Yesterday I stopped by Paesanella Cheese Manufacturers in Marrickville and couldn’t resist their house-made ricotta. Still warm from being cooked, it was soft, creamy, and delicately sweet — the kind of ricotta that makes you want to rush home and cook something special. For me, that meant Spinach and Ricotta Gnudi — little dumplings of…
Category: Italian
Beef Short Rib Ragu: A Hearty Italian Classic
There’s something so special about cooking a meal with ingredients that feel like a little surprise. My husband has a butcher near his work that offers weekly specials, and he often picks up whatever meat is on sale that week. Last week, it was lamb cutlets, so I made these Grilled Lamb Cutlets with Herb…
Mediterranean Vegetable Focaccia
Focaccia is one of those breads that manages to be both simple and elegant, making it perfect for any meal. Whether served as a side to pasta or enjoyed on its own with a drizzle of olive oil, it always hits the mark. This Mediterranean Vegetable Focaccia takes it a step further, with roasted zucchini,…
Pasta Puttanesca
This Pasta Puttanesca Recipe is a dish that’s as bold in flavour as it is in history. With a combination of garlic, anchovies, black olives, capers, and tomatoes, this Italian classic is perfect for when you want something quick, easy, and full of attitude. But there’s a little more to this dish than just its…
Chicken Cacciatore (Hunter’s Style Chicken)
There’s something deeply comforting about a dish that’s been cooked slowly and simply, letting a few good ingredients shine. This Authentic Chicken Cacciatore, or Pollo alla Cacciatora, is one of those classic Italian recipes that brings warmth and flavour to the table without fuss. This is a rustic dish rooted in the countryside—cacciatore means “hunter”…
Fig, Prosciutto and Mozzarella Salad with Balsamic Dressing
When figs are in season, they’re at their best—sweet, ripe, and plentiful. This is the perfect time to make a Fig, Prosciutto and Mozzarella Salad, a dish that beautifully highlights their natural flavour. The combination of creamy mozzarella, salty prosciutto, and luscious figs, all brought together with a tangy balsamic dressing, creates a perfect balance…
Miso, Chicken and Shiitake Risotto
Looking for a comforting risotto recipe with a unique twist? This Miso, Chicken and Shiitake Risotto combines the creamy richness of Italian risotto with the savoury umami flavours of Japanese cuisine. The base of this risotto is a fragrant white miso and shiitake mushroom stock, which gives the dish a deep, earthy flavour. Tender chicken…
Prawn Pasta with Prawn Oil, Cherry Tomatoes & Basil
Is there anything more glorious than a plate of fresh prawn pasta and a cold glass of wine on a summer’s day? For me, no. However, in the past when I tried making prawn pasta at home, it always felt like something was missing. The flavour was good—prawns, cherry tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil—but my sauces…
Mussels with Nduja Recipe – A Spicy, Creamy Twist on Classic Mussels
This Mussels with Nduja recipe is the perfect way to elevate classic mussels with a spicy, Italian twist. The rich, creamy broth gets its smoky heat from nduja, a spreadable Italian sausage that adds incredible depth to seafood. Paired with a splash of white wine, garlic, and fresh lemon zest, these mussels are ideal for…
Crispy Fried Whitebait with Lemon (Italian Bianchetti Fritti)
Crispy fried whitebait is a simple, irresistible snack — lightly coated and quickly fried until golden and crunchy, then finished with a squeeze of lemon and eaten hot, straight from the paper. Known in Italy as bianchetti fritti, it’s traditionally enjoyed along the coast as a casual, just-cooked treat. My Nonna used to make crispy…