Pelati (whole peeled tomatoes)

Fusilli with Bolognese sauce is a classic Italian dish that embodies the rich flavors and traditions of Mediterranean cuisine. Bolognese, invented in Bologna, was originally made with a thick meat sauce and served with tagliatelle, but over time fusilli became an excellent alternative due to its spiral shape that holds the flavorful sauce. In this recipe, juicy beef ragù is enriched with pelati tomatoes and chili sauce, creating a balance of spiciness and sweetness. Cherry tomatoes add a fresh tanginess while basil brings aromatic nobility. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive feast, and its rich flavor pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine. Cook with love and enjoy the aromas of true Italy!

Chef Vadim Nazarkin shared with us the recipe from the menu of the restaurant "Kamchatka.

Brand chef Ruslan Italmazov shared the recipe from the menu of the restaurant "Yuzhanin" with us.

This pizza is called "Marinara" not because every inch of it is stuffed with shrimp, squid and other seafood. Marinara is a traditional Italian sauce that got its name because it resembles a marinade. It is believed that meat and fish could be marinated in a mixture of sour tomato juice with spices and herbs so that they would last longer and become softer. This is what Italian fishermen used, since the only meat they took on voyages was tough pork , and they got tired of fish. By the way, marinara was the first sauce that was sold in Italy as canned food. And nothing seafood is added to it, except that sometimes a couple of anchovies are ground into the sauce for piquancy.

A recipe that can adapt to any situation: real Italian spicy pepperoni sausages are not worth looking for here, but if you replace them with domestically produced salami or chorizo, the taste of the pizza will not change much , and if you lack spiciness, you can more than compensate for it by adding pepper to the tomato sauce. But if we talk in general, pepperoni is the embodiment of everything that is typical for pizza: a strong traditional base plus a few precisely selected bright details (spicy sausage, mozzarella smoothly spreading over the flatbread and green basil), which make the receptors start dancing.

Chicken and bacon solyanka is the embodiment of rich flavors in Russian cuisine. Historically, solyanka was a dish born from the creativity of Russian chefs who combined various ingredients into a hearty, spicy soup. In this version, the classic pairing of chicken and bacon is complemented by two types of cabbage, pelati tomatoes, and creamy sour cream. Bacon adds smoky notes to the dish, duck fat provides smoothness, and chili sauce adds a slight spiciness. The solyanka turns out thick and aromatic, perfectly warming and satisfying. It is served hot, garnished with fresh herbs, and pairs wonderfully with rye bread or homemade rolls. This is the perfect dish for a cozy family lunch or as a hearty dinner after a long day.

Andrey Zhdanov, chef of the Modus restaurant, shared the sauce recipe with us. This sauce is suitable for pasta, meatballs and other dishes.

Meatballs in tomato sauce are a comforting dish where the softness and juiciness of the meatballs combine with the rich aroma of tomatoes and spices. Their origin can be linked to traditional recipes from various cuisines around the world, where meat is stewed in small balls in sauce, revealing depth of flavor. In this version, juicy beef meatballs are complemented by a velvety tomato sauce that adds pleasant acidity and gentle sweetness to the dish. Cauliflower and aromatic herbs enhance the flavor palette, making it richer. This dish pairs perfectly with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread, turning every meal into a cozy gastronomic delight.

Bread-tomato soup is a traditional dish of Italian cuisine from the Tuscany region. This cozy rustic soup, known as 'pappa al pomodoro', was originally created to use up yesterday's bread and turn it into a flavorful and hearty dish. Pelati tomatoes along with roasted cherry tomatoes give the soup a rich, sweet taste, while garlic and basil add fresh spicy notes. First-pressed olive oil makes the texture silky and rich. Its thick consistency allows it to be enjoyed not only as a main dish but also as an appetizing snack. It should be served hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and drizzled with aromatic oil. An ideal choice for cool evenings when warmth and coziness are desired!

Autumn minestrone is a cozy dish of Italian cuisine that perfectly conveys the warmth and richness of the autumn season. Its history traces back to traditional village soups that used seasonal vegetables and available ingredients. The flavor of this minestrone is rich, layered, and warming—a combination of tender beans, aromatic bacon, fragrant herbs, and fresh vegetables creates harmony in every spoonful. The addition of red wine and parmesan gives the soup a noble depth. Autumn minestrone is perfect for cozy home evenings when served with pieces of fresh bread. It is not only nutritious but also embodies the philosophy of Italian cuisine—simplicity, seasonality, and richness of flavor that make it a beloved dish for family lunches.

Ribollita is a soulful dish of Tuscan cuisine that impresses with its simplicity and rich flavor. Its roots lie in rural traditions where soup was made from available ingredients including stale bread, vegetables, and beans. The creamy texture of the beans combines with the sweet-sour notes of tomatoes, the bitterness of kale, and the spiciness of spices to create a cozy, rich taste. The dish perfectly satisfies hunger and warms on cool days. Ribollita is traditionally eaten the day after it is made when the flavors fully develop and the soup becomes even thicker. It pairs well as a standalone dish or with a glass of red wine. This soup is the essence of Italian cuisine, demonstrating that simplicity and tradition can sometimes give rise to culinary masterpieces.

Tomato soup with cod is the quintessence of Portuguese cuisine, rich in seafood aromas and vibrant Mediterranean flavors. The history of this dish goes back centuries when fish was the main source of sustenance for coastal dwellers. Salted cod soaked in spices and tomatoes acquires a tender texture, while the spicy notes of garlic, chili pepper, and lemon juice make the taste expressive and lively. Slow-cooking vegetables reveals the sweetness of carrots and celery, and drizzled with first-press olive oil, the dish gains an exquisite velvety structure. This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread and a glass of white wine, offering a sense of coziness and warmth. Simple to prepare yet rich in flavor, it is ideal for family dinners or friendly gatherings.

Vegan tomato soup is a vibrant embodiment of the taste of fresh tomatoes, enriched with the gentle sweetness of carrots and the aroma of basil. Its roots go back to Mediterranean culinary traditions, where vegetables and herbs play a key role. This soup features a rich texture and balanced flavor created by the combination of fresh and canned tomatoes, highlighted by a light garlic note. It is perfect as a light dinner or a warming lunch on a cool day. Vegan tomato soup is not only healthy but also versatile: it can be served hot with crusty bread or chilled as a refreshing summer option. The simplicity of preparation makes it an ideal dish for lovers of natural products and healthy eating.

Испанский рыбный суп с чоризо представляет собой ароматное и сытное блюдо, которое сочетает в себе свежесть морепродуктов и пикантность колбасы. В этом супе обитают разнообразные морские дары, которые в тандеме с острым чоризо создают удивительный баланс вкуса. Это блюдо часто ассоциируется с солнечными побережьями Испании, где свежепойманная рыба и местные специи становятся основой для замечательных кулинарных творений. Такой суп идеально подходит для душевных встреч с близкими, добавляя атмосферу тепла и уюта в любой обед или ужин.

Pasta with tomatoes and sausages embodies the rich flavors and traditions of Italian rustic cuisine. Its roots delve into the depths of home cooking, where simple ingredients transform into hearty and soulful dishes. The aromatic blend of fresh tomatoes, spicy sausages, and fragrant herbs creates a warm, rich flavor filled with notes of fennel, rosemary, and basil. Spicy chili flakes add a hint of heat, while balsamic vinegar balances sweetness and acidity. Thanks to creamy parmesan and generous olive oil, the pasta achieves a delicate texture that pairs perfectly with penne. This dish is served as a cozy dinner for family or friends, filling the evening with the Mediterranean warmth and the taste of true Italy.