Food writer Mario Matassa introduces some Italian classics – traditional dishes that are known all over the world, yet rarely prepared properly outside of Italy – and shows us how they should be made… Photos by Mario Matassa Everyone loves ‘spag bol’. It’s possibly Britain’s favourite meal. Yet many people would be surprised to learn that […]
Fancy making a real saffron risotto (risotto alla milanese)? Mario Matassa shows us how. Remember that it should be creamy and soft, and each grain of rice should be separate but joined together by the sauce. Buonissimo! Serves 2 Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time none Ingredients: • 50g unsalted butter • 30g beef marrow • 2 tbsp […]
The mozzarella, tomato and basil salad (or insalate caprese) is an Italian classic – the secret to its success lies in its simplicity and the quality of the ingredients used. Mario Matassa shares the recipe for this iconic dish… Serves 2 Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time none Ingredients: • 2 large ripe tomatoes • 200g […]
Known as ‘costoletta alla milanese‘ in Italian, the Milanese veal cutlet is a great one to master properly. Mario Matassa’s recipe will help you to create a truly authentic version of this historic dish… Serves 4 Preparation time 20 minutes Cooking time 20 minutes Ingredients: • 4 veal chops on the bone • 2 free-range eggs […]
Think you know how to make bolognese? Think again! Mario Matassa explains how to make this popular dish properly… a lengthy cooking time makes it ideal for a leisurely Sunday lunch… Serves 4 Preparation time 15 minutes Cooking time 2 hours 20 minutes Ingredients: • 150g pancetta, chopped • 50g carrot, peeled, finely chopped • 50g celery, […]
Alexander James brings us the low-down on the top spots for food and drink in Emilia-Romagna… one of the best regions for enjoying Italy’s finest specialities Modena Modena is a city laden with hidden culinary treats. Many know it as the place-name that adorns balsamic vinegar bottles. But the real deal vinegar is very different […]
Think of Italy and its most well-known food exports, and a third of them come from one region: Emilia-Romagna. Alexander James finds out why this part of the country is such a gastronomic hot-spot… Photos by Bologna Welcome (www.bolognawelcome.com) unless otherwise stated Visit this region between the Adriatic Sea and Tuscany and you’ll find the […]
This asparagus bruschetta is great way to get in two of your five a day. With fresh green veg and creamy cheese, it’s a pretty and flavoursome dish that’s ideal for summer entertaining Makes 4 (serves 4 as a starter or snack) Preparation time: 10 mins Cooking time: 10 mins Ingredients: 300g podded and […]
There are hundreds of pasta shapes out there, some more familiar than others. Here we try out seven short pastas – read on and enhance your Italian cooking! With the best will in the world, no one has time to make fresh pasta every day – not even Italians. This is why dried pasta is as […]
This classic Tuscan bread and tomato salad gets a summery twist, thanks to the addition of fresh Romaine lettuce. It’s a perfect dish for al fresco dining in the sunshine! Serves 2 Preparation time: 10 mins Cooking time: 20 mins Ingredients: 4 slices stale ciabatta 300g ripe tomatoes, any type you have ¼ red […]