Looking to bring the unique flavors from cuisines around the world into your kitchen? All it takes is a little creativity & inspiration – plus the right fresh ingredients. Our friend Loubies and Lulu has crafted the perfect combination of an American favorite and savory Mediterranean flavor: her version of an Italian Potato Salad. Read on to find out just how to travel with your tastebuds – without jetlag!
This summer, we’ve been able to stay at home and explore the beauty of our own backyard. It’s been a great opportunity to appreciate the landscapes, art, cuisine and people that surround us, but for those of us who had big vacation plans this summer, we can be forgiven for still craving something more… exotic.
We’re all longing for the gentle sea breeze of the Adriatic, the shade of a palm tree, the sights, sounds and aromas of the busy Italian trattoria…. As they say, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do” – and when you can’t be in Rome, eat as the Romans eat!
The unique flavors that give each region of the world their distinct, memorable profiles are all available to us, right in our own kitchens. With the right fresh ingredients, herbs, spices – and a few tips & tricks – you can travel the world, right from the comforts of your own home.
Take the simple tomato. Well, it’s not so simple after all: there are so many varieties to enjoy, each with their own distinct flavor. With slight changes to a recipe, you can completely transform a dish, so you want to make sure you pick the best ingredients.
Pure Flavor® Juno Bites Grape Tomatoes, for example, are a sweet & juicy gateway to many different cuisines.
Chop them up and mix with diced Poco Bites Cocktail Cucumbers, feta cheese, oregano and olive oil – you’re transported to a small villa on the Greek island of Santorini. But if you swap the feta & oregano with bocconcini and fresh basil, well, Buon appetito and we hope you enjoy your stay in Naples, Italy!
With the right fresh ingredients, even the simplest recipes can be an experience. In fact, with a little inspiration and creativity, you can transform classic homemade American dishes into a world cuisine experience!
Loubies and Lulu recently shared with us a fresh, new Italian Potato Salad recipe that combines this classic American dish with the savory flavors of Italian cuisine. We promise that when you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself basking in the romantic ambiance of the Cinque Terre.
For this unique recipe, you start by combining three simple ingredients to make a vinaigrette: fresh garlic, apple cider vinegar and olive oil. You can do this easily by adding them all to a mason jar, popping on the lid, and shaking it vigorously. You can set it in the fridge while you prepare the other ingredients.
Add chopped potatoes to a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. A common trick is to salt the water until it “tastes like the sea” as many chefs say. Not only does this help the dish to taste authentic, but it brings the water to a boil much faster.
Once it reaches a rolling boil, lower the heat to a simmer and cook the potatoes for approximately 10 minutes. You want to be able to push a fork in without much resistance. Then, you can strain the pot and set the cooked potatoes aside to cool.
Here’s where it all comes together in one simple culinary flourish: combine the potatoes with chopped Juno Bites Grape Tomatoes, Poco Bites Cocktail Cucumbers, steamed green beans, and diced red onion.
Add fresh basil for that unmistakable Italian flavor you’re looking for, and, finally, gently pour your homemade vinaigrette over the dish.
Just like that – in minutes, and without leaving the comfort of your home – you can add a little Italian flavor to your day. Okay – maybe it’s not exactly the same as a relaxing vacation traveling along the Italian coast, but there’s no passport, no jetlag, and no hassle either. Plus, you’ve learned to make a new dish your family loves and will ask for time and time again!
We love the way this Italian Potato Salad tastes when paired with another classic Italian dish: Linguine with Puttanesca Relish featuring Craft House San Marzano Tomatoes.
To view, download or print the full recipe for Loubies and Lulu’s Italian Potato Salad, click here.
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