Manu’s Menu

Authentic Italian Home Cooking & More

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Baked Ndunderi

Baked Ndunderi

Today I am back with a traditional recipe from the south of Italy: Baked Ndunderi (pronounced “doon-der-ee”) . Ndunderi are hand-made gnocchi-like pasta from the Amalfi Coast, near Naples. I must admit that, unfortunately, this pasta is not very well known around Italy, which is a real pity as it tastes amazing. Ndunderi are a…

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Fresh Homemade Spanish Chorizo sausages arranged on a wooden board.

Homemade Spanish Chorizo

Skip store-bought sausage and make Homemade Spanish Chorizo. Fresh pork seasoned with smoky paprika and garlic delivers an authentic Spanish taste you simply can’t get from a packet.

Chilled glass of mango liqueur beside ripe mango halves on a wooden board.

Mango Liqueur

Bring a little sunshine to your glass with this Mango Liqueur. Sweet, fruity, and perfectly balanced, it’s an easy homemade drink full of fresh tropical flavour.

Bottle and glass of grapefruit liqueur arranged on blue cloth with a grapefruit.

Homemade Grapefruit Liqueur

Sweet, zesty, and perfect for warm nights! Make a batch of Homemade Grapefruit Liqueur and enjoy a bright sip whenever you like.

Goat’s milk ricotta with a small spoonful removed to show texture.

Goat’s Milk Ricotta

This Goat’s Milk Ricotta comes together with only 4 ingredients, giving you a creamy cheese you can use on bread, veggies, and pasta for easy everyday meals.

Home-made Ketchup

Home-made Ketchup

And here I am with another one of my DIY projects. Only, this one is really easy. Did you know that making ketchup at home only took 20 minutes? And it is as easy as stirring all the ingredients together and put the pot on the stove. That’s it. It probably takes longer for it…

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Home-made Ghee

Home-made Ghee

  As you know, I like to try my hands at making things at home that you can get in the stores. I know it sounds a bit crazy… why on earth would I want to waste my time to make something I can easily get at the supermarket? Well, for one, you can control…

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Fragolino Liqueur in a clear glass with fresh strawberries and cork on a lilac cloth.

Fragolino Liqueur

Blended from strawberries, sugar, and spirit, Fragolino Liqueur brings a fresh, fruity aroma and smooth taste that fit perfectly into spring menus and afternoon desserts.

Creamy Dulce de Leche Liqueur served in small glasses on a wooden board beside a spoonful of caramel.

Dulce de Leche Liqueur

Creamy, sweet, and soothing, this Dulce de Leche Liqueur feels like dessert in a bottle and brings a little indulgence to even the simplest moments.

Glass of homemade Passion Fruit Liqueur on a checkered cloth with fresh passion fruit halves beside it.

Passion Fruit Liqueur

Bright, tangy, and tropical, this homemade Passion Fruit Liqueur brings a splash of sunshine to every glass. Its golden colour and balanced flavour make it ideal for sipping, gifting, or cocktails.

Close-up of homemade condensed milk in a glass jar.

Homemade Condensed Milk

No condensed milk in the cupboard? This Homemade Condensed Milk uses simple pantry staples and gives you a smooth, reliable result whenever you need it.

Mozzarella and Sun-Dried Tomato Pork Sausages on a wooden board with mozzarella and Sun-Dried tomatoes.

Mozzarella Sausage with Sun Dried Tomatoes

Creamy mozzarella and savoury sun-dried tomatoes give this Mozzarella Sausage with Sun-Dried Tomatoes rich Italian-style flavour, perfect for barbecues and casual dinners.

Creamy Coconut Liqueur

Creamy Coconut Liqueur #SundaySupper

This week, for #SundaySupper we are sharing recipes for homemade gifts to give to family and friends for the holidays. I LOVE this theme and I cannot wait to read all the recipes that my fellow bloggers will share.  I am always on the lookout for new ideas.  Like every year, this year too I…

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Glass of salted caramel liqueur with jar of caramel sauce and bottle in the background.

Homemade Salted Caramel Liqueur

Homemade Salted Caramel Liqueur tastes like a creamy dessert in a glass. Shake it into cocktails or sip it chilled.

