Our resident foodie Carla Mills takes inspiration from Italy with easy rustic dishes using simple fresh ingredients – so gather family and friends and turn dinner into a social event!

Italian starters

• Serve an easy antipasti starter of juicy green olives, sliced salami and Parma ham, vine-ripened tomatoes, roughly torn chunks of buffalo mozzarella, maybe some figs, and served with warm ciabatta and foccacia breads.
• Serve a delicious salad of baby leaves, vine-ripened tomatoes, crumbled grana padano cheese, fresh basil and toasted nuts tossed with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice.
• Roast chunks of red and yellow peppers, red onions, aubergines and courgettes in olive oil, garlic and herbs until meltingly soft and charred for a delicious starter.

Italian mains

• Bake a hearty pasta dish with a rich tomato, basil and red wine sauce with spicy sausage sliced up and roasted red peppers, topped with crumbled goats cheese and breadcrumbs.
• Make a creamy risotto with chicken and white wine, or tender spring vegetables such as spinach and asparagus or peas, finished with lemon zest, fresh mint and toasted pine nuts.
• Make giant crispy pizzas for sharing, topped with fresh tomatoes, gorgonzola cheese, smoked ham and walnuts.
• Bake individual calzones by filling a basic bread dough with rich tomato pesto, tender chicken breast and silky mozzarella.
• Char-grill pieces of chicken or juicy steak marinated in garlic, lemon, olive oil and rosemary, and serve in slices sprinkled with rocket and parmesan shavings.
• Thickly slice vine tomatoes and mozzarella, and drizzle with olive oil and chopped basil.

Italian desserts

• Make a quick tiramisu by layering brandy-and-coffee-soaked slices of sponge fingers, cake or chocolate muffins with sweetened mascarpone, dusted with cocoa powder; or serve a classic affogato of rich vanilla ice cream covered with a shot of hot espresso coffee.
• Serve a large fruit platter with slices of figs, peaches, nectarines and sweet melon for a refreshing end to a meal.

Find our Italian-inspired offers and deals in your local Food store