Here are 3 savory ideas for an Italian “picnic or brunch” plant-based menu.

Italian cuisine, at large, is known for its appreciation of simple, flavorful and seasonal foods. More often than not, the typical repertoire is made of plant-based dishes, that incorporate ingredients like legumes (a common source of protein), and bitter greens, to balance-out the eventual richness of a dish, and to aid digestion. 

So, with our Chef Simona, we thought to propose these plant-based dishes that really satisfy everyone, and can be easily transported (and enjoyed) for outdoor happenings.

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Welcome to “Open celery!” the English version of our Italian monthly newsletter [Apriti sedano!], published on OttimoBlog.com
It’s about plant-based recipes, stories, and unsolicited advices made in Italy, in collaboration with appetibilis.net | Happily edited and translated by Orsola 😀

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Picnic or Brunch?

Picnic or Brunch? Just imagine the sunshine peeking through the trees, the laughters and gentle buzz of conversation, enjoyed while picking delicious plant-based bites from a basket… (and paired with the drinks of your choice).

Cheers to picnics, the quintessential way to celebrate warm weather and good company!

“Alice was beginning to get very tired of sitting by her sister on the bank, and of having nothing to do: once or twice she had peeped into the book her sister was reading, but it had no pictures or conversations in it, “and what is the use of a book,” thought Alice “without pictures or conversations?”

Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

What if… instead you decided to stay home? Lounging in bed (or on the couch) until late, eventually to take a walk in the afternoon? Well, with these three ideas – perfectly suited for a late breakfast – you could throw a nice home brunch (or a picnic, if you change your mind at the last minute).

Fear not, fellow veggie enthusiasts, these recipes are easy to do, practical to transport, and shall make everybody happy. So, grab your blanket, a reusable basket, recyclable containers, and let’s go!

3 Savory Ideas for an Italian PicNic or Brunch Plant-Based Menu

Here’s the menu:

• Fava beans and chicory cream … If you like bitter greens, look for foraged chicory “taraxacum / cicoria”, it’s super tasty.
• Vignarola’s Tartlets – The Vignarola stew served in crunchy cups/tartlets. You can transport all the elements of the recipe separate, and assemble them when it’s time to serve.
• The rustic spinach and carrots galette… A flaky crust, holding the earthiness of the spinach, paired with the sweetness of the carrots… yummy!!!
• And for dessert the Scones with sour cream and fresh strawberries… mamma mia!

Coming soon the recipe for Croque-Monsieur sandwich… Stay tuned!