Close your eyes and imagine winding cobblestone streets, warm inviting smiles, and the mouthwatering aroma of garlic, olive oil, and ripe tomatoes wafting through the air. We're taking you on a seven-day culinary journey through Italy, right from your kitchen! Say arrivederci to the humdrum of everyday meals and welcome the rich, hearty, and diverse flavours of Italian cuisine. Our meticulously chosen recipes will help you discover why Italian food has a reputation as one of the most beloved cuisines around the world. So, tie on your apron, play some Dean Martin, and let's take a culinary tour of Italy.

Photo by Davi Pimentel

Monday - Classic Lasagna al Forno

Nothing says comfort food like a warm, cheesy lasagna. This dish, hailing from Emilia-Romagna, starts with layering thin pasta sheets, creamy béchamel, a slow-cooked ragù, and a generous amount of parmigiano-reggiano. This hearty, savoury dish, when prepared with love and patience, is perfect for kick-starting your week with an indulgent Italian touch.

Photo by alleksana

Tuesday - Chicken Piccata

Straight from the heart of Italy, this dish is a citrusy one that will have your mouth watering before you even eat it. Pan-seared chicken breasts are simmered in a zesty lemon, caper, and white wine sauce. Chicken piccata is a wonderfully simple, yet sophisticated dish, easily prepared in under 30 minutes. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or pasta to complete the meal.

Photo by Lukas

Wednesday - Seafood Risotto

Coastal Italy is known for its splendid seafood dishes, and our Wednesday pick beautifully showcases that. Creamy, al dente risotto, combined with a mix of fresh seafood - clams, mussels, and prawns - makes for a delicious yet simple mid-week dinner. Drizzled with a squeeze of lemon for added freshness, this dish will have you feeling like you’re sitting dockside in an Italian coastal town.

Photo by Dana Tentis

Thursday - Eggplant Parmigiana

For our vegetarian friends or those who want a break from meat, this Neapolitan dish is a must-try. Layered slices of eggplant, rich tomato sauce, mozzarella, and parmigiano-reggiano, baked to perfection.

It's a cheesy dish that will have you reaching for seconds.

Photo by Melanie Dompierre

Friday - Ossobuco Milanese

As we approach the weekend, let's kick it off with a Milanese classic. Ossobuco - tender, slow-cooked veal shanks, served with a zesty parsley sauce and saffron-infused risotto. It's a dish that requires a bit of time and attention, but the flavour payoff is immense.

Image by -Rita-👩‍🍳 und 📷 mit ❤ from Pixabay

Saturday - Pesto Pasta with Grilled Shrimp

It’s not an Italian-themed week without a signature pasta dish. Originating from Liguria, pesto pasta is simple yet packed with flavour. Freshly made basil pesto tossed with al dente pasta, topped with juicy, grilled shrimp. It's a light, refreshing, and satisfying dish perfect for a relaxing Saturday dinner.

Image by DanaTentis from Pixabay

Sunday - Margherita Pizza

Let's wrap up our culinary journey with the world's favourite Italian dish – pizza. Originating from Naples, a traditional Pizza Margherita is an ode to the colours of the Italian flag. Hand-stretched dough, topped with San Marzano tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella di bufala, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, allowing quality ingredients to shine. It's a perfect way to end our week in Italy, bringing the taste of an authentic Italian pizzeria right to your home kitchen.

Photo by Kampus Production

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, these Italian-inspired recipes offer a variety of flavours and techniques to broaden your culinary horizons.

So, get ready to transport your kitchen to the sun-drenched vineyards, vibrant markets, and bustling kitchens of Italy.