Tuscan Hearth
According to Wikipedia, kabobs or kebabs, originated in Persia but were later embraced by most of the Middle East. There are many variations of kebabs around the world and the term shish kebab comes from the Turkish language literally meaning roasted meat skewers. The kabob was a true to life solution for nomadic tribes who marinated unusual meats to tenderize them and remove their gaminess. The meat was then threaded onto skewers and roasted over a fire.
While the Turks created this delicious dish, their recipe spread across cultures in one form or another. Southeast Asian cultures have satay, Japanese call it yakitori, the French say brochettes and in Italy it is spiedini.
Italian grilling is for the most part fairly simple. Top-quality meats, with a light marinade, are grilled over hardwood coals. Grill several kinds of meat at one time, and you have a grigliata mista, or mixed grilled meats. It’s hard to beat, and that is why many Italians have a hearth in the cantinetta, the combination den and dining room where they entertain guests.
The concept behind spiedini, threading foods on a skewer and setting them over the coals or into the oven, is obvious, easy, and almost infinitely variable. In Italy they were originally made with sausage, chicken, beef or pork separated by pieces of bread and they were often prepared and sold that way by a butcher. The one thing they lacked were vegetables but today spiedini or kabobs often include vegetables in the Italian preparation.
Fish Spiedini with Herbs – Spiedini di Pesce alle Erbe
Serves 4
The combination of salmon and monkfish works very well in these garlic and herb infused fish kebabs. Grouper, red snapper, black cod (sablefish), striped bass, tilefish, turbot, orange roughy, Alaskan Pollock, sturgeon, hake (whiting) can also replace monkfish in a variety of recipes because they utilize the same cooking techniques.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 pound skinless salmon fillet
- 1/2 pound boned monkfish fillet
- 2 tablespoons freshly minced marjoram or oregano
- 2 tablespoons freshly minced basil
- 2 tablespoons freshly minced thyme
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Long skewers
- Lemon for garnish
Directions:
Cut the fish into 1-inch cubes. Put the fish in a glass bowl, pour the orange juice over it, cover it with plastic wrap, and chill it for an hour in the refrigerator, giving the bowl a shake every now and again.
While the fish is marinating, heat your grill.
Chop the herbs and the garlic. Put them in a small serving bowl with the olive oil, season with salt and pepper and mix well.
Drain the fish and put the pieces on the skewers, alternating salmon and monkfish. Brush the kabobs with some of the oil mixture and reserve the rest for serving with the cooked kabobs.
Grill the kebabs for about 10 minutes, turning them often. Serve the fish kebabs with the herbed oil, lemon and a white wine, for example, an Alcamo from Sicily.
Spicy Chicken Spiedini Recipe – Spiedini di Pollo Piccanti
These Chicken Spiedini are also excellent to add to an antipasto platter.
18 Spicy Chicken Spiedini
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut lengthwise to obtain 18 pieces of chicken breast, about 3/4 inch wide and as long as possible
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed
- Juice of a lime
- 1 teaspoon fine grained sea salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper, ideally freshly ground
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 18 skewers, each long enough to accommodate one piece of chicken
Directions:
If the skewers are made of wood, soak them in warm water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Put the sliced chicken breasts in a glass bowl large enough to hold them comfortably.
Gently heat the oil and the garlic in a saucepan for about 2 minutes; you want to heat the oil but not cook it. Remove and discard the garlic.
Mix the remaining ingredients into the oil and pour it over the chicken. Mix well and marinate the chicken for 30 minutes.
Thread one piece of chicken on each skewer. Heat coals or a gas grill or a broiler, and cook the spiedini over high heat, turning them once or twice; about 5-7 minutes.
Bell Pepper and Pork Spiedini Recipe – Spiedini di Maiale e Peperone
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 pounds boned lean pork loin
- 2 bell peppers of the colors you prefer, e.g. yellow and red
- 1 large onion (sweet, such as Vidalia)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers, 8-10 inches long
Directions:
If the skewers are made of wood, soak them in warm water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Cut the pork into 3/4 inch cubes. Peel and cut the onion into 1 inch squares. Seed the peppers and cut them into 1 inch squares.
Skewer the meat and the vegetables, alternating between pork and vegetables.. While you’re doing this, heat your grill or broiler.
Whisk the olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl, and brush the spiedini with the mixture. Cook them for 10-15 minutes or until done, turning them occasionally.
