Author: Phil Torre

Phil Torre is a second-generation Italian-American cook. He learned to cook in his father's New York Italian restaurant, where he worked for over a decade before launching The Italian Chef in 1999.
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    Shrimp Oreganato

    This recipe is a very tasty shrimp dish, the key to which is making sure that it stays moist and does not become dried out. If the bread crumb mixture feels too dry, you may have to add a little more oil, use your judgement. Serves 4 2 cups bread crumbs 1/4 cup olive oil…

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    Marinara Sauce

    Marinara derives from the Italian word for sailor, marinaro. Due to these origins I have seen many people say that marinara sauce must contain something from the sea, usually anchovies. Actually, this is not the case, the origins of marinara sauce are that it is the sauce that they made in Naples for the sailors…

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    Radicchio Risotto

    From The Silver Spoon (Phaidon Press Ltd, 2005) Serves 4 About 6 1/2 cups of Vegetable Stock 6 tablespoons butter 1 onion, chopped 7 ounces radicchio, cut into strips 2 cups risotto rice 5 tablespoons white wine 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, freshly grated salt Bring the stock to a boil. Meanwhile, melt half the butter in another pan,…

  • Gianduja Gelato

    From The Perfect Scoop: Ice Creams, Sorbets, Granitas, and Sweet Accompaniments (Ten Speed Press, 2007) On my first visit to Torino, I arrived in rabid pursuit of qianduja, a confection made from local hazelnuts ground with milk chocolate that is a specialty of the Piedmont region. I’d also never had gianduja gelato at the source. I did…

  • Custard Gelato

    From Gelato!: Italian Ice Creams, Sorbetti, and Granite by Pamela Sheldon Johns (Ten Speed Press, 2008)One of the most popular flavors in gelaterie in Italy is crema, a simple frozen custard unenhanced by any flavoring. It has a rich yellow color due to the brightness of the yolks of Italian corn-fed chickens. Makes 1-1/2 quarts; serves…

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    Rabbit Braised with Wine, Olives and Sage

    From Biba’s Italy: Favorite Recipes from the Splendid Cities (Artisan, 2006) The Tuscan way of preparing delicious home-cooked meals is straightforward and uncomplicated, and proves that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen. This typical family fare can be made with rabbit, pheasant, or chicken, and is a staple of Florence’s trattorie, where the rabbit…