It is a fact that Italian cuisine is rich in carbohydrates, and often the consumption of favorite dishes entails a feeling of guilt! In our effort to remove the guilt from the carbohydrates that often make up Italian recipes (pizza dough, pasta, stuffed pasta), we will provide 2 tasty ideas to achieve a better combination of nutrients (proteins = cheeses, carbohydrates, fats, vegetables).

1. Pizza in 10’

Who wouldn't want pizza for dinner? It is a complete meal, where the pita bread provides us with carbohydrates, the cheeses and chicken contain high biological value proteins, the olive oil offers beneficial fats, and the vegetables increase the fiber content of the meal! The chicken can be leftover from lunch!

Ingredients for 1 pizza

• 1 medium pita bread (60g) 
• 1 slice of yellow cheese < 18%
• 30g fresh mozzarella 8%
• 3-4 cherry tomatoes cut in half
• 2 white mushrooms sliced
• 60g grilled/boiled chicken cut into strips
• dried basil
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1-2 drops of truffle oil (optional)

Steps

• On a baking tray, spread non-stick paper and place the Arabic flatbread on top.
• Using a brush, spread the oil over the pita.
• Cut the cheeses in half.
• Spread the cheeses, the chicken, the vegetables and the basil.
• Bake in the fan oven at 180°C for 10’.
• If we want to enhance the flavor, add 1-2 drops of truffle oil and enjoy it with green salad!

Tip: Truffle oil, with its unique aroma, is a product made by infusing black or white truffle (a type of mushroom) in extra virgin olive oil. It is recommended to add it raw to the food before serving so that all its aromas are preserved.

2. Cheesy Tortellini   

Creamy pasta for a quick lunch...because we are pasta lovers! 

Ingredients for 2 servings

• 250g whole wheat tortellini with cheese
• 200ml light cream 
• 50g grated parmesan
• 40g gorgonzola / roquefort cheese (optional) 
• 6 arugula leaves 
• 6 cherry tomatoes, halved
• Spices of choice (smoked paprika, curry, garlic powder)

Steps

• Boil the tortellini according to the package instructions.
• In a non-stick pan, add the cherry tomatoes, the spices, and the cream.
• When the cream starts to thicken, gradually add the boiled tortellini and cook for 2 more minutes so they absorb more cream.
• Divide into two plates and add 25 g parmesan and 20 g gorgonzola/roquefort to each plate.
• Enjoy with fresh vegetables!

GoodtoKnow1: Full-fat cream (35%) provides 330 kcal / 100 ml of cream, while light cream (15%) provides only 167 kcal / 100 ml!

GoodtoKnow2: Parmesan, with its unique taste and texture, is rich in calcium but also in salt, so it is recommended to consume it in moderation! Its low lactose content is better tolerated by people with intolerance.