Chef Chuck's Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup

Minestra di Broccoli e Cavolfiore

A steaming hot bowl of broccoli and cauliflower soup is so inviting to take out the chill on a cold Autumn day.  In under thirty minutes you can make a delicious vegetarian soup.  

Chef Chuck's Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup

2 cups broccoli 

2 cups cauliflower

2 small potatoes

4 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup water

salt and pepper

3 cups vegetable broth

1 egg yolk

3 tablespoons heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon thyme

parmigiano cheese, grated

In a large pot heat olive oil and 1 cup water, add broccoli and cauliflower and simmer for 12 minutes.  Add salt and pepper then add small potato chunks and warm broth.  Mix together cream and yolk add this to boiling soup and stir.  Reduce heat to low and cook for 15 minutes with lid on.  Sprinkle in thyme and serve with grated parmigiano cheese.  Optional add red hot pepper flakes.

Chef Chuck's Fried Eggplant Balls

Polpette di Melanzana


An appetizer made with eggplant, parmigiana cheese, breadcrumbs, basil and eggs with a bit of mozzarella cheese nestled inside, then fried to perfection. Serve with a marinara sauce and this is a perfect vegetarian snack.


Fried Eggplant Balls
2 eggplants
1 cup parmigiano cheese, grated
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 eggs
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
mozzarella cheese, cut in small chunks
salt and pepper
olive oil for frying
marinara sauce for dipping



Cut off ends of eggplants, peel and cut in chunks, boil for 10 minutes in salted water. Drain the eggplant and use a fork to squeeze excess liquid out. This is a very important step, so drain well. Place in a bowl, add cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, basil, salt and pepper mix till combined. Heat olive oil in a frying pan. Make small balls and place a small chunk of mozzarella in the middle of each ball. Fry on all sides till golden brown, drain on a paper towel and serve with a marinara sauce.

Chef Chuck's Zucchini Frittata

Frittata di Zucchine al Forno

A zucchini frittata, filled with delicate zucchini, fresh eggs, parmigiano cheese, soft ricotta, and basil. A perfect vegetarian frittata to serve as an antipasti or as a vegetable side dish. This recipe can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Zucchini Frittata
4 medium zucchini
2 1/4 cups, sliced thin
3 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper
1 onion, chopped fine
6 eggs
1 cup parmigiana cheese, grated
1/4 cup ricotta
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped


Wash and dry zucchini, use a mandolin or slice thin, fry in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, season with salt and pepper and cook for about 10 minutes. Remove and heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and fry onions till soft. Line an 8 or 9 inch pan with parchment paper, oil lightly, spread zucchini in pan top with onions. In a bowl whisk eggs, both cheeses, salt and pepper and pour over zucchini. Sprinkle chopped basil on top and grate parmigiana over the frittata. Bake at 400 degrees on bottom rack for 20 - 25 minutes or until top is golden.