I enjoying writing the occasional product review because it give me an chance to try foods or spices I would probably never discover otherwise. Often the items I get are not even available in Canada yet which is kind of funny. Most companies who contact me are located in the US even if the item is prepared on another continent. But this time it was an international company that sought me out directly…really cool. I received an email by the Ariosto company which is located in Italy. Ariosto seasonings, apparently one of the top selling spice brands in Italy, have been harnessing their craft for over 47 years.
Ah Italy, it is one of those countries that influenced me the most in my travels. If I could just pick up and go I would be looking for the best holiday deals right now and fly off to to this enchanting country.
Ξ Tomato and Meat sauce Ξ
7gr tomato based pasta sauces
1 tbsp olive oil
1 17oz can of tomatoes, whole
1 pd ground beef
In a skillet heat olive oil and spices together for a minute until fragrant. Add ground beef and brown meat well until there is no more pink. Add canned tomatoes, bring to a boil, lower heat and let simmer 20 min. Serve over pasta and sprinkle some freshly shaved Parmesan.
The flavor of the sauce was simple but good. I modified the suggested recipe of 1/4 pd of beef because I like my sauce meaty, and oh boy it was. Happy carnivore.
There are several mixes of the Italian seasoning spices to choose from. I tested the following:
- Seasoning for tomato based pasta sauces: salt, garlic, basil, onion, carrot, parsley, leek, laurel, mint, caper.
- Seasoning for roasted and fried potatoes: Salt, garlic, rosemary, sage, juniper, basil, marjoram, oregano, laurel, coriander, parsley.
- Seasoning for roasted meats grilled chicken: Salt, rosemary, garlic, sage, juniper, laurel, oregano, thyme, marjoram, basil.
- Also available seasoning for oven cooked or Barbequed Fish, Garlic and dry chilli, and for stewed Meat.
The potato seasoning was really excellent and flavorful. I par boiled the potatoes and fried them in a pan with lots of butter. The meat mix I used with a mild sausage that I removed from the casing and browned in a skillet with tons of sliced leeks. I found the sausage mix over salted but I may have used to much seasoning.
Great review and looks like some interesting mixes. I usually like to create my own, but always love a bake up for time crunches 🙂
Funny, I tried these once and I thought one of them was over salted as well, so it isn’t just you!! But I remember liking the potato seasoning.
Terrific review. I got my packets a few months ago and loved everything I made with them!
Dave
Although I always prefer to make my own seasoning, I must say the one for the roasted potatoes sounds fabulous! It reminds me of Herbes de Provence. Wonderful post!
I love italian seasonings. It is important to look at the labels. I am glad you shared this with us.
This sounds super tasty. Don’t you just love trying new ingredients??
Oh Italian seasonings! How I love them! Those potatoes look amazing! I can imagine how good they smelled 🙂
They do sell it here, contact the Canadian distributor
ELIO IMPORTING LTD
The website following the page of Ariosto seasonings
A bit surprised that they don’t sell these sorts of things in Italian specialty shops. Still lucky you, having people send you free stuff to try. 😛
A easy way to go, especially when in hurry 😉
Thanks for introducing this product…
Have a great week Evelyne 🙂
@nami, no MSG as per there site: “Ariosto seasonings are natural as they don’t contain preservatives, colourings or Monosodium glutamate (MSG) “
Haha! I might agree with Liz! The package is very Italian and I even thought it’s kinda cute. A lot of Asian products have MSG in it, how about this one? I’m just curious.. 🙂
Somehow an Italian spice mix sounds much more appealing than the ones I could buy in my local market. Glad the potato seasoning was a hit…it sounds like a winner. Hope your week is off to a nice start~