What is that one thing that makes the whole world just a bit more wonderful for you?
Fried Broccoli Rigoletti (extra crispy) from Ferraro's Italian in Ventura, CA.
Sadly I live in Boise, ID and don't get down there very often. But I did find a recipe that just might work!
Ferraro's Fried Rigoletti
----- Original Message -----
From: Nancy
To:
phaedrus@hungrybrowser.com
Sent: Thursday, May 28, 2009 11:31 PM
Subject: Fried Rigoletti Recipe
Hi Phaedrus,
I've tried for years to get the recipe--hours of searching all over the internet and
from the restaurant itself; I've asked them when they will make a recipe book? It's
an old family restaurant, Ferarro's Italian in Ventura, CA. They make the best Fried
Rigoletti with Brocolli. Never had it anywhere else. It's crunchy, cheezy, gooey, and
enough to make me drive across 3 states to eat it! Served with their amazing Marinara
on the side, it's heaven on a plate.
Can you help? Good Luck!
Thanks,
Nancy
Hi Nancy,
Sorry, I had no success. Sounds like you've already covered all the bases anyhow. Keep trying, maybe someone will create a decent copycat.
Phaed
Hellen sent this recipe:
From: "Hellen"
To: "Phaedrus"
Subject: Re: copycat of fried rigoletti recipe
Date: Thursday, December 03, 2009 8:00 PM
Hey Uncle P:
Please feel free to correct grammar or any culinary usage if needed; in fact, I would
really appreciate it.
The restaurant uses "7-11" tomato sauce for their base for tomato or marina sauce.
It comes as a restaurant sized can. To substitute, I found Trader Joe's basic marinara
sauce was closest. Just add some more oregano and cook down a bit and I think it will
be similar to Ferraro's.
you will need the following for the dish itself:
rigoletti cooked, drained
blanched or steamed cut broccoli pieces (flowers and stems)
oil (the restaurant didn't use extra virgin--maybe canola or a blend of pure olive oil and canola)
1 tbs or more of minced garlic
shredded mozorella cheese to cover pasta
salt and pepper to taste
casserole dish
Preheat oven to 350F
1. Cook the pasta according to package directions and set aside to cool.
2. Cut the broccoli and blanch or steam, cook halfway.
3. In a large pan, add oil and garlic when heat is turned on. Allow the garlic to
infuse the oil over medium heat but do not burn the garlic. When the pan is hot,
add the broccoli pieces and the pasta. Salt and pepper to taste. Saute and cook until
the pasta and broccoli are infused with the garlic and the oil.
In a casserole dish, add the sauteed pasta and broccoli mixture. Cover with shredded
mozorella cheese and bake until slightly golden brown on top.