Serve with a light, zesty red along the lines of a Sangiovese di Romagna.
Sausage And Shallot Spiedini – Spiedini alla Salsiccia
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 pounds fairly thin fresh Italian sausage (e.g. Luganega)
- 1/2 pound peeled shallots or onions (they should be about the same diameter as the sausage)
- 12 – 16 cherry tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons dry white wine
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 fresh basil leaves, if you cannot find fresh bay leaves, torn into pieces
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 skewers
Directions:
Combine the wine and oregano in a bowl. Cut the sausages into 1 1/4-inch lengths and steep them in the wine and oregano for about an hour.
Boil the shallots for 5 minutes in lightly salted water. Drain them and let them cool.
Heat your grill.
Drain the sausage pieces and skewer them, alternating with shallots and cherry tomatoes, and putting pieces of basil between the sausage and vegetables.
Brush the kebabs with the olive oil, paying special attention to the shallots and tomatoes (the sausages will be self-basting), and grill them for 15 minutes, turning them often and brushing the vegetables again if need be. Serve them hot.
Surf and Turf Spiedini – Spiedini Con Manzo e Gamberoni
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 4 slices of beef fillet weighing about 6 ounces each
- 12 jumbo shrimp
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of a lemon
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 skewers
Directions:
Cut each piece of beef fillet into 4 equal pieces and put them in a bowl.
Shell the shrimp, leaving the tails on because having the tails will make them easier to eat and also makes for an attractive presentation.
Heat your grill.
Combine the lemon juice, wine, and olive oil and season the mixture with salt and pepper. Pour the sauce over the meat and marinate the meat for 15 minutes.
Add the shrimp, mix well, and marinate everything for another 5 minutes.
Remove the meat and shrimp from the marinade, reserving the liquid. Skewer the meat and the shrimp, alternating pieces of meat with pieces of shrimp.
Grill the kebabs over hot coals for 5-10 minutes (depending upon how well done you like your meat and shrimp), turning them often and basing them repeatedly with the marinade.
Serve with a rosé, for example, Bardolino Chiaretto.
Italian Vegetable Spiedini
While Italians do not generally add vegetables to their spiedini, you could grill a few skewers of just vegetables to accompany the meat or fish spiedini as a healthier approach.
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 2 small zucchini, sliced 1” thick
- 2 small yellow squash, sliced 1” thick
- 1/2 medium red onion, sliced into 1” pieces
- 1/2 medium sweet yellow onion, sliced into 1” pieces
- 1 large Yukon Gold potato, cut into 1” cubes, skin on
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1” pieces
- 1 head garlic (prepare as directed below)
- 8 oz. baby portabella mushrooms (also called crimini)
- 16 cherry tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling over garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning mix, see post:http://jovinacooksitalian.com/2012/06/25/homemade-italian-sauces-marinades-and-seasoning-mixes/
- Shredded fresh basil for garnish
Directions:
Soak wooden skewers in water prior to using or use metal skewers.
Wash vegetables and cut as directed. Skewer vegetables with similar cooking times together. Skewer potatoes by themselves. Skewer red peppers and onions together. Skewer squash and mushrooms together.
Whisk vinegar and 4 tablespoons olive oil together until emulsified and add Italian seasoning and salt and pepper to taste.
Trim a thin slice off the top of garlic, set on a piece of foil large enough to enclose the garlic and drizzle with olive oil. Wrap tightly and set on grill until garlic is soft.
Place skewers on grill. Baste with vinaigrette mixture. When veggies on the bottom side of skewer get dark grill marks, turn 90 degrees, and baste again, repeating until skewer is fully cooked.
Remove all vegetables and toss on large platter. Squeeze grill roasted garlic from head and toss with grilled vegetables.
Related articles
- Summer Is Here: Spiedini Alla Griglia (myitaliansmorgasbord.com)
- Grilling with an Italian Accent (jovinacooksitalian.com)
- Italian Grilling Recipes To Start The Summer Off (jovinacooksitalian.com)
- Citrus and Honey Glazed Pineapple Swordfish Kebabs (createyourgreatlife.wordpress.com)
- Marinade Recipes for Vegetable Kabobs (movethatbodyorlosethatbody.wordpress.com)
- Artichoke and Crusty Bread Kebabs, Discovering Barramundi (lindseyliving.com)
- http://www.lindasitaliantable.com/tag/spiedini/
Types of Scallops
There are three kinds of scallops that are consumed in the United States—sea scallops, bay scallops and calico scallops.
