Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Rome, the water and the public fountains

In Rome there are many famous fountains as the Trevi fountain in Piazza di Trevi or the Barcaccia at the bottom of the Spanish Steps or the Four Rivers fountain in Piazza Navona....but few seem to realize that the water coming from the fountains is not only free, but clean and drinkable. 

So next time you’re in Rome be sure to take a sip from the waters of the Eternal City! Especially when it is summer, it is so nice to stop and have a drink of water for free!


public fountain in Rome

In appearance some of these fountains are not so attractive, nevertheless the water is always fresh! The nasoni or big nose are round and stout, they are made of cast iron and produce fresh water. On each one of them you will find the initials S.P.Q.R. stamped, which stands for Senātus Populusque Rōmānus (Senate and People of Rome), that you can also find on the rubbish bin and on the city’s sewer grates. The water for these fountains comes from the Riserve del Peschiera which runs approximately seventy miles of channels before emerging from the spout of a city fountain.

The water fountains is the same that comes out of the Roman houses, so if you just around the city and you have are thirsty you can refill your bottle in one of these fountains.

Lorenzo @ the Gianicolo 

There are plenty of them around, from Campo dei Fiori, to the Pantheon, to the Trevi fountain, just to mention the most popular ones. Anyway if you want to know where they are located, have a look to  the map provided by the www.acea.it.


BUONA PASSEGGIATA!



Monday, July 1, 2013

ZUPPA DI CAVOLFIORE (CAULIFLOWER SOUP)



Cauliflower is a vegetable typical of the winter season, which is likely to be prepared in many ways and is ideal for making delicious soups. The ZUPPA DI CAVOLFIORE is a rustic dish prepared with simple ingredients which give a special flavour to the preparation. 

The cauliflower soup is a delicious first course, light and nutritious, quick and easy to prepare, especially if it served hot with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

The white cauliflower comes from the Marche region, from where this recipe comes from.

The process is very easy! 

Just start blending together a quarter of an onion, half a carrot and a piece of celery

blending 



Then chop a cauliflower and two small potatoes.


cauliflower




Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, the carrot and the celery and cook, stirring, for 5-6 minutes or until soft. Then add the cauliflower, potato, stock and water. Cover and bring to the boil. 

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, for 20 minutes or until the cauliflower and the potatoes are tender. 

cooking the soup



Leave the soup to rest aside for a short time and then blend until smooth. Add some cream and season with some salt and cheese. 


blend the soup



Ladle soup among serving bowls and drizzle with some extra virgin olive oil. Season with some extra cheese and serve with some fresh bread.


cauliflower soup



ENJOY! 
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