This savoury bread cake with tomatoes is just perfect for al fresco dining. Mario Matassa shows us how to make this tasty torta… Serves 6 Preparation time 15 minutes Cooking time 40 minutes Ingredients: • 250g stale rustic-type bread • 500ml whole milk • 250g fresh ricotta • 2 medium free-range eggs, beaten • 200g smoked […]
The summer picnic is a much anticipated event on every Italian’s culinary calendar, so Mario Matassa shows us how to prepare for the occasion in style Picnic food photos by Mario Matassa First, the picnic needs to be distinguished from the pranzo al sacco (packed lunch). The packed lunch is what Italians do when they […]
A celebration in Italy usually involves sharing a feast with family and friends, and here Mario Matassa has put together a menu to suit any special occasion Photos by Mario Matassa In Italy it would be unthinkable to have a celebration without food. Whether it’s a baptism, birthday party, graduation, wedding or anniversary, Christmas, New […]
There’s a delicious diversity to the wines of Veneto, thanks to the varying types of terrain and soil in this region. Here we explore some of its best reds… Although not vast in size, Veneto is one of the largest-producing regions of DOC wines in Italy. The variety of wine styles offered by Veneto are […]
For a sensational dessert or teatime treat with an Italian twist, this gorgeous ricotta cheesecake by Mario Matassa should fit the bill… Serves 4 Preparation time 15 minutes Cooking time 45 minutes Ingredients: • 200g plain biscuits • 75g unsalted butter • 250g ricotta • 75g icing sugar • 2 large free-range eggs, beaten • 3 […]
For hearty comfort food with an Italian twist, this purè di patate recipe from Mario Matassa is a sure-fire winner… Serves 6 Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time 30 minutes Ingredients: • 1 celery stalk, finely diced • 1 small carrot, peeled, finely diced • 1 tbsp olive oil (you can use the oil from the […]
This creamy, dreamy salmon risotto from Mario Matassa makes a truly delicious midweek meal if you’re looking for something simple but indulgent Serves 6 Preparation time 5 minutes Cooking time 20 minutes Ingredients: • 2 tbsp olive oil • a bunch of spring onions, finely chopped • 300g risotto rice • 1 litre of light chicken […]
Mario Matassa brings us a fantastic Italian salad to enjoy on sunny days – light, flavoursome and with an interesting added ingredient… Serves 6 Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time none Ingredients: • 2 ripe but firm peaches • 200g buffalo mozzarella • a small handful of wild dandelion leaves • 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil […]
Sun-dried tomato and fennel seed pâté provides a delicious, distinctive flavour for these puff pastry ‘girelle’ by Mario Matassa – ideal snacks for entertaining Serves 6 Preparation time 15 minutes, plus chilling Cooking time 25 minutes Ingredients: • 1 small jar of sun-dried tomatoes in oil • 2 anchovy fillets • 1 garlic clove, peeled • 1 tsp fennel […]
Mario Matassa’s wonderful lonza di maiale ripiena di fave e pecorino (to give it its Italian name) is a perfect Sunday show-stopper… Serves 4-6 Preparation time 15 minutes Cooking time 1 hour, 15 minutes Ingredients: • 1kg pork loin in one piece • 250g broad beans, with their tough outer skin removed • 200g mature pecorino cheese, finely […]