The third instalment in Mario Matassa’s new series uncovering the secrets of Italian food involves a trip to the deli counter to discover exactly why cured meats are so cherished by the Italian nation Photos by Mario Matassa Years back, driving through customs, it was common practice for Italian immigrants returning from their annual summer […]
Mario Matassa’s take on bucatini all’amatriciana is a classic from Amatrice in Lazio. Puritans argue that the dish must be made using guanciale (cured pork cheek), but pancetta makes a fine substitute Serves 4 Preparation time 5 minutes Cooking time 1-12 minutes Ingredients: • 320g bucatini pasta • 150g pancetta, diced • 1 small onion, peeled, finely […]
Here’s a fantastic idea for lardo, a cured meat that works well in cooking – Mario Matassa’s recipe is a wonderful combination of flavours Serves 4 Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time none Ingredients: • 12 small slices of rye bread • 12 slices of lardo • 16 pre-cooked chestnuts • a sprig of rosemary, finely chopped • […]
Mario Matassa’s gorgeous, colourful salad is a great way to use Parma ham without overpowering its delicate texture and flavour Serves 4 Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time 5-7 minutes Ingredients: • 250g mixed grains, including rice, spelt and pearl barley • 2 sweet yellow peppers, diced • 4 small young courgettes, diced • 2 untreated oranges • […]
Intensely flavoured speck works well with soft cheeses, and this recipe from Mario Matassa helps to demonstrate its great versatility Makes about 20 Preparation time 15 minutes plus rising Cooking time 10 minutes for the dough Ingredients: •50g plain flour • 125ml tepid water • 12g fresh yeast • ½ tsp salt For the topping • 8-10 slices of […]
Fancy a tomino avvolti in speck alla grillia? Mario Matassa shares his recipe for this simple Italian delight… Serves 4 Preparation time 5 minutes Cooking time 10 minutes Ingredients: • 4 Tomino cheese, or a similar cheese with an edible rind, such as brie • 8 slices of speck • 12 cherry tomatoes • small head of crisp […]
Mario Matassa shares his recipe for stuffed squid – it can be eaten hot or cold but do remember to trickle a little extra olive oil over the squid just before you sit down Serves 4 Preparation time 15 minutes Cooking time 25 minutes Ingredients: • 8 small to medium squid, prepared, tentacles retained • 1 courgette • 8 […]
Zuppa di pesce (fish soup), is an Italian staple with endless variations. Although this dish looks elaborate it’s really very simple, as Mario Matassa demonstrates… Serves 4 Preparation time 5 minutes Cooking time 15 minutes Ingredients: • 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 2 garlic cloves, peeled • 700g fish pieces such as sea bass, scorpion fish, monkfish, […]
Mario Matassa’s seafood antipasto is delicious and versatile – try it without the tomatoes (just wine, garlic and parsley)… it’s delicious either way! Serves 4 Preparation 5 minutes Cooking 7-10 minutes Ingredients: • 1kg fresh mussels • 500g fresh clams • 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil • 1-2 garlic cloves, peeled • a handful of […]
Mario Matassa’s recipe for sardines includes sultanas and pine nuts. You’ll have to remove the fish’s head but don’t be too fastidious about the bones. Just take out the main spinal bone and the larger bones will follow Serves 4 Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time 5-7 minutes Ingredients: • 2 slices of fresh white bread • 50g […]