Manu’s Menu

Authentic Italian Home Cooking & More

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Lightened-up Eggplant Caponata

Lightened-up Eggplant Caponata

After sharing with you the recipe for traditional Eggplant Caponata, today I am back with an healthier and quicker version of this Sicilian summer classic: Lightened-up Eggplant Caponata.

Lemon and Oil Cakes

Lemon and Oil Cakes

I absolutely love lemon-based desserts. I am not sure if it’s an age thing, but lately, they have become m, favourite and I like them even more than chocolate-based desserts! If you had told me this a few years ago, I would have never believed it could happen! These Lemon and Oil are delicious and…

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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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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.

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…

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Two halves of a ham salad wrap with fresh lettuce and tomato served on a white plate.

Ham Wrap with Lettuce and Tomato

Soft wrap with savoury ham, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomato, this Ham Wrap with Lettuce and Tomato comes together in minutes for a fresh, easy lunch.

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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Tropical verrine with yoghurt, passion fruit and cornflakes served in a small glass.

Tropical Verrine (Fresh Passion Fruit Dessert)

Sweet layers of pineapple, passion fruit, creamy yoghurt, and a little crunch make this Tropical Verrine light and refreshing.

Set panna cotta in a glass on a white plate with honey and a spoon on the side.

Kaffir Lime Panna Cotta with Yoghurt

Silky Kaffir Lime Panna Cotta with Yoghurt has a light citrus note, finished with honey for a smooth dessert served chilled after meals.

Fresh tomato and labneh salad served with pomegranate dressing, cherry tomatoes and toasted flatbread.

Middle Eastern Tomato Salad with Labneh

Juicy tomatoes pair with creamy labneh and a fragrant za’atar dressing in this Tomato Salad with Labneh and Pomegranate Dressing, making it a refreshing side dish for barbecues and lunches.

Smoked salmon salad with avocado, tomato, cilantro, and red onion ready to serve with lime vinaigrette.

Smoked Salmon and Avocado Salad

A fresh Smoked Salmon and Avocado Salad served with a light citrus dressing, ideal for a quick lunch when you want something easy yet satisfying.

Green bean, tomato and potato salad

Green Bean, Tomato and Potato Salad

Today I want to share with you the recipe for a delicious and healthy side dish.  This Green Bean Tomato and Potato Salad is very special to me and eating it always takes me back in time.  My mum would often make it in summer when we were holidaying in Sicily.  It is a very…

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Couscous, Olive and Orange Salad

COUSCOUS, OLIVE AND ORANGE SALAD

Ohhh I love couscous and I make it in all kinds of ways.  My all time favourite is my mum’s (and grandma’s) traditional Fish Couscous, but I also make the pre cooked version and serve it as a side dish.  And then there is leftover plain couscous.  Which is like a white canvas that can…

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COUSCOUS AND HERB SALAD

Couscous is one of my favourite side dishes.  I love the fact that it is so versatile and that it can be easily turned into a light and healthy main dish for a weekday lunch.  I usually make couscous to go with my Lemon Chicken Tajine with Olives or my LambTajine with Quinces and I sometimes have…

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Ricotta and Lemon Muffins

RICOTTA AND LEMON MUFFINS

There are some flavours that I think are a perfect match and ricotta and lemon are definitely on the top of the list.  It is a very common combination in Italian pâtisserie and when you try it out, you will understand why.  Ricotta is a very mild cheese that is often used in Italian sweets…

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Light and fluffy blueberry muffins with a lemon sugar crust topping

LIGHT BLUEBERRY MUFFINS WITH LEMON SUGAR CRUST

I know there are many blueberry muffins recipes out there.  A couple of years ago I was looking for one, but I did not find exactly what I was looking for.  So I came up with this one that is really a mix of 2 or 3 recipes.  I tried to look them up on…

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LIGHT CHOCOLATE MOUSSE WITH ORANGE LIQUEUR – MOUSSE DI CIOCCOLATO “LIGHT” AL LIQUORE D’ARANCIA

I love everything chocolate… and what’s better than a chocolate mousse to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the one you love?  This is a lighter version than the traditional chocolate mousse because it does not require cream: I just use egg whites to make it fluffy.  I usually make this mousse with rum, but this time…

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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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqSyzFElbRY
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MsM’S EBOOK – CLICK TO BUY IT NOW!

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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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