I live in the U.K. but my mum is Italian and I grew up with Italian food and food culture. These are my go-to’s for cooking Italian food that tastes authentic, at home.
Sections
4
Ingredients
Cook books
Ready To Eat
Stores
Ingredients
Yes, pasta brands do matter and no, they’re not all the same. I like De Cecco for linguine and spaghetti. Silky texture and works well with the sauces I cook more often.
De Cecco Linguine 500G
Whole peeled are better quality on the whole than chopped. Mutti is my favourite brand. Best flavour.
Mutti Peeled Whole Plum Tomatoes 4x400g
I actually prefer these to the fresh ones and a good cupboard stable. Makes a nice change from pasta and great with bold, heavy sauces like blue cheese or nduja based.
De Cecco Gnocchi Di Patate 500G
The best pesto I’ve found. Creamy, salty and fresh. Too may others have a really dried herb taste to them or are bitter. This one is perfect. Use generously - I use a whole pot for pasta for 2 people.
Best quality olive oil. I prefer a strong flavoured oil especially for salads and pasta.
Filippo Berio Special Selection Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Ocado
Have tried so many indie or trendy ground coffee brands. I’ve also tried cheaper brands. But Lavazza still comes out on top for me for the fine grind, the richness of flavour and the strength. Tastes like proper Italian coffee.
Lavazza Qualita Rossa Ground Coffee - Ocado
The only risotto rice I buy.
Gallo Arborio Rice (1Kg)
The proper stuff. The best ones are mature and crumbly, full of salt crystals. This is the brand Italians know and love.
Grana Padano
Cook books
Love this book. So much great information and lovely stories too. I refer to it when I want a proper classic version of a dish.
Made in Italy: Food and Stories
Ready To Eat
Limoncello panettone is a stable for my family at Christmas. The limoncello cream is plentiful and so creamy an delicious. I normally have slices for breakfast at Christmas!
Popular Panettone & Pandoro Brands | Bauli, Balocco & More
Mulino Bianco biscuits are just the best. I love all of them and there are A LOT of varieties to choose from.
Delicatezza Italian Biscuits Bundle
Best amaretti and so prettily presented. Makes a lovely gift as well. Always look fancy when you offer someone a coffee with one of these beside it.
Amaretti di Saronno, Lazzaroni
Love these nutty little chocolates, a family staple especially at Christmas. So moreish.
Baci Bag, Perugina, 125g
A common Italian aperitif that has a bitter orange flavour. I love it but very hard to find in the U.K.
Campari Crodino Red Orange (8x100ml)
Budget Italian bubbles, very sweet and drinkable and a firm favourite over pricier Prosecco’s for any celebration in my house.
Asti Martini Sparkling Italian Wine - Ocado
Stores
My family shop here for special Christmas bits. Beautiful shop.
Partridges | Family-Run Speciality Grocers
Just the best. Have received and sent delicious care packages with fresh pastas and desserts from here. You can also eat in. Just THE BEST in London for fancy Italian groceries.
Lina Stores – Italian Delicatessens & Restaurants in London
When I lived in Edinburgh this was the place to get great quality Italian produce and delicacies.
