Gennaro’s Hidden Italy

From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the sun-soaked coasts of Sicily, each page explores the ingredients, landscapes and kitchens that shaped these treasured recipes, many of which are now remembered by only a few Nonnas.

‘A brilliant book by one of the masters of Italian cuisine’ – STANLEY TUCCI

‘Recipes that feel like old friends – comforting, much-loved, and a total joy’ – JAMIE OLIVER

Gennaro Contaldo, with his unmatched passion for authentic Italian flavours, guides you through a treasure trove of lost recipes that were on the verge of fading into history. Organised by region (Central, North, Islands, and South), discover dishes that once formed the heart of family gatherings: humble pasta variations, vibrant sauces, and comforting classics.

From Pope’s Pasta and Medieval Pancakes to Assassin’s Spaghetti, Courgettes with Amaretti, Sweet and Savoury Ravioli, Chestnut Pudding and even Watermelon Jelly – each captures the true spirit of Italy.

Filled with Gennaro’s warm anecdotes and culinary wisdom, this book is a heartfelt homage to his homeland – celebrating tradition, preserving culture, and serving up Italy’s stories one irresistible bite at a time.

Reviews

Praise for Gennaro:

‘A wonderful, timely book – simply beautiful and beautifully simple.’ – Stanley Tucci

‘I can still remember the delight of eating my first Almafi lemon whole, it was about the time I met Gennaro. Since then his books on Italian food have been a source of inspiration, particularly this one.’ – Rick Stein

'Accessible, easy to follow, and full of some fantastic seasonal recipes … there’s something to suit every mood, occasion and skill set.’ – The Daily Telegraph

'This deserves to become a well-thumbed kitchen classic.' – The Daily Mail, ‘Best Cookbooks of 2019’

‘There’s nothing Gennaro doesn’t know about pasta. He’s an absolute legend!’ – Jamie Oliver

About the author

Gennaro Contaldo’s warmth, Italian spirit and sense of fun have led him to be one of the UK’s most-loved chefs. He is renowned for being a mentor to Jamie Oliver and teaching him, with Carluccio, everything Jamie knows about Italian cooking. In 1999, he opened Passione in London, which was awarded Best Italian restaurant in 2005. He is a favourite on Saturday Kitchen, has his own YouTube food channel, and is an ambassador for Citalia, Parmigiano Reggiano and Birra Moretti. He lives in east London with his wife and twin daughters. @gennarocontaldo