Cookbook Review: Jamie’s Italy
Jamie Oliver’s latest cookbook, Jamie’s Italy, is very different from his previous books. Italy has always been a passion of his. From the time of his first tv shows, he has always placed an emphasis on pasta and Italian peasant cooking, and this cookbook brings his passion to life.
Jamie travels through Italy and writes of his journey - placing you in the front seat as he meets locals, takes photos, cooks and eats. He succeeds at capturing the feel of Italy from a local perspective. The recipes are simple in preparation (for the most part), but complex in flavor over 120 are included that range from antipasti through to dessert. The chapter on Street Food & Pizza really makes you want to experience some of his travels.
I am cooking my way through the book, and, so far, I have truly enjoyed the Pasta with Chickpeas, which is included as a soup but could be substantial enough to be a pasta dish. Hearty, warming and quick to prepare; it will quickly become a weeknight comfort dish in your home.
A recipe that caught my attention as being somewhat unusual was The Best Tuna Meatballs. Prepared and served just like traditional meatballs, these are prepared with fresh diced tuna and are absolutely delicious served with tomato sauce over spaghetti.
The other night I was looking for a way to use a cut up chicken and wanted something substantial for a cold night but that I could set up and forget. I found Hunter’s Chicken Stew. I have made other Hunter’s stews, but the recipes were sometimes overly complicated; this one was straight forward and baked in the oven for 1 1/2 hours. The aroma was divine! The combination of tomatoes, olives, anchovies and wine was sublime.
I highly recommend this book. The recipes and stories take you on a journey through Italy; one that you will truly enjoy.
Jamie’s Italy is currently listed on Amazon.co.uk
Note: This book was provided by the publisher for Paper Palate to review.
