One of the great things of corona (trying to find positives over here) are the recipes being shared on Instagram stories, especially by chefs you have always admired.
So below is a compilation of recipes I have screenshoted, made, and what I thought.
To see the recipe images in full, just click on the image.
Otto Lenghi's Sausages & Plums
The plum amount really confused me at the start because when I weighed out 600g plums I had 30 - 40 plums, versus the 10 called for. To be fair, mom's garden plums are different to the ones used above probably. I compromised and used 15 plums. I also added more potatoes than called for, because I like carbs (who doesn't?), and wanted to make it a 'one tray full meal'. I changed the dressing a little because I didn't have everything (actually I had nothing called for, but we roll with the punches this corona year) to 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 45g maple syrup, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2tbsp water, 25g brown sugar. Mine came out more liquid-y than the above pictures, but it was still so good. Throughout each step I really second guessed this recipe, and was thinking to myself this looks so wrong, but trust the master Otto Lenghi and just go with it. Even if it's not the prettiest thing to look at, the taste will be out of this world.
As this recipe was so good (I realize I repeat this throughout, but it was generally just so good), I made it again. This time I wanted to test my theory of using more plums. On round two I used 600g of plums which is about double from last time. It was a lot more plummy, but honestly not sure if it made all too much of a difference flavor wise. In conclusion, use whatever amount of plums you have, and just make this.
I even made this for a third time even, trying to 'healthy-fy' it, and am happy to announce it tastes just as good with the following sauce version: 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp water, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, and 2 tbsp maple syrup.
Link to his Instagram with original recipe - https://www.instagram.com/ottolenghi/?hl=en
Otto Lenghi's Gnocchi alla Romana
Yes, another Otto Leghni recipe. What can I say? He's just the best.
When I told my friend I was making this, she said 'of course you are. Out of all the recipes you found one that is carbs + cheese.' In my defense, what more do you want in life?
Like the above Otto Lenghi recipe, it's super simple and straightforward. It does require two hours of waiting, so bear that in mind. I halved the above recipe, and it was the perfect amount of food for three + grilled veggies. Unfortunately, one can't only eat carbs + cheese.
Only feedback would be to defiantly increase the amount of cheese throughout, and maybe play a bit more with the cheese toppings. Add some mozzarella maybe? Raclette cheese? Options are endless.
Link to his Instagram with original recipe - https://www.instagram.com/ottolenghi/?hl=en
TheGlowEdit's Salted Dark Chocolate Almonds
She's technically not a chef and more of a fashion influencer, but I saw this and how simple it was and had to make some myself. It. Is. Just. So. Good. And. Easy. For months I would make this on the weekend, then bring them as snacks on my long walk to work. I have now upgraded to also chocolate covering dried fruit (and anything else in the pantry really) and cannot recommend enough. Only issue would be the fridge space needed to chill (small apartment issues).
Link to her Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theglowedit/?hl=en
Marco's Piadine Recipe
This is such a cute, easy recipe and such a great snack. I made it using baking powder, rather than the yeast, and it worked out great. My mom even filled it with cheese and ham and then re-grilled it to make a twist on a grill cheese/quasadilla and I highly recommend adding this step on. One thing to make sure though is that your pan is ripping hot before you lay the first piadine on. My first one definitely came out like the 'first pancake'.
Link to her Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/emikodavies/?hl=en
Milkkarten's Vodka Sauce
This is the first time I have tried, and therefore also made, Vodka sauce. It has always intrigued me, yet also scared me. Is it a tomato sauce? Is it a cream sauce? Will it actually taste like vodka? So many questions.... So when I saw this, I decided this is my chance. Now, I can know it all.
I'm not sure if it was the non descriptive recipe without measurements (especially considering it's a recipe of a recipe), or if I just don't like the mix of cream and tomato taste wise in one, but this sauce is not for me. Also I made it with soy cream, rather than dairy, and I don't think that worked out. Stick to dairy if you can. My mom really liked it though, so if Vodka sauce is for you, this is for you. It's speedy, easy to make, so perfect for a weekday meal.
Link to her Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/milkkarten/?hl=en
Concluding thoughts for finding recipes from Instagram Stories, is to defiantly stick to those with measurements and the direct recipe source.
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