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Traditional Slow Cooked Ragu
For many Southern Italian families, Sunday lunch is all about il ragù—a dish rich in tradition, love, and ritual. Growing up, Sundays were filled with the irresistible aroma of a slow-simmering ragù bubbling away for hours. Back home, the kitchen became a lively hub of preparation, storytelling, and even prayer. From Slow: Easy, Comforting Italian Meals Worth Waiting For by Gennaro Contaldo (Pavilion Books). Photos: David Loftus.
Insalata Primaverile – Spring Pasta Salad
Serves 4 Ingredients 325g fusilli bucati corti pasta 150g fresh broad (fava) beans (ful) (shelled weight) 150g fresh peas (shelled weight) 5 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling 60g grated Pecorino, plus extra shavings to serve 2 slices of prosciutto (Parma ham), finely chopped 1 garlic clove, very finely chopped or minced ½ … <a href="https://served.mt/insalata-primaverile-spring-pasta-salad/">Continued</a>
Neapolitan Easter Bread
Serves 10 Ingredients 30g fresh yeast 300ml lukewarm water 500g strong white bread flour 1 tsp salt 1 tsp black pepper 50g grated Parmesan cheese 50g grated pecorino cheese 100ml extra virgin olive oil 50g prosciutto piece, cut into small cubes 50g mortadella piece, cut into small cubes 50g salami piece, cut into small cubes … <a href="https://served.mt/neapolitan-easter-bread/">Continued</a>
Dove-Shaped Easter Cake
COLOMBA Dove-Shaped Easter Cake Gennaro Contaldo Dove-shaped breads can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, and biblically the dove has always been a symbol of peace. There are many legends about the origins of this sweet bread, but Colomba was first produced industrially in the 1930s by Milanese company, Motta, makers of … <a href="https://served.mt/dove-shaped-easter-cake-3/">Continued</a>
Carnival-Time Lasagne
Serves 6 This typical southern Italian lasagne is usually made for special occasions such as Carnevale – the week before Lent when festivities all over Italy take place. Lent is traditionally a time when eating meat is forbidden, so a lasagne such as this one – with meat ragù and sausage – would be made … <a href="https://served.mt/carnival-time-lasagne/">Continued</a>
Baked Pasta Shells Filled with Mushrooms and Ham
Serves 4 Prep time 30 minutes Ingredients 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 150g prosciutto, very finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 750g mushrooms, very finely chopped 2 tbsp. white wine 2 tbsp. chopped flat-leaf parsley Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Ingredients for the white sauce 3 tbsp. butter Generous ¼ cup plain (all-purpose) … <a href="https://served.mt/baked-pasta-shells-filled-with-mushrooms-and-ham/">Continued</a>
Broad Bean and Artichoke Salad
A quick and simple salad using preserved artichokes, which are obtainable from good Italian delis, and convenient frozen broad beans, which are lightly cooked until tender. It can be served as a starter, as a side dish to lamb dishes or as a light lunch with some crusty bread. Serves 2-4 Prep time 10 minutes … <a href="https://served.mt/broad-bean-and-artichoke-salad/">Continued</a>
Anchovy-infused Lamb Cutlets
Lamb and anchovy is a match made in heaven, especially in this quick and simple dish using cutlets. You can use cutlets that are on or off the bone, so the weight may vary. This dish makes a great mid-week supper, but is also perfect for a more formal meal when you have guests. It … <a href="https://served.mt/anchovy-infused-lamb-cutlets/">Continued</a>
Lamb stew with butternut squash and saffron
Culinary legend Gennaro Contaldo’s easy one pot dish is made for lazy weekends This hearty lamb stew recipe with butternut squash and potato is full of colour – orange from the squash, yellow from saffron and a hint of red from tomato and chilli. Simple to prepare, this one-pot meal makes a delicious family meal … <a href="https://served.mt/lamb-stew/">Continued</a>