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Sea scallops are relatively large, often 1½”-2” in diameter, and are often presented in beautifully seared platings of two or three.
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Bay scallops are much smaller, although some aficionados find them to be sweeter than sea scallops. Because of their small size, bay scallops are not the ideal scallop for searing but are excellent in stir-fries and even cooked as scampi to be served as a light pasta sauce.
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Calico scallops are harvested off of the US Gulf and Southern Atlantic coasts. Unlike sea and bay scallops, their shells are tightly closed, and they must be steamed open before further preparation. Although similar in shape, size and color to bay scallops, they are less sweet and less tender than their Northern cousins.
Characteristics of Scallops
Speaking of shape, size and color, the adductor muscle itself can range in color from pale ivory to beige. Raw scallops are somewhat translucent and are generally round. Large sea scallops might be up to an inch thick and up to 2” in diameter, while bay and calico scallops, while shaped the same, are much smaller.
Calico Scallops
Bay Scallops
How Are They Harvested?
Scallops are harvested in one of two ways—by trawling or by diving. Trawling is done by scraping the ocean floor and pulling up scallops (and whatever else is down there) without regard to maturity or to the damage possibly being done to the ocean floor.
A more environmentally friendly, albeit expensive, method of harvest is by diver and the scallops are known as “diver scallops.” A diver scallop is not another species of scallop, nor does it designate size. Rather it describes the manner in which the scallops were harvested. Divers go down and choose mature scallops by hand, leaving behind immature scallops as well as leaving the ocean floor alone. Since the ocean floor is not disturbed by the divers, diver scallops are usually less gritty than those harvested by bottom trawls.
Like shrimp, scallops are sold by count-per-pound. Sea scallops might be marked at 10/20, meaning that between 10 and 20 scallops are in each pound. Of course, larger sea scallops tend to be the most expensive. Another weight designation you might see is U/10 or U/15. This means that it takes fewer than, or under, 10 (or 15) to make up a pound. Here again, the larger the U number, the smaller the scallop. Bay scallops, being smaller than sea scallops, generally fall in the 70/120 range.
When purchasing scallops, make sure to buy from a reputable fishmonger and be sure to smell the scallops before purchase. The scallops should smell clean and sweet and like the ocean. If they have a strong fishy smell, do not buy them.
The muscles should be in one piece, so inspect them carefully. If you see signs of the muscle fibers pulling apart, pass them by as this is a sign that the scallops are past their prime. As mentioned before, dry pack scallops should feel slightly sticky but not be slimy. If the rubbery side muscle has been left on the scallops, remove them.
Sea Scallop
How To Store Fresh Scallops
Fresh scallops need to be stored at temperatures below 38F. This is generally lower than most people keep their refrigerators, so you will have to make some adjustments. An ideal set up for storing scallops is to have a shallow plastic container with holes in the bottom that is set in a deeper plastic container. Place ice in the shallow container and spread the scallops on the ice. Cover everything with a damp paper towel, and store in the coldest part of the refrigerator. Even with this care, make sure to use the scallops within a day or two. Because they are so perishable, using them the same day you purchase them is ideal.
Cooking Scallops
Scallops are a very lean protein, and as such, they can toughen very easily during cooking. It is very important not to overcook scallops as they can go from succulent to rubber pretty quickly. Don’t take your eyes off them when cooking and make sure that you remove them from the heat while they are still moist and plump.
Sautéing, broiling and grilling are all simple, dry heat methods by which you can cook large sea scallops to really showcase them. Moist heat methods, including stir-fry with a sauce and simmering (as in soups, stews and risottos), are perfect for the small, sweet bay scallops.
Scallop Salad with Tomatoes, Cucumbers and White Wine Vinaigrette
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 1/4 pounds calico or bay scallops
- Salt and white pepper
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 1/4 cups halved grape tomatoes
- 1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2 inch dice
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon minced shallots
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
- 8 leaves Boston Bibb lettuce
Directions:
Season the scallops with salt and pepper. Heat the 1 teaspoon olive oil in a small skillet and saute scallops for 2 to 3 minutes or until the scallops have a nice sear on each side. Add garlic to the pan and cook an additional 30 seconds. Remove the scallops and garlic from the pan, and place in a large, heat-resistant bowl. Toss tomato halves and cucumber with the warm scallops.
