Pasta Noodle and Rice Dishes

The key to this creamy pasta dish is using a small rice shaped pasta to be mixed together with creamy tzatziki sauce. The feta cheese adds another dimension of flavor. We also included some mayonnaise and crunchy vegetables for extra texture and flavor, and topped it off with lemon zest. This light refreshing pasta salad …

Thai Glass Noodle Salad, or Yum Woon Sen, is a refreshing cold salad that is quick and easy to make. There are many variations for this Asian dish, but each contains a balance of sweet and salty flavors, fresh crunchy vegetables and lots of fresh herbs. The base of the dish is glass, cellophane or …

Pasta in Vodka Sauce (Pasta alla Vodka) is an Italian-American dish whose primary ingredients are tomato sauce, vodka and cream. I was initially reluctant to try this dish when I found it on menus, vodka? Really? While wine is most often used in making Italian sauces, the vodka in this dish actually adds a little …

We became huge fans of Laksa (Malaysian curry noodle soup) when traveling through Malaysia and Singapore. This creamy noodle soup is full of spicy exotic flavors, such as lemongrass and creamy coconut milk, that we have come to crave when in through Southeast Asia. We quickly discovered that we weren’t alone in our adoration for …

Fideua de Marisco is a popular seafood dish in Spain. It’s similar to paella, but with some important differences. Fideua is a pasta lover’s answer to Paella (or Arroz a Banda). The thin pasta noodles soak up the broth in the same way that rice does, but has a different texture and is therefore a …

While traveling through South Africa, we become totally enthralled with Peri-Peri Sauce (or Piri-Piri Sauce). The spicy condiment, is a favorite hot sauce throughout Africa. What is Peri-Peri Sauce? Peri Peri Chili Sauce is a hot sauce that originates from Portuguese and African cuisine. The sauce been popularized (and spread internationally) by the chicken fast …

Bacon and Egg Spaghetti is a twist on the classic Italian dish, Spaghetti all Carbonara. I use standard strips of bacon (rather than pancetta bacon) and partially cook the eggs in order to add texture. The result is a rich, creamy pasta dish along with savory smoky bacon. The dish comes together very quickly, which …

 Italian Meatballs – there’s really nothing more delicious and homey than a plate full of spaghetti topped with homemade meatballs and sauce. We’ve been making meatballs this way for years, inspired by the secret recipe of a family of Italian chefs we met in San Diego. Of course, we’ve made our own modifications over time. …

Risotto is one of those dishes that every cook needs to have in their collection. This Italian favorite is versatile, pretty easy to make and is elegant enough to serve for a dinner party.  Pin it for later Using Vialone nano or arborio rice is recommended, but any short or medium grain rice will do. …

The Emilia Romagna region of Italy is known for food. It’s home to Parma where the famous ham originates and Modena, which is famous for its balsamic vinegar. And of course, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is made in this area. Bologna, the capital of Emilia Romagna, is also famous for bolognese sauce or ragù alla bolognese. Traditional bolognese …