Tuscan style tomato and bread chopped salad is popular in the Summer in Italy. A perfect blend of flavours. Use dried (not stale) bread and salted tomatoes to make the best version of this classic Italian bread salad. Ingredients 2 1/2 pounds (1.1kg) mixed tomatoes, cut into bite-size pieces 3/4 pound (340g) ciabatta or rustic sourdough bread, cut into 1 1/2–inch cubes (about 6 cups … Continue reading Tuscan Panzanella
Cacio e Pepe A taste of Rome: Cacio e pepe, an old Italian favourite, simple, quick and classic recipe. Ingredients 400g Spaghetti 150g Pecorino Romano Salt & Pepper Method Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving 3/4 cup pasta cooking water. Meanwhile, in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add a generous … Continue reading Cacio e Pepe
Risotto alla Milanese The Italian classic, this creamy, traditional recipe from the Lombardy region. The famous yellow risotto, infused with saffron and the best accompaniment of all to Ossobuco. Ingredients 400g/4 cups Arborio rice 110g/1/2 cup butter 1/2 tsp saffron stamens 1 medium onion finely chopped 100ml/1/2 cup Italian dry white wine 1.2 ltrs/4 1/2 cups simmering veg/chicken stock Parmesan cheese Salt Method First steep … Continue reading Risotto alla Milanese
Italian Lentil Soup This hearty Italian lentil soup recipe is easy to make, full of goodness and with the best Italian flavours! Ingredients 400g/2 cups lentils (brown or green) rinsed 1 medium onion finely diced 2 carrots finely diced 2 stalks celery finely diced 500g/2 cups crushed tomatoes/passata 1 tbsp tomato puree 1L/4 cups stock vegetable or chicken ½ tsp thyme dried Handful fresh basil leaves 1 bay … Continue reading Italian Lentil Soup
Gnocchi Carbonara Twintastic comfort food in the form of soft, home-made gnocchi in a rich and creamy Carbonara sauce. Ingredients 500g/5 cups gnocchi 4 eggs 1 egg yolk 125g/1 cup pancetta or guanciale if you can get 1 cup Pecorino Romano Black pepper Method In a large pan fry the pancetta until crisp. In a bowl whisk the eggs, cheese and lots of pepper until … Continue reading Gnocchi Carbonara
Rigatoni with prawns and pistachio pesto This simple and quick recipe packs a punch! The prawns marry perfectly with the indulgent sauce and pasta. Ingredients 500g/5 cups rigatoni 165g/6oz fresh prawns 200g/2 cups Marinara sauce (see recipe Mamma’s Marinara Sauce) Extra virgin olive oil For the Pistachio pesto 125g/1 cup pistachios 1/2 garlic clove 1 handful fresh basil 25g/1/4 cup grated parmesan 60ml/1/4 cup extra … Continue reading Rigatoni with prawns and pistachio pesto
Bucatini all’Amatriciana This classic sauce takes its spiciness from black pepper and dried chillies and its depth of flavor from guanciale, Italian salt-cured pork jowl. If you can’t find it, use pancetta. Ingredients 125g/4 oz. thinly sliced guanciale, pancetta, or chopped unsmoked bacon 500g/12 oz. dried bucatini or spaghetti 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes 1 minced onion 1 tbsp tomato puree 50ml/1/4 cup Italian … Continue reading Bucatini all’Amatriciana
Fusilli With Pistachio & Arugula Pesto A vibrant flavoured sauce, nutty and zesty, that can be used on anything from grilled chicken to pasta. Ingredients 500g/5 cups fusilli pasta 75g/1/2 cup shelled pistachio nuts 150g/5 oz. arugula/rocket 50g/1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 60ml/1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/2 lemon juice only (about 2 tbsp.) 2 cloves garlic cloves 150g/1 cup cherry tomatoes halved 125g/1 cup … Continue reading Fusilli With Pistachio & Arugula Pesto
Piadina – Italian flatbread A traditional flatbread recipe from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Quick and easy and you can fill it with whatever ingredients you like! Ingredients 4 cups/500g flour 1/3 cup/75g Lard 6 1/2 oz/200ml milk 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp baking soda Method Begin by putting the flour into a large bowl. Create an indentation into which you can put the lard, … Continue reading Piadina – Italian flatbread
Eggs in Purgatory This quick and easy dish of eggs cooked in a fiery tomato sauce hits the spot when you’re in need of morning-after succour. Ingredients Extra virgin olive oil 3 cloves garlic finely chopped 500g/2 cups chopped tomatoes 1 tbsp Tomato puree Pinch of peperoncino chilli flakes Salt & pepper 4 large eggs Parmigiano Reggiano Basil leaves Toasted bread or focaccia Method Add … Continue reading Eggs in Purgatory
