Francesco Sottile
Chef & owner
Francesco Sottile is a dynamic and innovative entrepreneur hailing from the picturesque city of Turin, Italy. With a vision that transcends borders, he has successfully established himself as the esteemed owner and founder of Bacino, a charming Italian Bistro that brings a slice of Italy to the East Coast of Singapore.
Despite not showcasing any formal educational background in his profile, Francesco’s achievements speak volumes about his expertise and passion for the culinary world.
He exudes leadership and creativity, ensuring that every dish served at Bacino is a testament to authentic Italian cuisine. Living in Turin but impacting palates thousands of miles away, Francesco Sottile embodies the spirit of Italian hospitality and culinary excellence.
Lasagna's Secret Ingredients
Creating the best lasagna often involves a combination of traditional Italian ingredients and some secret touches to elevate the flavors. Here’s a list of some secret ingredients inspired by the best Italian recipes:
Pancetta: Instead of or in addition to ground beef, try adding some diced pancetta for a rich and savory flavor.
Ricotta Cheese Mixture: Mix ricotta cheese with a touch of lemon zest, grated Parmesan, and a hint of nutmeg for a creamy and aromatic layer.
Fresh Basil Pesto: Spread a thin layer of homemade basil pesto between the layers of noodles for a burst of fresh herb flavor.
White Wine: Add a splash of dry white wine to your tomato sauce for depth and complexity.
Béchamel Sauce: Incorporate a layer of velvety béchamel sauce between the pasta layers for added creaminess.
Porcini Mushrooms: Soak dried porcini mushrooms in warm water, then chop and sauté them with garlic and shallots before adding them to your tomato sauce for an earthy flavor.
Mascarpone Cheese: Mix mascarpone cheese with grated Parmesan and a touch of lemon juice to create a luxurious cheese layer.
Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your tomato sauce for a subtle kick of heat.
Fresh Mozzarella: Use slices of fresh mozzarella cheese instead of or in addition to shredded mozzarella for gooey, melty goodness.
Herb-infused Olive Oil: Drizzle a mixture of extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano) over the top layer before baking for a fragrant finish.
Pizza's Secret Ingredients
Elevating pizza with secret ingredients can turn a regular pie into a gourmet delight. Here’s a list of secret ingredients inspired by the best Italian pizza recipes:
Truffle Oil: Drizzle a small amount of truffle oil over the pizza just before serving for an indulgent, earthy flavor.
Sundried Tomatoes: Add depth and sweetness to your pizza by scattering chopped sundried tomatoes on top of the cheese.
Fresh Burrata Cheese: After baking the pizza, tear pieces of creamy burrata cheese and scatter them over the hot crust for a luxurious finish.
Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the pizza for a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory toppings.
Prosciutto di Parma: Lay thin slices of prosciutto on top of the pizza after baking for a salty, savory touch.
Marinated Artichoke Hearts: Place marinated artichoke hearts on the pizza before baking for a burst of tangy flavor.
Fig Jam: Spread a thin layer of fig jam on the crust before adding sauce and toppings for a sweet and complex flavor profile.
Fresh Arugula: Top the pizza with a handful of fresh arugula after baking for a peppery bite and vibrant green color.
Calabrian Chili Paste: Add a dollop of spicy Calabrian chili paste to the sauce for a fiery kick.
Fontina Cheese: Use fontina cheese instead of or in addition to mozzarella for a rich and nutty flavor.
These secret ingredients will take your pizza to the next level, creating a gourmet experience right in your own kitchen. Experiment with different combinations to find your perfect pie!
