The only excuse I have for adding yet another Italian cookbook to my already overstuffed collection is that it’s written by Ursula Ferrigno. And that’s good enough for me! This is a lovely book, delving deliciously into the rich heartland of Italian food. Many years ago, I went on an eating trip to Bologna and reading this makes me long for a return trip, with more forays into the surrounding countryside. Till then, just having this book in the kitchen will do me very nicely indeed.
I’m writing this away from home, and inefficiently failed to bring the book with me, but I can remember quite a few of the recipes I bookmarked, so let me just say to you now: Rosemary and Lardo Crêpes; Polenta with Beans; Heavenly Soup (think egg-drop/stracciatella); Italian Fried Bread, ie Crescentine; Sausage and Fennel Tagliatelle; White Lasagne — and naturally the trad Lasagne alla Bolognese; and Roast Chicken with Broad Beans and Lemon! And the recipe I’m sharing with you today with a glad heart is that gorgeous flatbread of the region, Piadina.
Cucina dell'Emilia-Romagna by Ursula Ferrigno, published by Ryland Peters & Small (£25).
Photography by Rita Platts © Ryland Peters & Small.