In a small bowl combine the extra-virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, and the shallots. Whisk until well blended. Pour dressing over warm scallop mixture, tossing to coat. Adjust seasonings with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sprinkle chopped oregano and parsley over the salad, and toss to coat.
Arrange two lettuce leaves on each salad plate. Divide the scallop salad among the 4 plates, on top of the lettuce.
Parmesan Breaded Scallops With Lemon Garnish
Ingredients
- 20 large sea scallops (about 1 1/4 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Coating:
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
Garnish:
- 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh Italian parsley
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Directions:
Combine the coating ingredients on a plate & mix with your fingers.
Wash scallops & remove the small, tough side muscle.
Pat the scallops dry with paper towels & place this in a small bowl.
Add the olive oil & mix to coat.
Dip the scallops in the coating, turning to cover evenly.
Gently press the crumbs onto the scallops.
Place the scallops in a single layer on a clean plate.
Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the crumbs.
Garnish:
Finely chop the parsley and lemon zest and mix together.
Add the olive oil and lemon juice.
Grease a grill tray that fits over the grill grates generously with oil.
Place the scallops on the grill tray 1-2 inches apart and grill over direct medium heat until just opaque in the center, about 8 minutes, turning once halfway through grilling time.
Treat them carefully when turning.
Remove from the grill, place a little of the garnish onto each scallop and serve warm.
Spaghetti with Scallops, Fresh Tomatoes and Basil
Serves 6
Ingredients:
- 1½ pounds fresh tomatoes
- 1 medium clove garlic
- 1/8 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- 1 pound sea scallops
- 1 pound spaghetti or linguine
- 12 fresh basil leaves
Directions:
1. Fill a pot to cook the pasta with about 6 quarts of water, place over high heat, and bring to a boil.
2. Peel the tomatoes and coarsely chop them. Peel the garlic clove and finely chop it.
3. Put the garlic, hot red pepper flakes, and the olive oil in a 12-inch skillet and place over medium-high heat. As soon as the garlic begins to sizzle, add the tomatoes. Season with salt and cook until the liquid the tomatoes release has evaporated, 10 to 12 minutes.
4. While the tomatoes are cooking, cut the scallops into ¼-inch dice.
5. When the tomatoes are ready, add about 2 tablespoons salt to the boiling pasta water, add the spaghetti, and stir until all the strands are submerged. Cook until al dente.
6. Shred the basil leaves and add them to the pan with the tomatoes. Raise the heat to high and add the scallops. Cook until the scallops are done, 1 to 2 minutes, then remove from the heat.
7. When the pasta is done, drain well, toss with the sauce, and serve.
Bay Scallops with Mushrooms, Peppers and Italian Sausage
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 3 sweet Italian sausages
- 2 red bell peppers, seeded and cut into l-inch cubes
- 2 green bell peppers, seeded and cut into l-inch cubes
- 18 white button mushrooms, quartered
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 pounds fresh bay scallops
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
- Pour 1 teaspoon oil into a small saute pan, heat and spread oil, add the sausages, and cook until they are lightly browned and cooked through. Drain the sausages on paper towels. Set aside and keep warm. Slice each sausage on the bias into 1/2-inch slices.
- To the pan add 1 teaspoon oil and add the peppers and mushrooms. Saute quickly for several minutes. Add 1/2 tablespoon of garlic and saute for 1 more minute. Remove from the pan and add to sausage.
- In the same pan, add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil and heat on high. Saute the scallops for several minutes until just lightly browned. Do not overcook. Add the remaining garlic and the sausage, peppers and mushrooms, and continue cooking for a few more minutes.
- Add the lemon juice, remove from heat, and add the butter and parsley. Serve with crusty bread.
Grilled Scallops with Lemon Risotto
- 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 12 large sea scallops
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh lemon wedges, for garnish
- 4 Skewers
Directions:
In a small bowl combine the tarragon, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, pepper and oil. Add the scallops and toss to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate 2 to 10 hours.
Oil a ridged stove-top griddle or outdoor grill and preheat it. Season the scallops lightly with salt and thread 3 on each skewer, and grill about 1 1/2 minutes per side, or until slightly firm. Remove and set aside.
