Manu’s Menu

Authentic Italian Home Cooking & More

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Saffron Pumpkin Porcini Risotto

Saffron Pumpkin Porcini Risotto

I must admit that one of the things I miss the most about living in the Northern Hemisphere are the seasons. Don’t get me wrong, we have the same seasons down here, but they are “reversed”. In fact, right now, it’s the end of spring. Besides the fact that I will never be able to…

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Dried Porcini and Saffron Risotto

Dried Porcini and Saffron Risotto

As I have said many times, Risotto alla Milanese (Saffron Risotto) is the first dish I have ever cooked all by myself… I was probably about 6 or 7 years old.  It’s always been my favourite risotto and I was so good at it, that whenever my grandfather would visit us from Sicily, he always asked…

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Thandai

Thandai

Today, Indians celebrate Holi, the festival of spring, also known as the festival of colours.  Holi signifies the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring, but for many people it’s also an opportunity to repair ruptured relationships. During this time, people play, chase and colour each other with dry powder and coloured…

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Saffron Gnocchi with Ham and Peas

Saffron Gnocchi with Ham and Peas

Today it’s back to basics, with an Italian classic recipe… but with a twist.  Ham and peas are a very common pairing and Italians love to use this combination in a pasta sauce.  I love it too and it reminds me of when I was a child and I would often ask my mum to…

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Orecchiette with sausage and fennel tops

ORECCHIETTE WITH SAUSAGE AND FENNEL TOPS

I know many people find making bread relaxing.  And I do understand why… kneading is good for you and it does take your mind away from everyday worries.  I have a very similar experience when making pasta.  And more precisely when shaping pasta with my hands.  I find it a very relaxing and fulfilling activity. …

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Saffron Potato Gnocchi with Sausage and Porcini

SAFFRON GNOCCHI WITH SAUSAGE AND PORCINI

Todd, who is The Daring Kitchen’s AWESOME webmaster and an amazing cook, is our September Daring Cooks’ host! Todd challenged us to make light and fluffy potato Gnocchi and encouraged us to flavor the lil pillows of goodness and go wild with a sauce to top them with! YESSSSS!  I love gnocchi of all sorts,…

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Indian biryani topped with nuts, sultanas, and fried onions on a rustic table.

Mughlai Lamb Biryani

Saffron-infused rice paired with spiced lamb gives this Mughlai Lamb Biryani its signature aroma and rich, flavour-packed finish.

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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Riso al Salto served on a plate with golden crust and crisp edges.

Riso al Salto

Leftover risotto gets a serious upgrade when fried in butter until golden, turning into Riso al Salto with crisp edges, a soft centre, and plenty of flavour.

Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani

Fragrant basmati rice layered over spiced chicken, herbs, and fried onions makes Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani a dish that fills the kitchen with rich aroma.

Finished bucatini with sardines and fennel in a pan, served with wine and toasted breadcrumbs.

Pasta con le Sarde alla Palermitana

The combination of raisins, sardines, warm spices, and pine nuts makes this Pasta con le Sarde alla Palermitana unbelievably satisfying. Add breadcrumbs on top for a next-level finish.

Paella Mixta

PAELLA MIXTA

Our Daring Cooks’ September 2012 hostess was Inma of la Galletika. Inma brought us a taste of Spain and challenged us to make our very own delicious Paella! Paella!!!!!!!!!!  When I saw this month’s challenge I couldn’t have been happier.  When I lived in Europe, Spain was my favourite place to travel to.  I have been there…

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Zucchini Flower and Saffron Risotto

ZUCCHINI FLOWER AND SAFFRON RISOTTO IN A PARMIGIANO REGGIANO BASKET

When Divya from Flavour Fiesta asked me to write a recipe for her beautiful magazine I was really excited!  I have always liked her website and I simply love her magazine: content, style, photos… everything!  You MUST check it out, trust me!!!  When she said the theme would be spring I was intrigued and I…

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Malloreddus alla Campidanese

MALLOREDDUS ALLA CAMPIDANESE

This week’s Regional Italian recipe comes from the region of Sardinia or, as we say, Sardegna, one of the 2 biggest islands of Italy (the other being Sicily).  It is a fantastic place with some of the best food and seaside in the world (I am not kidding you).  It is well known in Italy as…

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MIXED SALAD WITH YOGHURT AND SAFFRON DRESSING

This recipe will help you to spice up your salad with a low fat and delicious dressing.  Yes, you read that right… low fat and delicious were used in the same sentence!  It is low fat as it is a yoghurt based dressing and it is delicious thanks to the addition of saffron and curry…

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Pasta with sausage, artichokes and saffron

PASTA WITH SAUSAGE, ARTICHOKES AND SAFFRON

We all love sausage in our family. When I say sausage I am referring to the Italian style sausage made of pure pork. I am lucky enough to find some good quality Italian style sausage in Sydney, nonetheless I often make it at home from scratch, as nothing beats home-made things (I used my home-made…

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PASTA CON I BROCCOLI ARRIMINATI – PASTA CHI VRUOCCULI ARRIMINATI

As I have announced in my Vitello Tonnato post, I have decided to dedicate one post a week to Italian cooking, focussing each time on a different region.  There are so many fantastic traditional recipes in Italy that it can be a daunting job to choose from them, but I am having lots of fun…

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Chicken consommé with saffron served with tortellini in a white bowl.

Chicken Consommé with Saffron and Tortellini

Light yet flavourful, Chicken Consommé with Saffron and Tortellini brings together soft pasta and a fragrant broth in one calming, comforting bowl.

Kashmiri Pulao

KASHMIRI PULAO

When we first moved to Sydney we did not know any good places to dine out in the city, so we asked around and received a few great suggestions.  One of these quickly became one of our favourite restaurants: Abhi’s Indian Restaurant.  The food is fantastic and some of their dishes are just plain delicious. …

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SAFFRON RISOTTO – RISOTTO ALLA MILANESE

As I said in my post A special birthday with… an award, Risotto alla milanese is the first dish I have ever cooked all by myself.  I remember watching my mother continuously stirring the rice in the pot as a small child and waiting impatiently for it to be ready.  It surely was my favourite…

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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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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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