Small glass of homemade white chocolate liqueur surrounded by white chocolate squares.

Homemade White Chocolate Liqueur

Level up your Christmas cocktails with Homemade White Chocolate Liqueur. One sip and the smooth, creamy sweetness will make you reach for it in every holiday drink.

Aamrakhand

Aamrakhand

Today’s recipe is an Indian dessert.  A few months ago I shared with you the recipe for Shrikhand, a smooth and airy yogurt mousse made with hung curd, sugar, saffron, cardamom and nuts.  Today, I am going to show you how to make what is basically a mango flavoured Shrikhand, called Aamrakhand.  The recipe is…

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Spoon lifting thick and creamy homemade aioli from a black serving bowl.

Homemade Aioli

Fresh Homemade Aioli with garlic, lemon, and olive oil creates a creamy sauce for dipping fries, spreading onto sandwiches, or serving with grilled seafood. Aioli is one of those simple recipes that can completely change a meal. Creamy, garlicky, and rich with olive oil, it’s a condiment traditionally made in parts of France and Spain…

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Maftoul with Chicken

Maftoul with Chicken

The May Daring Cooks’ Challenge was hosted by the incomparable Sawsan from Chef in Disguise. Sawsan challenged us to try our hands (literally!) at making maftoul – hand-rolled Palestinian couscous that is as versatile as it is tasty! Wow was the only word that I could utter when I saw this month’s challenge!  I love Sawsan’s…

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Homemade Verzini sausages arranged on a wooden board with fresh cabbage leaves and whole peppercorns.

Homemade Verzini

Perfect with polenta or lentils, Homemade Verzini are rustic Northern Italian sausages made with freshly ground pork, red wine, and a delicate blend of spices.

Wrapped puff pastry portions stacked on a wooden board beside butter and a rolling pin.

Homemade Puff Pastry

Homemade Puff Pastry forms delicate layers of butter and dough, resulting in crisp, flaky pastries that freeze well and can be used in countless recipes.

Cappellacci served on a plate with porcini and cream sauce.

Cappellacci with Sausage and Porcini

Make dinner special with Cappellacci with Sausage and Porcini. Rich sausage and earthy mushrooms wrapped in tender pasta create an unforgettable dish.

Homemade coffee liqueur served in small glasses with a swing-top bottle, coffee beans, and vanilla on a soft cloth background.

Coffee and Vanilla Liqueur

Rich espresso and vanilla flavour give this Coffee and Vanilla Liqueur a deep taste and slightly syrupy texture. Pour it over ice, into cocktails, or over gelato for an easy treat.

Homemade Cotechino resting on a wooden board with whole spices.

Homemade Cotechino

Bringing the festive mood straight to the table with this Homemade Cotechino. Slow-simmered, deeply comforting, and perfect for relaxed family meals all season long.

Spoon lifting homemade mascarpone from a glass jar with raspberries on a wooden table.

Homemade Mascarpone

Soft, smooth, and made with just 2 ingredients, Homemade Mascarpone creates a rich Italian cream cheese perfect for tiramisù, layered desserts, creamy fillings, and savoury recipes.

Homemade Sicilian Pork Sausage with Fennel coiled on a white plate.

Homemade Sicilian Pork Sausage with Fennel

Fire up the grill for Homemade Sicilian Pork Sausage with Fennel. Juicy, flavourful, and easy to cook, it’s made for outdoor meals and relaxed gatherings.

Shrikhand

SHRIKHAND – श्रीखन्ड

The lovely Cher of The Not So Exciting Adventures of a Dabbler was our July Daring Cooks’ hostess and she asked us to create homemade yogurt in our own kitchens! No incubators needed, no expensive equipment or ingredients, just a few items and we had delicious yogurt for a fraction of the cost and a whole lot…

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Home-made Ricotta

HOME-MADE RICOTTA

A few months ago, my friend Sawsan from Chef in Disguise challenged the Daring Cooks to make our own cheese.  She gave us a few recipes for cheese and at that time I chose to try my hands at making Chèvre.  On the side though, I tried to make ricotta as well and I was…

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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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