Lemon Risotto
- 1 large leek, white part only, well washed and cut into 1/2-inch dice
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 2 cups low-sodium broth, chicken or vegetable
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley
Directions:
- Sweat the leek in 2 teaspoons of butter over low heat in a tightly covered straight-sided saute pan for 6 minutes, stirring once or twice.
- Add the rice and raise the heat to medium, stirring often for 3 minutes. Add 1 cup of stock, season lightly with salt and pepper, and stir until all of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add the remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly after each addition. When all of the liquid is absorbed, add the zest and continue to cook for about 10 minutes more, until the rice is al dente.
- Stir in the lemon juice. Season well with salt and pepper, add the chives or parsley, stir in the remaining 2 teaspoons of butter until it melts and serve hot.
Serve with cooked spinach or asparagus.
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The keys to good Italian grilling are the use of olive oil and fresh herbs. The fresh herbs play a large role because they help bring out the full flavor of the dish. The Italian grill also uses a lot of skewered meatsl, which is great for parties. So, if you’re looking for something a little different when planning your next cookout, you might want to try it Italian-style. Spiedini, which means “skewers”—are one of the many ways Italians enjoy grilled food. Basically, spiedini are the equivalent of “shish kebab.” The skewers can be made of metal or wood—though, sometimes, simply rosemary sprigs are used. (If using wooden skewers, first soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning.)
The preparation for spiedini is simple: Small chunks of meat or fish are placed on skewers (each one an individual serving)—sometimes including vegetables—which are then cooked over a grill. In addition to being versatile—really any combination of meat, vegetable or fruit that can be cut and skewered may be used—spiedini are a great time saver. They may be served as an appetizer, accompaniment (contorno), entrée, or dessert. In fact, using the suggestions here, you can prepare an entire meal outside on the grill—from start to finish—without the need for any indoor cooking at all.
As appetizers, vegetables work well. First, brush the grill with vegetable oil and then grill long slices of eggplant and/or zucchini—cut the vegetables on a diagonal or longitudinally so the slices will be long enough not to fall through the grill grate.. Before serving, drizzle the grilled vegetables with olive oil and garnish with herbs, such as parsley and thyme, and chopped (or roasted) garlic.
If you like anchovies, another great antipasto idea is “Spiedini di alici pomodoro e olive”—grilled fresh anchovies (which are then rolled) and sliced zucchini, with raw tomato wedges and pitted black olives. These spiedini can be served on a bed of lettuce-heart leaves, drizzled with olive oil and garnished with basil.
As a main course, meat spiedini are the most popular in Italy. For these, it’s important to choose tender cuts of meat—such as chicken breast, lamb, pork, and sausages—evenly cut into approximately one-inch pieces. If you want to use beef, select tender cuts, but they don’t have to be particularly lean. To make Spiedini misti di carne (mixed meats), alternate onions, peppers slices, and cubes of various meats, and then grill. A leaf of fresh sage and/or a bay leaf between the pieces of meat will add flavor. To enhance the taste, try marinating the meat—already cut and ready to be skewered—for a few hours prior to grilling, mixing now and then. To make the marinade, simply coat the pieces of meat with olive oil (not too much), and add rosemary leaves (finely chopped), sage, bay leaves, salt and pepper.
Fish spiedini (spiedini di mare) are also popular in Italy. For these, the most commonly used seafood are shrimp, scallops, tuna, swordfish, cuttlefish or calamari. The fish is usually lightly marinated or else brushed before grilling with olive oil, herbs (parsley or thyme), sometimes garlic, and salt and pepper. Spiedini di mare are usually served with lemon and a fresh green salad.
Grilled fruit can provide a sweet, healthy finale to your outdoor feast. The grilling process caramelizes the fruits’ natural sugars and concentrates the flavors. Peaches, pears, and apples—simply cut in half and pitted—are great for grilling. Adding just a little lemon juice will preserve the fruit’s color and a sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon will enhance the natural flavors. Be sure to brush the grill with vegetable oil so the fruit doesn’t stick. You can then serve the fruit alone or with scoop of ice cream. It’s delicious with yogurt too. Or, try a fresh fruit spiedini using cubes of fresh pecorino and raw pears; or you can serve spiedini di frutta (mixed fresh fruits)—using slices of uncooked peaches, apples, pears, and whole strawberries. Squeeze lemon juice over the fruit to prevent it from oxidizing and turning brown.
