Jamie Oliver's back, this time in 'pucker' Italy. After almost twenty years of TV shows, books and recipes, Jamie Oliver is one of the most famous chefs in the UK, alongside Gordon Ramsay.
His cookbooks have sold over 70 million copies and he is very active on social media: he has 6.7 million fans on Facebook; 6.81 million followers on Twitter and 6.8 million followers on Instagram. His way of communicating is fresh and direct, just like his recipes that explain everything, step by step, in a variety of ways.
In 2018 his new cookbook was released: 'Jamie cooks Italy'. That recipe book gets its name from the famous TV program that ran for two years inspired by the "nonne" or grandmothers of Italy. The show currently runs on the Sky platform on channel 143, if you want to watch while in Italy.
With 140 recipes that celebrate truly great Italian food, the book is a fantastic mix of authentic and original Italian dishes and Jamie's version of everyday classics and more elaborate recipes for the weekend or parties. This is a great book to read, to give as a Christmas present... and to taste if you want to have an ace up your sleeve now that you are about to embark on your Italian journey!
Buon appetito!
4 Italian dishes from 'Jamie cooks Italy'
1. Rafanata
It seems like a simple omelette, with a soft white interior and a golden and inviting surface, but from the first bite it reveals its lively and pungent character. This rafanata comes from Basilicata, a land of intense and important flavours: it is like a sort of pasticcio, baked in an oven, based on beaten eggs, boiled potatoes, breadcrumbs and grated pecorino. Jamie accompanies this delicious potato-based dish with a simple herb salad.
2. Panzanella
A typical Tuscan bread and tomato salad, this dish is really popular in summer. The authentic and traditional recipe includes soaked and squeezed bread, mixed with onion, tomato and basil and seasoned with oil, vinegar and salt. In Jamie's version you will find this delicious dish accompanied by skewers of white fish cooked to perfection.
3. Limoncello Tiramisù
We're taking about a brand new tiramisu. You have to use limoncello (of course!) – a typical Italian liqueur produced in Southern Italy – plus cherries and white chocolate. A soft and creamy dessert inspired by summer days in the Sorrentine Peninsula and Amalfi coast.
4. Panissa
Panissa rice is the symbolic dish of Piedmontese gastronomy, an ancient recipe that has never lost its charm. Panissa or paniscia is like a risotto. The authentic ingredients of this dish are Arborio, Carnaroli or Roma rice, borlotti beans, cabbage, carrots, celery, onion, lard, pork rind, salam d'la duja (a typical Italian salami), red wine, salt and pepper. Jamie's version incorporates pancetta to satisfy any palate.
Did you like this article? Don't forget to run to the bookstore and buy 'Jamie cooks Italy': a fantastic guide to the Italian kitchen!
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