by places I’ve visited around the world. On Travel with Manu you’ll find destination guides, itineraries and travel…

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Torta Pasqualina Umbra

Torta Pasqualina Umbra

Today I’d like to share with you a traditional Easter recipe from the Italian region of Umbria.  Umbria is famous around the world for its hilly landscapes and old towns, such as Assisi and Orvieto to name just two.  It is a wonderful area of Italy and besides being beautiful, it also boasts delicious hearty…

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Golden bread knots topped with garlic and dried herbs.

Homemade Garlic Knots

Soft pull-apart Homemade Garlic Knots made with homemade bread dough, tied into knots and coated in melted garlic butter and parsley, make a warm and buttery side bread for pasta or soup.

Carciofi in Pinzimonio

Carciofi in Pinzimonio

I grew up in a family of artichoke lovers.  Every week, in winter, my parents would buy plenty of artichokes at the local market and we would eat them in all sorts of ways.  I have already shared a few recipes and ideas on what to do with this delicious vegetable, and today I am…

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Onion Crusted Scotch Fillet with Home-made Chips

Onion Crusted Scotch Fillet with home-made Chips

A few weeks ago, I reviewed the Toollio, a very handy kitchen tool that really makes your life easier when it comes to cooking.  Today, I want to show you yet another recipe that I have created using this fantastic appliance: Onion Crusted Scotch Fillet with home-made Chips.  It is another very quick meal idea, as…

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Sicilian Stuffed Artichokes

Sicilian Stuffed Artichokes

A little while ago, I was so lucky to find some amazing artichokes at the markets.  I got a tray full of them… and made them in many different ways.  Remember my Carciofi alla Trapanese recipe?  Those too were part of this batch…  Today, I will show you yet another way of preparing a delicious…

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Crispy Serrano croquettes on a plate with paprika mayo and sliced ham.

Croquetas de Jamón Serrano

Golden Croquetas de Jamón Serrano with béchamel and ham make an easy snack that goes well with vegetables, simple salads, and crusty bread on quiet evenings.

Carciofi alla Trapanese  

Carciofi alla Trapanese #SundaySupper

This week the Sunday Supper team is sharing recipes for lighter foods to balance out the indulgences that go along with all the feasting, parties and celebrations of the upcoming holiday season. And what better than artichokes to eat lighter, healthier but still delicious food?  Did you know that the total antioxidant capacity of artichokes is one…

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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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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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