Italian Chow

In March, we welcomed back our favorite Italian chef, Deborah Kudelka, and she did not disappoint!

Charcuterie 

In ancient Rome, people salted and smoked meats to preserve them. We’re starting our Italian feast off with a charcuterie of prosciutto, salami, mozzarella, cheddar cheese, and olives served with bread and a side of pesto.

Vegan Charcuterie: artichokes, cucumber, giardiniera, olives, bread, and pesto.

Gluten-free: served with GF Crackers

Ribollita 

Ribollita is a hearty vegetable and bean soup served with rustic bread. Like most Tuscan cuisine, this soup has peasant origins. It was originally a way to reuse leftovers. This comfort food is packed with kale, potatoes, and cannellini beans. 

Vegan. Gluten-free: Served without bread

Lenticchie e salsicce 

Lentils and sausage are a classic central Italian pairing. They can either be made into a soup or with the lentils served over the sausage. Debrah is pairing French lentils with a sweet Italian pork sausage. 

Gluten-free. Vegan Option: Lenticchie e portobello (lentils with portobello mushrooms) 

Lasagna alla Bolognese 

The showstopper of any Italian dinner has to be the lasagna. Bolognese refers to the city of Bologna in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Debrah prepares homemade beef bolognese ragù and béchamel for hers. 

Gluten-free and Vegan Option: Eggplant and zucchini lasagna with pesto and tomato garlic sauce 

Pollo alla Cacciatora 

Chicken Cacciatore is a classic, rustic and comforting “hunter’s stew.” Deborah is making hers with juicy chicken thighs in a creamy sauce flavoured with hearty artichokes, and olives.  This stew will be served on a bed of rice. 

Gluten-free. Vegan Option: Carciofo aglio olio (artichoke sautéed in white wine and evoo with portobello mushrooms and olives)

Insalata 

In Italy, a salad, called "insalata," is typically served as a palate cleanser after the main course of a meal, acting as a refreshing finish before dessert. For this reason, the salad is a simple combination of mixed greens and a Dijon vinaigrette. 

Vegan and Gluten-free. 

Tiramisu

Tiramisù translates to "pick me up" or "cheer me up". It's made up of three words: tira (to pull or pick), mi (me), and su (up). This classic Italian dessert is made from ladyfingers (savoiardi) dipped in coffee, layered with a whipped mixture of egg yolks, sugar, orange liqueur, and mascarpone, and garnished with cocoa powder.  

Vegan and Gluten-free Option: Lemon sorbetto 

Limoncello

Mainly produced in southern Italy, especially in the region around the Gulf of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily, limoncello is the second-most popular liqueur in Italy. This popular homemade liqueur is traditionally served chilled as an after-dinner digestif.

Vegan and Gluten-free.