Manu’s Menu

Authentic Italian Home Cooking & More

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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.

Artichoke and Taleggio Risotto

Artichoke and Taleggio Risotto

Today I want to share another of my risotto recipes.  As you know, I like risotto probably more than pasta and I make it often.  Actually, as it can be made so quickly, I often make it for lunch when I am home alone.  Yes, you read that right!  Unlike what many people think, risotto…

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Ravioli di Magro

Ravioli di Magro #SundaySupper

This week’s #SundaySupper theme is “Retro Food”.  Ah, how fun is that?  The thing is, being Italian, I have no idea what people in other countries used to cook and eat in the past… so, I had to resort to an Italian recipe.  And I went for a classic.  I must admit that this dish is…

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Eggplant Sofficini

Eggplant Sofficini

If you follow this blog, you will be already familiar with sofficini, as I have already published a Ham and Cheese Sofficini recipe and a Mushroom Sofficini recipe a while ago.  For all the others who still do not know them, sofficini are delicious pockets of crunchy (yet soft) dough filled with all sorts of scrumptious cheesey…

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Beetroot Hearts with Goat Cheese

Beetroot Pasta Hearts with Goat Cheese

As you know, I love to play around with pasta’s colours and shapes.  With Valentine’s Day coming up in a couple of days, I thought heart shaped pasta would be in order.  And to make it even more appropriate for the occasion, I thought of making it pink.  You simply add some beetroot to your…

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Tomato and basil skewers on halloumi squares served on a white dish.

Cherry Tomato and Halloumi Bites

Crisp Cherry Tomato and Halloumi Bites with a gentle lemon aroma make outdoor meals feel easy and bright, ready in minutes for casual barbecues.

Pumpkin Risotto with Gorgonzola Sauce

Pumpkin Risotto with Gorgonzola Sauce

Today I am back with a typical Italian recipe.  This is a dish that well represents Lombardy, the region where I was born.  Milan is very famous for its risotto and pumpkin is often used in our cooking.  Gorgonzola, my favourite cheese ever, is a blue cheese originally from the town of Gorgonzola, very close…

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Cheese Mouse on a Cracker arranged on a white serving plate.

Cheese Mouse on a Cracker

Creamy cheese pressed onto crunchy crackers shapes Cheese Mouse on a Cracker and brings a smooth mouthfeel with a crisp, salty finish.

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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Crespelle Cake with Broccoli

Crespelle Cake with Broccoli

A few months ago, I shared with you the recipe for another Crespelle “cake” made with asparagus and I liked it so much that I decided to make it again using other vegetables.  This time, it’s broccoli.  I adore broccoli, it is one of my favourite vegetables.  I have adapted a classic pairing of Italian cuisine…

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Close-up of fried cheese bitterballen with crisp coating.

Cheese Bitterballen

Crunchy on the outside and creamy in the middle, Cheese Bitterballen deliver crisp crumbs and hot, melted cheese in one rich, savoury mouthful.

Burrata and Truffle Oil Risotto

Burrata and Truffle Oil Risotto

Maybe not everyone is familiar with Burrata.  It is a kind of fresh cheese typical of the Italian region of Apulia, in the south of the country.  It is in fact a “composite” cheese as it is made of a mozzarella outer shell filled with soft mozzarella scraps and cream and then closed to form…

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Fried Manchego with Tomato and Orange Blossom Jam

Fried Manchego with Tomato and Orange Blossom Jam

In my early 20’s I visited Spain a few times. Oh Spain, an amazing country, one of my favourite places in the world.  I have been to the North (in the Basque country), the center (Madrid is such a beautiful city), the east (I left a piece of my heart in Barcelona and Catalunya) and…

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Vanilla and Yogurt Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce

Vanilla and Yogurt Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce

Don’t you just love a good cheesecake?  I certainly do!  I particularly like today’s recipe as it is a 2 layered cheesecake.  The bottom layer is a normal baked vanilla cheesecake, while the top layer also contains Greek Yogurt… this makes the cake a tad lighter to the palate and a bit fluffier on the…

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Beet and Goat’s Cheese Salad with Mint Balsamic Vinaigrette