The following is a list of essential ingredients for the Italian Grill pantry:
- Anchovies (cured): Salted anchovies are a key ingredient in Italian grilling, any recipe that calls for them.
- Bread Crumbs: A strange ingredient for the grill, but a lot of meats have a light coating of breadcrumbs..
- Bread Cubes: The bread cubes are used in a lot of skewered recipes in Italy, generally they are cut up in 1-inch cubes.
- Caciocavallo: A cheese made from cow’s milk and is a firm cheese. The cheese is usually in the shape of a spindle and can be found in Italian stores or very well stocked grocery stores. If you are unable to find it, you may substitute with provolone cheese
- Lemons: The juice of lemons are used a lot in grilling, and only fresh lemon juice should be used.
- Pancetta: An Italian-style that is cured, but not smoked like American bacon.
- Flat-leaf parsley, Oregano, Rosemary, Fennel or Sage are the most common types of herbs used.
- Pecorino: A hard cheese made in Italy that is made from sheep’s milk. This cheese can be found at most grocery stores,
- Prosciutto: Domestic prosciutto is good for cooking with, but imported from Italy is far superior.
- Olive Oil: Use inexpensive extra-virgin olive oil, unless a recipe calls for something else.
Appetizers
Grilled Summer Squash with Pesto and Balsamic Syrup
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 lb. assorted summer squash, trimmed and sliced diagonally into 1/2-inch-thick ovals
- Kosher salt
- 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil, more for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
Directions
Prepare a high gas or charcoal grill fire. In a colander, toss the squash with 2 teaspoons kosher salt and let drain in a colander for 30 minutes; transfer to a large bowl.
Meanwhile, put the the basil, Parmigiano-Reggiano, 1/4 cup of the olive oil, and 1/2 tsp. salt in a food processor and purée until smooth.
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, boil the balsamic vinegar until syrupy and reduced to about 2 tablespoons, 8 to 10 minutes.
Toss the squash with the remaining 2 tablespoons. extra-virgin olive oil and a few grinds of freshly ground black pepper. Grill, flipping once, until golden and tender, 8 to 12 minutes. Arrange on a platter, dot with the pesto, and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and the balsamic syrup to taste. Sprinkle with pine nuts and serve.
Grilled Bread Salad With Basil and Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 1 medium loaf (about 1/2 pound) rustic Italian bread (like ciabatta), cut lengthwise into 1-inch-thick slices
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt
- 1 clove garlic, halved lengthwise
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 bunch scallions (about 8), trimmed and thinly sliced (both white and green parts)
- 12 large basil leaves, torn into small pieces
- 1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
- 8 oz bocconcini (small fresh mozzarella balls), halved or substitute a large fresh mozzarella cut into 1-inch pieces.
Directions
Prepare a medium-high fire on a gas or charcoal grill. Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Using a pastry brush, dab both sides of the bread slices with 2 tablespoons oil and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Grill the bread until it browns and gets good grill marks, about 2 minutes. Grill the other side until browned, about 2 minutes, and transfer to a large cutting board to cool. Rub the cut sides of the garlic over the bread and discard the garlic. Put the cherry tomatoes and scallions in a large serving bowl with the basil. Cut the bread into 1-inch pieces and add to the bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk the remaining oil with the red-wine vinegar, pour over the bread mixture, and toss well. Let the salad sit for up to 2 hours before serving. Just before serving, fold in the bocconcini and season with salt to taste.
Main Dishes
Grilled Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken
Ingredients 
- 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1. lb.)
- Garlic salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 12 large basil leaves
- 1/4 lb. Italian fontina cheese, thinly sliced
- 4 thin slices prosciutto (preferably imported)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Directions
Prepare a medium charcoal fire or light a gas grill to medium high.
Meanwhile, prepare the chicken breasts. Cut through each one horizontally almost all the way through and open it like a book. Sprinkle the chicken all over with 1/2 teaspoon each garlic salt and pepper. Layer the basil leaves and fontina evenly on half of each breast and then fold it closed. Wrap a slice of prosciutto around each breast to hold it closed and then brush lightly on both sides with the olive oil.
Reduce the heat on the gas grill to medium. Grill the chicken breasts, covered, until they are well marked, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook, turning every few minutes, until the chicken is just firm to the touch and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the breast registers 165°F, 10 to 12 minutes more. Let cool for a couple of minutes and then serve.
