The River Cafe’s Rose Gray and Ruth Rogers apply their ethos for fresh, seasonal and regional ingredients to Italian cookery and prove wonderful fish dishes don’t have to be complicated… The fish recipes we love to cook in the River Cafe come from all of the regions of Italy we have visited over the last […]
Ciabatta was given its name because the bread resembles a well-worn slipper. Prolonged rising and plenty of liquid produce a very light bread with a uniquely open and porous texture. Ingredients FOR THE STARTER ½ tsp dried yeast 150ml water 3 tbsp tepid milk ¼ tsp honey or granulated sugar 150g strong white flour FOR […]
Tweak your culinary skills with this deliciously fresh salad… I have fond memories of this salad and of eating it in Syracuse, Sicily, with my father. Some friends there grow lettuces, and this salad was part of a wonderful meal after a long, dusty drive to their farm. It was the first time I […]
A very tasty loaf that is delicious as an antipasto, or as part of a picnic. What is especially delicious about this loaf is that it stays wonderfully moist. Serves 6 Ingredients 50g (2oz) stale white bread 100ml (3½fl oz) milk 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 200g (7oz) speck or other smoked cured ham, […]
The pumpkin is an underrated vegetable which deserves to be used much more widely. This snack looks as good as it tastes! 300g (10oz) pumpkin or butternut squash, seeded but not skinned 75g (30oz) soft white breadcrumbs 1 tsp fennel seeds, lightly crushed 1 sprig of fresh fennel leaves 1 garlic clove Sea salt and […]
With a history steeped deep in the philosophy of La Cucina Povera, the Val d’Orcia offers taste and tradition. Wanda Djebbar guides us on a gastro tour through the past and present… Gourmet Guide to the Val d’Orcia Those among you who are looking for rich, difficult, complicated food to combine with sublime landscapes, art […]
Think Prosecco and you may think of Bellinis and Spritzers, but there is so much more to the wine than that, as its producers are keen to point out. Kevin Pilley treads the Prosecco Road in Italy’s far northeast… One for the shade,” said Francesco, handing me an ombra of fizzy San Giuseppe Superiore […]
A good panettone can make Christmas in an Italian household. Notoriously difficult to make at home, most are bought ready made. We taste some high street examples… Whether you consider panettone to be a cake or a bread – strictly speaking it’s a sweet bread – the origin of this traditional Christmas and New Year’s […]
It has been reputedly used since 6,000BC, and originates from Greece and ancient Asia Minor, but what of the modern-day oils on offer? Italia! selects seven of the best… We all use olive on a virtually daily basis. It’s become a staple in the kitchens of everyone who loves all things Italian. Arguments will rage […]
This Roasted vegetables with lentils, mozzarella and mint oil recipe is a great way to use all those summer vegetables that are so fresh and cheap to buy right now. Don’t be shy to try some variations according to what you can find. ➤ Serves 2 ➤ Preparation 10 minutes ➤ Cooking 45 minutes 2 small courgettes 1 small red pepper 1 […]