Thursday, August 13, 2009

Prepping for the Amalfi Coast...Spuma Di Zucchini

In preparation for our trip to the Amalfi coast my husband and I have been watching old episodes of Molto Mario; the ones titled “Simple Meals from the Amalfi Coast”

See our plan is to be able to use local ingredients and "cook-in" a bunch of our meals. I know…all the way to Italy and we’re going to stay in and cook. Don’t worry we’ll eat out enough and I’m sure I’ll have lots of blog posts to share with you when we get back.
So before we leave I thought I’d give one of Mario’s “Amalfi garden” recipes a try.


These little zucchini foam cups are a perfect light appetizer. Cool and refreshing in the heat we’re having here in Arizona. They will also be wonderful to eat on our Italian patio with the breeze coming in off the coast.


Zucchini Foam---Spuma di Zucchine
adapted from Mario Batali

Ingredients 6 to 8 small zucchini to yield about 2 pounds, sliced in half lengthwise
2 bulbs garlic, cloves separated but unpeeled
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil plus 4 tablespoons
11/2 teaspoons salt
Black pepper
1 1/4 cups Parmigiano-Reggiano
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Place the zucchini on a baking sheet, cut side down. Arrange the garlic cloves around the zucchini, drizzle with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven 40 minutes, until zucchini are blackened in some spots and garlic is golden brown.

Allow to cool and remove skins from garlic cloves. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the zucchini, garlic, Parmigiano-Reggiano, lemon juice, zest and heavy cream and process until smooth. Add the basil, process for 15 seconds and remove to a chilled bowl. Refrigerate 30 minutes.

To serve, place a 3 tablespoon dollop in the center of each of 4 plates and sprinkle with young arugula. Drizzle with remaining oil and serve.

15 comments:

  1. These zucchini foams looks delicious! Thanks for sharing your recipe :)

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  2. yummy, have a lovely trip Italy is amazing we were there in the sping, gelato yummy

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  3. This looks divine! I will try it with these splendid Tuscan zucchini foraged in the vegetable garden.
    Be sure to keep me updated on your upcomimg Amalfi Coast trip, I have many tips to share, both restaurant-related and ingredient shopping-wise.

    I emailed you re the jars.
    Ciao
    Lola xx

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  4. I love zucchini. This is similar to a cold soup, yes? Looks really good.

    My sister and husband visited Italy two years ago and loved it so much that they're not only planning another trip back next year, but talk about actually moving there. Well, more like fantasize about it! I hope to go some day.

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  5. I have been so busy this summer and haven't posted at all as well as not commenting. But when I saw that you are going to the Amalfi Coast.. Girl, I'm so jealous!! :) Have a "WONDERFUL" time. I couldn't imagine you not!! It may even be hard getting on a plane back to Arizona. :) Hiugs to you and LOVE anything zucchini! :)

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  6. That looks fantastic! Lucky you, a real vacation! I can't wait to hear all about it!

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  7. Oh, you'll enjoy the Amalfi Coast SO much... It's so beautiful I could die!!!

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  8. wow! another zucchini dish to fall in love with...when i saw the word "foam" i was expecting foam ala molecular gastronomy, glad there's something to fill the cup and spoon *grin*

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  9. Do you have room for one more? I can't wait to see all yout pictures! I'm happy for you and jealous all at the same time.:-)

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  10. How lucky to visit the Amalfi Coast.
    The food and wine is going to be AMAZING!!!!
    Can't wait to hear all about it.
    I am envious!

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  11. I can't wait to hear about your trip - but in the mean time this looks delicious! I love zucchini!

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  12. Have a wonderful time! Take lots of photos so I can live vicariously through mjy traveling blog friends!

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  13. Oh, I am soooo jealous! You are going to have such a wonderful time! Can't wait to hear all about your edible adventures.

    Very interesting recipe. It looks really lovely!

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  14. Ciao Theresa!
    What a fun way to prepare for your trip to the Amalfi Coast! Thanks for sharing the recipe. Mmm! I think cooking in is a great way to experience the local foods. I look foward to hearing about your trip & hopefully meeting up with you while you are here!

    Safe travels! -Laura

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