Beet and Goat’s Cheese Salad with Mint Balsamic Vinaigrette

I love cheese.  All kinds.  Goat’s cheese in at the top of my list, together with Gorgonzola, Parmigiano Reggiano and Taleggio.  I like it so much that I even learnt how to make it by myself, at home (click here to find out how to make your own Chėvre)!  I love how flavourful and tangy it…

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Mushroom Sofficini

Mushroom Sofficini

If you follow this blog, you will be already familiar with sofficini, as I have published a Ham and Cheese Sofficini recipe a while ago.  For all the others who still do not know them, sofficini are delicious pockets of crunchy (yet soft) dough filled with all sorts of scrumptious cheesey goodies.  These are usually sold…

Read More »

Close-up of golden baked gnocchi alla Romana in baking dish.

Gnocchi alla Romana

Soft, creamy, and baked until lightly golden, Gnocchi alla Romana is classic Italian comfort food, with a cheesy finish and a texture meant to be enjoyed slowly.

Elsa's Plait

Elsa’s Plait

I love savoury dishes much more than sweets, so I always make sure to have a few savoury options at parties as I know kids will need something more than sugary treats.  I made this bread plait for Victoria’s Frozen party, to simulate Elsa’s long plait.  It’s a soft bread filled with ham and mozzarella. …

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Chicken Involtini with Prosciutto and Fontina

Chicken Involtini with Prosciutto and Fontina

Chicken is definitely the kind of meat we eat the most.  My children like it more than any other meat and even though I have always preferred beef, I now enjoy it too.  Being that we eat chicken often, I am always looking for different ways to serve it, so it doesn’t get too boring. …

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Finished Ficelle Picarde served in a baking dish with melted cheese.

Ficelle Picarde

Ficelle Picarde wraps mushrooms, ham, and creamy béchamel inside soft crêpes, then bakes everything until the top turns golden and irresistible for a comforting family dinner.

Beetroot and Ricotta Gnocchi with Gorgonzola

Beetroot and Ricotta Gnocchi with Gorgonzola

I have always love beetroot, a taste I share with my dad.  I remember often buying it at the store whenever it was available.  We would buy it cooked, ready to be sliced and eaten.  My favourite way to eat beets was to make them into a simple salad with extra virgin olive oil and…

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Stilton, Apple and Walnut Tarts

Stilton, Apple and Walnut Tarts

Today’s recipe is a delicious one.  You all know I have a thing for blue cheese… so when I saw some Stilton at my local supermarket, I could not resist and bought it.  I love to pair the strong flavoured Stilton with fruits.  I often pair it with pears or peaches, but this time I…

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Taleggio Fonduta with Walnut Mezzelune served with creamy cheese sauce and chopped walnuts.

Taleggio and Walnut Mezzelune with Parmigiano Reggiano Fondue

For your next pasta night, Taleggio and Walnut Mezzelune with Parmigiano Reggiano Fondue brings tender half-moon pasta wrapped around creamy Taleggio and walnuts, finished with velvety Parmigiano fondue. I love making pasta from scratch. Some people find making bread relaxing and soothing. For me, making pasta has the same calming effect. Kneading the dough and…

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Crespelle Cake with Asparagus

The April Daring Cooks Challenge was brought to us by Joanna from What’s On The List. She taught us all about Pathiri and challenged us to create our own version of this inspirational Indian dish! Mmmm I know what you are thinking… “crespelle cake with asparagus” doesn’t sound very Indian.  And it isn’t.  Actually, Joanna…

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Taleggio and Hazelnut Tarts

Taleggio and Hazelnut Tarts

Cheese is probably my favourite food.  I love to eat it plain, but I also enjoy cooking with it.  One of the things I miss the most about Italy is the variety of cheese and cold meats available at the local supermarket.  We are very spoilt for choice.  We don’t only find Italian products, but…

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Olive and Walnut Madeleines

Olive and Walnut Mini Madeleines

Today I want to share with you the recipe for a great appetiser: mini savoury madeleines made with walnuts and olives.  I saw these in an Italian food magazine and I just HAD to make them.  Actually, I made these for Christmas and served them as one of our appetisers, with blue cheese and honey. …

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Ras Malai

Ras Malai

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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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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