Back to basics
Sometimes less is more
This week I finally got my fingers into the soil and planted the first batch of veggies for the season.
It’s amazing how satisfying it is to watch your own produce grow from a seedling to the seasonal ingredients on your plate, and I love being part of a tradition that we’ve depended on since the very beginning.
IT’S FRESH
Having access to fresh, healthy and seasonal ingredients also means I can enjoy the best lunchtime treats by simply opening my fridge, and there are some essential staples I keep around so I can enjoy my favourites whenever I want.
It’s that fun time of year when everything in the garden turns beautifully bitter, so at the moment I love going straight for thick slices of radicchio, topped with olive oil, prosciutto crudo and parmigiano reggiano. If you can’t get your hands on radicchio I recommend cos lettuce which is just as delicious and a little more widely available.
CURED MEAT AND CHEESE ELEVATE ANY MEAL
These delicious staples have long been a part of Italian lunchtime culture, and they are a classic and versatile pairing for a quick plate, offering a blend of salty, savoury and rich flavours that balance each other perfectly.
Cured varieties of ham like prosciutto have a rich and sometimes smokey flavour, while the cheese has a mouthwatering taste ranging from mild to sharp and tangy balanced with a delicious creamy texture.
Whether you’re whipping together a quick snack for yourself after spending a day in the garden like I did, or if you’re setting a table for an alfresco lunchtime with guests, these are some of my go-to products to keep in my kitchen at all times.
