Food to love
He’s one of the modern-day kings of Italian cuisine thanks to his work with top chefs such as Gennaro C Contaldo, ld as well as nonnas across Italy! Now Jamie Oliver is bringing you some of his favourite dishes from the food-loving culture in his new book Jamie Cooks Italy. We find out where his inspiration comes from and what his must-have ingredients for the perfect Italian meal are…
What do you love about Italian cooking?
There are so many messages in the Italian approach to food that ring true for me – whether it’s embracing both fast and slow cooking, celebrating seasonal ingredients, learning from the Mediterranean diet or understanding that the right carbs aren’t bad for you. I love the way Italian food makes people feel – it’s comforting, fun and relaxed.
Where has your Italian food inspiration come from?
I’ve been lucky enough to work with some amazing chefs who’ve shaped my love of Italian food – Rose Gray and Ruth Rogers at the River Cafe, Antonio Carluccio and, of course, my friend and mentor Gennaro Contaldo. But, learning from nonnas and mammas across Italy has been amazing.
What Italian essentials should everyone have in their fridge or pantry?
Quality extra-virgin olive oil, fresh and juicy lemons, beautiful ripe tomatoes, red chillies and a good selection of herbs.
What do you whip up for the family at home if time is tight?
One day it might be a super-speedy vegie pasta dish, and another it’ll be a simple sausage bake that spends 45 minutes in the oven turning into something beautiful.
What’s your kids’ favourite Italian meal?
We eat Italian food very regularly! For special family meals, though, we all love a carbonara.