monkfish wrapped in parma ham with a black olive and tomato risotto.

A wholesome but light fish dish, perfect for the beginnings of Autumn. As part of my second recipe featuring Parma ham, I've put together a seafood and prosciutto ensemble, on a bed of black olive and tomato risotto. My first recipe, Parma ham, ricotta and basil bruschetta, showcased a delicate starter or canapé idea which would be perfect for party guests or a weekend lunch.

This risotto recipe is particularly great for a dinner party main, where you can make ahead the monkfish wrapped in prosciutto di Parma, allowing the Mediterranean inspired risotto to bubble away on the stove.

parma ham wrapped steak with parmigiano reggiano potatoes

When you add Parmigiano Reggiano to a dish, for me it evokes feelings of luxury and authenticy. Not many Italian dishes I make now don’t include it, whether it’s stirred into a glossy Carbonara sauce, shaved onto a salad or the finishing touches on my favourite pasta dishes. But I wanted to try something new, how would it fare alongside a beautifully cooked fillet steak, with juicy tomatoes and Parmigiano Reggiano roasted potatoes. And of course, Parma ham from the same region. Unsurprisingly, it uplifted the classic steak and chips to a new level, feeling like an indulgent date night dish, or one to try at the weekend or special occasion. 

If you aren’t already familiar, Parmigiano Reggiano is a traditional cheese dating back hundreds of years. But it was in 2008 that the European courts decreed that it is the only cheese legally allowed to be called Parmesan, down to it’s DPO status and Parma-Reggio origin. From the cheesemaker right through to the delis, the famous cheese is said to be “made” not “produced.” The time and care taken to create such a distinct flavour shows too - I rarely add salt to any dishes when I know I’m using Parmigiano Reggiano as an ingredient, as the salty and piquant notes sing for themselves.

baked caprese style risotto.

 

Bringing together two of my favourite Italian recipes - the iconic Caprese salad and the reliable risotto - this dish is a warming take on usually more summery flavours. You still get the bursts of tomato and fragrant basil coming through, whilst combining with a great quality mozzarella which oozes and turns golden as it bubbles in the oven. 

For this recipe, I'm working with the new Ciao Gusto range from Ocado, a place where fellow fans of Italian cuisine can find all the best, authentic ingredients. This wholesome dish features their Auricchio P.D.O. Buffalo Mozzarella Campana, which, like many Italian ingredients and good cheeses, is beautiful served simply on its own. 

parma ham, sweet potato and pecan salad.

A warm, Autumnal salad mixing the salty flavours of Parma ham, sweet potato, earthy spinach and sticky pecans. Bringing out the signature flavours of the Prosciutto di Parma DOP, the Italian dry-cured ham has a distinctive slightly sweet and salty taste. With delicate fat running through the prosciutto, the texture also marries will with the skin-on potatoes, wilted spinach, crunchy pecans and shavings of salty Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

prosciutto wrapped burrata with a chargrilled asparagus, courgette and grana padano salad.

A deliciously light salad which embraces the beautifully cured taste of Prosciutto di San Daniele and delicate shavings of Grana Padano cheese. The recipe calls for creamy burrata wrapped in thinly sliced prosciutto, on a bed of charred asparagus spears and ribbons of courgette. Finish with lashings of salty Grana Padano, fresh basil and a twist of cracked black pepper.

Balancing fresh and nutritious vegetables with indulgent ingredients, this dish would be perfect as a simple starter or al fresco lunch. This colourful combination would be stunning paired with a cold glass of light bodied Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

salmon, asparagus, tomato and basil risotto.

An indulgent salmon recipe with an Italian twist, featuring tomatoes, wilted spinach, grilled asparagus and a hint of basil. This risotto is finished with a spoonful of cream cheese stirred through, giving it a light and summery flavour. Perfect for summery evenings when you still fancy some comfort food. And it goes towards your five a day too of course... 

#trymymenu: a taste of italy.

Inspired by my recent trip to Rome, I recreated my favourite flavours in the form of a three course Italian menu. With StressFreePrint on hand to print out my very own illustrated menu designs, I opted for Italian simplicity for a stress free dinner party. With classic (and super simple) bruschetta to start, I went on to serve my Rome bought trofie pasta along with truffle butter from Ad Hoc. To finish, I tried my hand at making timeless tiramisu, which is perfect to prepare ahead for dinner party desserts!

nife is life: authentic italian produce to your door.

Stroll down the aisles packed with parmigiano reggiano and brimming with balsamic vinegar, Simply add to your shopping bag and await your Italian treasures. No you're not in a Tuscan deli or a Venetian wine shop, for this is nife is life. From pasta flour to prosciutto, this fantastic Italian delivery service stocks sweet, savoury, fresh and dry ingredients all in one place. 

simple caprese salad.

a trio of red, green and white dancing on the plate, this salad is a celebration of italian colours and flavours. keeping it fresh and simple is a must with this recipe, i just couldn't wait to share with you the brilliant italian produce from nife is life which i used to create it.