Mario Matassa turns to the subject of leftovers. Economical, quick to cook, and packed with flavour, Italian leftover recipes are the perfect way to make the most of what you have Photos by Mario Matassa For Italians, using up leftover food is a virtue, and one that has been transformed into an artform. The Tuscans […]
Green spinach pasta is probably the most popular and widely used flavoured pasta and this lasagne from Mario Matassa is a great way to showcase its charms… Serves 4 Preparation time 45 minutes, plus resting Cooking time 25 minutes Ingredients: • 350g plain flour • 3 medium free-range eggs • 100g fresh spinach For the sauce • 500ml […]
Cuttlefish (seppia) is very popular in Italian cuisine and its ink can be bought in small packets in supermarkets or Italian speciality stores – here’s a great recipe to showcase its flavour Serves 4 Preparation time 45 minutes, plus resting Cooking time 10 minutes Ingredients: • 400g plain flour • 4 medium free-range eggs • 1 sachet of cuttlefish ink […]
Love pasta? Adore chocolate? It turns out that the two can be deliciously combined – Mario Matassa shows us how in this meaty recipe that’s bursting with flavour Serves 4 Preparation time 50 minutes, plus resting Cooking time 2 hours 45 minutes Ingredients: • 400g plain flour • 4 medium free-range eggs • 1 tbsp bitter cocoa powder For […]
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 […]
Join Mario Matassa for the second instalment in his series uncovering the secrets of Italian food. This time he goes to the sea, where he braves an early morning, much indecision and the fiery Italian passion for all things seafood Photos by Mario Matassa Going on a road trip is something that just happens when […]