Grilled Rosemary-Salmon Skewers
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- Red Onion, cut into 1 inch squares and/or cherry tomatoes
- 1 pound center-cut salmon fillet, skinned or tuna, cut into 1-inch cubes
Directions
Preheat grill to medium-high. Combine rosemary, oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Add salmon; toss to coat. Alternating the salmon and tomatoes/red onion squares, divide them among eight 12-inch skewers. Oil the grill rack. Grill the skewers, carefully turning once, until the salmon is cooked through, 4 to 6 minutes total.
Grilled Sicilian-style Sirloin Steak
In this recipe the steaks are marinated for about 12 hours before breading and grilling.
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil, and more for drizzling
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 6 sirloin steaks (about 3 3/4 pounds total)
- 1 1/2 cups dry bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
Directions
In a bowl, mix together 1 cup of the olive oil, the vinegar, garlic, basil, and pepper to taste in a 9 x 12-inch ceramic or glass baking pan. Dip both sides of the steaks in this mixture and then leave to marinate in the refrigerator, covered, for 12 hours, turning several times. Remove the steaks from the refrigerator 15 minutes before grilling.
Remove the steaks from the marinade and discard the marinade.
Spread the bread crumbs on a large plate and mix in the cheese and oregano. Salt the steaks to taste and dredge in the bread crumbs, patting the steaks to coat them thoroughly.
Place the steaks on the grill and cook, turning only once, to desired doneness, 12 to 15 minutes in all for rare.
Grilled Skewered Meatballs
This Sicilian recipe is an example of cucina arabo-sicula, Sicilian cuisine influenced by the medieval Arab era. 
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
- 1/4 egg substitute
- 1/2 cup freshly grated pecorino cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 garlic clove, peeled and finely chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- About 1/2 loaf French or Italian bread, cut into eighteen 1-inch cubes or you can substitute vegetables, such as sun-dried tomatoes and artichoke hearts.
- Twelve 8- to 10-inch wooden skewers
- Extra-virgin olive oil for basting or drizzling
Serve with the Grilled Pepper Recipe, below.
Directions
In a medium-size bowl, mix the ground beef, egg substitute, pecorino, bread crumbs, parsley, garlic, salt and pepper to taste. Form the meat with wet hands to prevent sticking into 18 walnut-sized balls. Leave the meat to rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Prepare a medium-hot charcoal fire or preheat a gas grill for 15 minutes on medium.
Double skewer all the ingredients: place a meatball on a cutting board and skewer the meat balls alternately with the bread cubes, keeping the 2 skewers parallel to each other about 1/2 inch apart.
Place the skewers on the grill and cook, turning occasionally and basting with olive oil, until the meat and bread are golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.
Grilled Red, Yellow and Green Peppers
Grilling bell peppers of different colors is common in Sicily and Sardinia and makes a very attractive presentation. Their flavor is a natural accompaniment to grilled meats. The charred skin of the peppers is peeled off before serving, leaving the smoky flavor. You don’t have to core or halve the peppers before grilling.
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 red bell peppers
- 2 green bell peppers
- 2 yellow bell peppers
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, very finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Prepare a hot charcoal fire or preheat a gas grill for 15 minutes on high.
Place the peppers on the grill and cook, turning, until they have blackened on all sides. When the peppers are cool enough to handle, peel off the skin and remove the core and seeds. Cut into strips and arrange attractively on a platter.
Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, basil, and season with salt and pepper. Pour over the peppers at the last moment and serve.
Dessert
Grilled Fruit Skewers
Spiedini alla frutta
Ingredients
- 2 golden delicious or gala apples, cored and cut into 8 wedges
- 2 bananas, peeled and cut crosswise into 8 pieces
- 2 ripe but fairly firm peaches, pitted and cut into 8 wedges
- 1/3 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 lemon
- 24 fresh mint leaves
- Sugar
Directions
Prepare a grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-hot charcoal (medium-high heat for gas).
Arrange apple, banana, peach and pineapple on a platter. Squeeze lemon over apple and banana. Alternately thread fruit and mint leaves onto 8 skewers.
Sprinkle fruit with sugar. Let stand until sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes.
Lightly brush grill rack with oil. Grill fruit, turning once, until lightly browned and softened, about 5 minutes.
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