Wild greens (verdure selvatiche) is the name given to greens that grow in the wild. They’re popular in Italy and this recipe by Mario Matassa is a good way to use them Wild greens include a wide range of plants like borage leaves, nettles, dandelions, wild fennel, hops, rocket, garlic leaves, wild beets, wild chicory, asparagus and, of […]
Enjoy this recipe for risotto con bruscandoli by Mario Matassa – it’s a fantastic way to use wild hops… Serves 2 Preparation time 15 minutes Cooking time 20 minutes Ingredients: • 180g risotto rice • a bunch of wild hops, roughly chopped • 1 small onion, peeled, finely chopped • 600-750ml vegetable stock • 30g Parmesan, grated […]
Mario Matassa’s recipe for tagliatelle con ricotta e noci is a tasty early winter treat that can be found in restaurants across Italy Serves 2 Preparation time 15 minutes Cooking time 15 minutes Ingredients: • 160g egg tagliatelle • 100g walnut halves • 150g fresh ricotta • 2-3 tbsp whole milk • 2 tbsp Parmesan • salt […]
Any fan of Italian cuisine should learn how to make passata – the classic tomato sauce – here’s how to do it! Recipe & image by Mario Matassa Makes 4 x 250g jars Preparation time 20 minutes Cooking time 20 minutes, plus sterilising Ingredients: • 2kg ripe but firm plum tomatoes • 3 tbsp olive oil […]
These peppers can be eaten on their own as an appetiser or, more commonly, as part of a classic antipasto. Recipe & image by Mario Matassa Makes 4 x 250g jars Preparation time 20 minutes, plus resting time Cooking time 5 minutes Ingredients: • about 20 small round smooth-skinned spicy red peppers • 250ml white wine • […]
Italians love mushrooms (funghi), especially porcini, but if you can’t find porcini, this recipe will work with a mix of button and chestnut mushrooms. Recipe & image by Mario Matassa Makes 4 x 250g jars Preparation time 10 minutes, plus overnight drying Cooking time 5 minutes Ingredients: • 1kg fresh porcini mushrooms • 500ml white wine […]
Lemon marmalade (marmellata di limone) is a delicious way to preserve lemons, Italian-style. Recipe and image by Mario Matassa Makes 4 x 250g jars of marmalade Preparation time 20 minutes Cooking time 1 hour 20 minutes Ingredients: • 1.5kg organic lemons • about 1kg caster sugar Instructions: 1 Begin by washing the lemons very well. Then bring […]
This recipe for confettura di cipolle rosse makes a sweet jam that goes well with strong cheeses and is delicious with burgers. Recipe and image by Mario Matassa Makes 4 x 250g jars of jam Preparation time 10 minutes, plus 1 hour resting Cooking time 45 minutes Ingredients: • 1kg red onions, peeled • 2 bay leaves […]
This recipe for ‘verdure piccante’ is an excellent way of using up surplus summer vegetables. Recipe and image by Mario Matassa Makes 4 x 500g jars Preparation time 20 minutes, plus overnight drying Cooking time 5 minutes, plus sterilising Ingredients: • 2kg mixed vegetables, including aubergines, courgettes, sweet red and yellow peppers, red onions, etc • 1 […]
In this recipe Mario Matassa has used chicken thighs, but if you prefer white meat, you can opt for whole chicken breast (just remember to keep the skin on) Serves 4 Preparation time 15 minutes Barbecuing time 25 minutes Ingredients: • 8 tbsp fresh breadcrumbs • 8 tbsp grated Parmesan • 2 tbsp finely diced cooked ham […]