Thirty Minute Pasta
I was recently sent a great new cookbook to review written by Giuliano Hazan by Abrams press, that is all about quick, easy pasta recipes that can be on the table in 30 minutes or less. This book has 100 recipes that are broken down into four categories that include Pasta Soups, Vegetarian Pastas, Seafood Pastas, and Meat Pastas. If the author’s name sounds familiar, he is indeed son to the famous Italian chef Marcella Hazan, and has already published three other cookbooks: The Classic Pasta Cookbook, Every Night Italian, and How To Cook Italian. Having already owned and enjoyed two of his previous cookbooks, I was expecting a well written attractive cookbook and was not disappointed.
Before writing this review I tried out a handful of recipes from this cookbook and found them all easy to assemble with readily available products. The final dishes were tasty and each one I tried was easily on the table in less than 30 minutes. I also enjoyed browsing through the book which has enough color photos to hold my interest (I am visually inspired!) and Guiliano has added a note above each recipe explaining it’s origin, suggesting a variation, or including helpful tips to ensure great results. There are many traditional Italian recipes one might expect in a pasta cookbook such as Spaghetti Carbonara and Linguine With Pesto, as well as some more unique recipes such as Spaghetti With Melon.
This book may not be for the very experienced chef who may not appreciate the basic simplicity of the recipes, but it is perfect for novice cooks, or busy folks who often feel they do not have time to prepare hot, homemade delicious meals. I am often told by many people that although they love to cook, they simply do not have time to cook a complete meal for their family on weekdays and only head into the kitchen on weekends. I have often responded that there are many Italian dishes, including an endless selection of pasta dishes that can be prepared in mere minutes. I know though that in today’s busy world there are many families whose hectic lives have them turning to fast food or take out restaurants far too often for their family’s meal. Here is a cookbook with over 100 delicious pasta recipes that can be completed from start to table in under 30 minutes which offers a wonderful alternative for today’s busy families. Who wouldn’t prefer a homemade dish of pasta prepared with fresh ingredients to a to a daily dose of fast food?
If you are interested in buying Thirty Minute Pasta, you can find it at Amazon.com by clicking the book below.
Giuliano Hazan’s Thirty Minute Pasta: 100 Quick and Easy Recipes