There’s one thing particular about the way in which Italian Nonna’s prepare dinner. No measuring cups, no fancy devices, simply love, expertise, and some easy substances that one way or the other flip into an irresistible meal.

Rising up, I spent hours watching my Nonna Igea within the kitchen. She didn’t want a recipe ebook, her fingers simply knew what to do and each dish was filled with taste, custom, and coronary heart.

To honour her, I’m sharing 5 of Nonna’s most cherished recipes, those that deliver actual Italian consolation straight to your desk (and that she enjoys indulging in, essentially the most). A few of these unimaginable dishes are sadly turning into extinct, however it’s important they keep alive in each kitchen. Be part of us in preserving this custom and let these recipes turn out to be a treasured a part of your loved ones story.

Watch: Italian Nonna Shares Her Most Cherished Recipes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YDZASIW_t8

Nonna’s Limoncello

If sunshine had a flavour, this may be it. Nonna’s Limoncello is known. It has been made by tens of millions of individuals all over the world and has even impressed small companies to create their very own. Each time I share this recipe, the suggestions is similar: “It’s the perfect limoncello we’ve ever had!”

Made with only a few easy substances (together with natural lemons, pure alcohol, sugar, and water), it proves that perfection doesn’t have to be difficult. The key is persistence. The lemon peels soak for 20 days, slowly turning the liquid a vibrant golden yellow and filling it with that unmistakable zesty aroma of the Amalfi coast.

When it’s prepared, the result’s pure liquid gold. It’s candy, tangy, and completely balanced. On my excursions in Italy, Nonna’s Limoncello is all the time a spotlight. Friends adore it a lot they all the time ask for a second glass, generally a 3rd (and all the time the recipe!).

Serve it ice-cold after dinner and you’ll perceive why this home made treasure has turn out to be a convention in so many houses all over the world.

When you make it at this time, additionally, you will have it prepared in time for Christmas and it makes the proper present!

WATCH HOW TO MAKE NONNA’S LIMONCELLO

Timballo alla Teramana (Nonna’s Lasagna Made with Crepes)

In case you are searching for a centrepiece on your Christmas menu, cease proper right here!

This isn’t your odd lasagna. Timballo alla Teramana is the last word showstopper, made with layers of delicate crepes as a substitute of pasta sheets. It takes time, persistence, and many love, however belief me, it’s price each second.

The sauce begins with candy golden onions simmered slowly in further virgin olive oil, adopted by wealthy tomato passata, a pinch of salt, and contemporary basil. The meat is an ideal mix of pork and veal, cooked gently till tender and filled with taste.

Every layer is constructed with care. First the crepes, then a beneficiant spoonful of sugo, a sprinkle of Parmigiano, juicy mozzarella cubes, and a few tender meat. The subsequent layer of crepes is dipped in an egg, milk, and salt combination to maintain every part smooth and completely moist. Repeat this course of many times till you may have a tall, irresistible tower of tacky, saucy deliciousness.

Bake it within the oven at 180°C for about an hour till the highest turns barely crisp and golden. While you slice into it, you will note creamy layers of crepes, melted cheese, and wealthy sauce mixing collectively. It’s pure Italian consolation on a plate and one in every of Nonna’s most cherished recipes.

WATCH HOW TO MAKE TIMBALLO ALLA TERAMANO

Potato Gnocchi

Nonna Igea, is popping 87 this 12 months and makes the perfect home made potato gnocchi you’ll ever style. This recipe has been perfected over time and lovingly handed down via my household. In our dwelling at this time, my spouse Suzanne proudly holds the title of Gnocchi Queen as she has made them with Nonna numerous occasions.

These gnocchi are mild, fluffy, and so smooth they virtually soften in your mouth. Just some substances and a bit of persistence will reward you with essentially the most stunning potato pillows you may have ever tasted.

The sauce can be key to getting this dish just-right. Begin by slowly simmering onion and carrot in a beneficiant drizzle of high-quality further virgin olive oil. As soon as they flip golden and aromatic, add clean tomato passata, a stick of celery, and a pinch of salt. Let it bubble gently till the oil rises to the highest, then flip off the warmth and stir via contemporary basil. The aroma alone will make you hungry.

Boil the gnocchi till they float to the floor. That’s how you understand they’re prepared. Switch them straight into the sauce and allow them to absorb all that scrumptious flavour.

To serve, add a spoonful of sauce to the underside of your bowl, layer within the gnocchi, then end with one other ladle of sauce and a beneficiant sprinkle of Parmigiano. Each chew is smooth, delicate, and filled with home made love.

WATCH HOW TO MAKE POTATO GNOCCHI

Pasta e Fagioli

That is Nonna’s absolute favorite dish and couldn’t be any easier. Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty mixture of pasta and bean soup that has fed Italian households for generations. Nonna has eaten this for a few years, and each time she makes it, the kitchen smells like dwelling.

After World Struggle II, when occasions have been powerful and substances have been scarce, this was often known as cucina povera, or “poor man’s meals.” It was easy, filling, and filled with flavour. With only a few primary substances, households may make a meal that warmed each the abdomen and the center. Even at this time, Nonna nonetheless calls it her favorite as a result of it reminds her of these humble, stunning occasions.

The dish begins with a number of contemporary greens. Carrot and onion are sautéed slowly in a drizzle of additional virgin olive oil, adopted by tomato passata, a stick of celery, salt, and a handful of basil. You prepare dinner the beans till smooth and creamy, then combine them with the sauce to absorb the wealthy flavour.

Fearful about making contemporary pasta? Don’t be. You may simply use store-bought fettuccine, tagliatelle, or pappardelle. Simply break the pasta into small items earlier than cooking and serve it within the soup. That is the one time you get to interrupt pasta — similar to Nonna did again within the day. Different nice choices are ditali/ditalini.

Easy, nourishing, and filled with historical past, Pasta e Fagioli is an different reminder that you just don’t want fancy substances to make one thing unforgettable.

WATCH HOW TO MAKE PASTA E FAGIOLI

Hen Broth with Parmigiano Crepes

This would possibly simply be crucial recipe of all of them. It’s the one I need you to recreate greater than something.

We served this dish for the photographer of my brand-new cookbook, which shall be launched in early 2026. You may be part of my waitlist HERE After one spoonful, she checked out me and mentioned, “This recipe has modified my life.” She nonetheless talks about it each time we meet, and I can’t blame her. When you style it, you’ll always remember it.

The dish comes straight from my Nonna’s hometown of Teramo in Abruzzo. It begins with a slow-cooked broth produced from rooster, veal, and contemporary greens. The flavour builds gently over two hours till the kitchen fills with a wealthy, mouthwatering aroma.

Then come the crepes. Skinny, delicate, and stuffed with salty Parmigiano, they’re rolled by hand and positioned in a bowl earlier than being bathed within the golden broth. The result’s a wedding of sunshine crepes and soul-nourishing broth that seems like a heat hug from Nonna herself.

It’s a dish made for winter, however belief me, you’ll want to eat all of it 12 months spherical.

WATCH HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN BROTH

Which of Nonna’s Recipes Will You Attempt First?

Which of those Italian recipes lovingly shared by my Nonna are calling your identify?

When you ask me, you need to begin with the rooster broth and crepes. It’s a dish that carries generations of affection, persistence, and custom in each spoonful. The others will change your life too, however that one is pure consolation from Nonna’s kitchen.

While you give these recipes a strive, please share the love and go away a remark for Nonna. She smiles each time she reads your messages, understanding individuals everywhere in the world prepare dinner and luxuriate in her recipes.

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