Italian

Put a healthy twist on Italian classics for comfort food at its best.

Cook up a big batch to reheat at work for a warming winter lunch option.

Rich tomato sauce is a great source of licopene – a powerful antioxidant which protects against free radicals.

Whether you’re making for family or dinner guests, warm, home-baked bread is an easy pleaser!

All you knead! You can cater for every occasion with the perfectly versatile pizza.

Calzone originated in Naples, Italy, as a convenient form of pizza for those on the go.

(Makes 4 large pizzas) This recipe was given to me by my photographer, Nick Tresidder’s son Joseph and it never fails! They have a family tradition of pizza Sundays and now we do too. It’s a great way to get interactive with the family or if the kids are older it means they are on […]

Luca Villari takes Silver Fern Farms’ premium beef Porterhouse Steaks and cooks them to perfection for a fast family dinner or easy entertaining with friends.

This unusual mint pesto comes from Trapani, in Sicily. Use a grassy, peppery New Zealand olive oil if you have one, as it will work well with the tomatoes and mint.

Splurge a little with this hearty Italian classic. Succulent chicken baked in a rich white wine and tomato sauce with salty kalamata olives and herbs.

Choose thick-skinned lemons because they are sturdier. Serve sorbet in glasses or gelato cups. Before freezing, cut base off lemon shells so they sit flat for serving. Note

You can use dried beans instead of borlotti beans; soak in cold water overnight. The cooking time will vary. Note

With vibrant colours, this delicious capsicum and onion focaccia with caramelised onions, crumbled feta and basil makes a tasty lunch to serve for loved ones during the weekend

It is important to combine gelatine and yoghurt mixtures at similar temperatures to avoid lumps forming. Note

If preferred, char-grill your own capsicum by roasting until skin chars. Simply remove skin, seeds and membrane, and then use as directed. Note

Use regular red tomatoes if you can’t find orange – just make sure they’re ripe and tasty. Note

This pesto pasta salad is a quick and easy solution to getting lunchboxes ready. It's a great option for anyone who is dairy- or egg-intolerant!

Adding milk to a bolognese sauce is traditional in northern Italian cuisine. Alternatively, you could use brown sugar instead. Bolognese can be frozen. Remove 3-4 hours before required and thaw in fridge. Note

You could use pre-made, dried cannelloni. Try adding 1 teaspoon finely chopped preserved lemon to cannelloni filling Note

If desired, transfer pea mixture to a 23cm pie plate, pour egg mixture over it and bake in a moderate oven, 180°C, for 20-25 minutes. Note

Dill is a classic flavour match with smoked salmon, but you could also use torn parsley. Note

Use 1 small, finely sliced fennel bulb in place of leek, if desired. Note

Although this classic and cheesy parmigiana dish is traditionally served with a side of pasta, a crisp salad dressed with oil, vinegar, and herbs would also make a nice accompaniment.

We made only 1 layer, but if using a smaller pan layers may be doubled. Note

Be careful not to overcook your risotto rice – the grains should be al dente.

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Nothing beats a good lasagne, but it's even better when you make a hearty tomato sauce from scratch.

Feel free to add chilli, smoked paprika or herbs to suit the intended dish. Double the recipe and freeze in batches. Basic tomato sauce: • Substitute tinned tomatoes for vine-ripened ones in summer. • Try adding a pinch or two of herbs and spices depending on your desired recipe. • Sugar cuts the acid from […]

Now is the time to show off autumn vegetables by using their striking colours and varied textures to make impressive, delicious and nutritious dishes

There's something about chocolate that most of us find hard to resist... Oh! Chocolate!

This flavoursome vegetable dish is sure to create a buzz when you serve it up.Enjoy on it's own as a light dinner or include as the perfect accompaniment to a roast family dinner.

Now is the time to show off autumn vegetables by using their striking colours and varied textures to make impressive, delicious and nutritious dishes

This hearty casserole combines tender chicken, salty olives and a rich tomato sauce to create this warming family dinner dish - perfect for a cool Winter's evening.

These are rich, but a fitting end to a lavish meal. Serve with espresso coffee.

This is simplicity itself. The sauce can be made while the pasta cooks, but have everything prepared before you start. It’s rich, so a little goes a long way.

The combination of fresh basil with this traditional chicken parmigiana makes a delicious no-fuss dinner dish. With melted oozy cheese, tasty crumbed chicken and hearty tomato sauce, it's a recipe the whole family will love.

You can taste the ocean in this rich and hearty combination of shellfish.

Makes 60 Note

With the addition of bacon and cream to a staple winter dish, this spaghetti bolognese has a rich and creamy sauce that is seriously tasty. Serve with grated parmesan and chopped parsley.

For a balanced but delicious midweek dinner that is sure to satisfy the fussiest members of the family serve this creamy and cheesy pasta bake with a freshly tossed green salad.

Choose firm eggplant for easy slicing, and use a very sharp knife to cut them. Note

Use a vegetable peeler or cheese slice to make parmesan cheese shavings. Note

This is a homemade lasagne with a twist. Treat the family to a mouth-watering Italian favourite that uses rice noodle sheets for a lighter dish than traditional lasagne.

A classic and decadent dessert with coffee, cream and a lovely light sponge. This tiramisu recipe is simple but totally indulgent, especially with extra dark chocolate dusted on top!

If crackling isn’t crunchy, slice away from cooked pork and lay on a baking tray. While pork rests, place crackling in a preheated 230°C oven until crisp and the surface is bubbled. Note

Popular Italian tiramisu dessert, meaning 'pick me up' because there's traditionally quite a bit of coffee in it! Espresso-soaked ladyfingers are layered with a light and airy filling.

Cinzano is sweet vermouth that has been produced in northern Italy since the 18th century. It’s available in three varieties – Bianco, Rosso and Extra Dry. Note

Toasts with chicken livers

Not suitable to freeze. Note

Liquid, powdered stock or cubes can be used for this recipe. You may not need to use whole amount of stock in Step 3. Stirring gives risotto its characteristic creamy texture. Note

Seasoned flour is plain flour seasoned with salt and pepper. Note

If desired, toss through freshly torn parsley or basil. Note

For a delicious pasta bake, place leftover penne and sauce in an oiled ovenproof dish. Sprinkle with grated cheese and bake in a preheated 180°C oven until golden. Note

With a crispy exterior, this pan fried salmon fillet is filling, healthy and super nutritious. Perfectly paired with the addition of fresh salsa verde and steamed potatoes.