A collection of recipes of traditional Italian first courses, including Minestrone, Risottos, Fresh Egg Pasta, Gnocchi, Pesto Sauce, and more.

Fennel and saffron soup

Creamy artichoke soup

/
This is an adapted version of a traditional Jewish-Italian Purim dish.

Buckwheat crepes with squash and chestnuts

/
This warming fall recipe combines the sweetness of chestnuts, leek and squash with the nutty taste of buckwheat.
Buckwheat crepes

Buckwheat crepes with ricotta and spinach

/
These delicious crepes are a great alternative to pasta. You can make them hours in advance and assemble them just before warming and serving.

Asparagus and sausage sauce for pasta

This is a simple, delicious sauce for when asparagus is in season.

Gnudi – “naked” ricotta and spinach dumplings

/
These are called "naked" dumplings since they are like ricotta and spinach ravioli without their pasta "clothing". They are easy to make and delicious!

Minestrone alla Genovese ~ Silky vegetable soup with basil pesto

/
This soup is almost too solid to be called a soup. Its flavours are very rich, with the mushrooms and basil really adding a great depth of flavour.

Certaldo Onion Soup

/
Our local town, Certaldo, had been famous for almost a thousand years for its delicious red onions. A group of local farmers has been growing them and popularising them again. They are used in many dishes. One of the most popular is this simple, warming soup.