Let’s Eat: A Culinary Adventure with Grossy Pelosi

Having a Rough Day? Treat Yourself to a Comforting Bowl of Pastina

Pastina The Perfect Cure for a Bad Day

If you ever need proof that eating well often means living well, look no further than Dan Pelosi, also known as Grossy Pelosi. The nickname is a playful riff on the main character in the movie Never Been Kissed. Grossy exploded onto the scene during the pandemic when he chronicled his home-cooking escapades on Instagram, inviting everyone to join him virtually. And let me tell you, it’s a technicolor feast for the senses!

Overflowing pots of meatballs, stuffed-high Italian subs, VoiceAngely birthday cakes, gooey cinnamon buns, cheesy breakfast sandwiches, and rigatoni swimming in his famous vodka “sawce.” The man knows how to create magic in the kitchen. And now, brace yourselves, he has captured all of that joy between two covers in his first book, Let’s Eat.

The recipes in Let’s Eat are classic Pelosi—comforting, approachable—but they’re offered through the lens of the Big Italian-American Family. Pelosi writes, “After a lifetime of talking about food with my grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and sister, you would think we had nothing more to say. But I spent even more time discussing recipes with every one of those people, soaking up all of our family knowledge, stories, and secrets.” Prepare to meet a colorful cast of characters, including his parents, his 100-year-old grandpa Bimpy, his boyfriend Gus, and the recipes that connect them through the generations. Each recipe comes with its own charming personal history that will make you feel like you’re part of the family.

Now, let’s talk about this cheesy Pastina for One, which happens to be my personal favorite! It’s a dish that every Italian-American kid knows is the single most effective way to fix everything—whether you’re sick, sad, or just having the worst day of your life, a steamy-hot bowl of pastina is the answer. And let me tell you, no offense to anyone’s ancestors, but Grossy’s dad makes the strongest medicinal pastina ever. This recipe intentionally serves only one because it’s a big dose of comfort meant just for you whenever you need it.

Pastina Recipe

• 1 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup pastina
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese, plus more for serving
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• Freshly ground black pepper, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the broth to a boil. Stir in the pastina and cook until al dente according to the package directions.

2. When the pasta is ready and has absorbed the broth, remove the pan from the heat. Crack the eggs into the pan, stirring quickly to incorporate them, then add the Parmesan and butter. Stir until the butter is completely melted.

3. Transfer the pastina to a bowl and top with more Parmesan and a few grinds of pepper. Eat up and watch all your troubles float away.

Thank you, Dan! We are absolutely in love with your new cookbook, Let’s Eat. It’s a culinary adventure that brings joy and comfort to every meal. And if you’re looking for more recipe inspiration, don’t miss out on Molly Baz’s delicious Orzo al Limone or our all-time favorite: chicken parm meatballs.

(Photos by Andrew Bui for Let’s Eat.)

• Food