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Gennaro’s Hidden Italy

Regional Recipes to Treasure for Generations
Brief Description
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... Read More
Format: Hardback
$4399
Elsewhere:
$5499
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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.

The new 2026 cookbook from Jamie Oliver’s mentor – authentic Italian meals and classic pasta recipes perfect for family cooking chaptered by Italy’s travel regions

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

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.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780008603830

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 26 February 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Pavilion

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 195.0mm

Height: 252.0mm

Weight: 960g

Pages: 224

About the Author

Gennaro Contaldo was born in Minori in Amalfi. He came to Britain in the late 1960s and worked in several restaurants around the country and in London, where he eventually opened the award-winning Passione. He came to public attention as the chef who inspired Jamie Oliver when they worked together atAntonio Carluccio's Neal Street restaurant. In Spring 2011 he co-presented Two Greedy Italians on BBC2 with Antonio Carluccio and in spring 2012 a second series, Two Greedy Italians Still Hungry was broadcast. He is the author of several cookbooks, including Let's Cook Italian, Gennaro's Italian Year and Passione.

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  • Gennaro's Fast Cook Italian
    Full of enticing, authentic, and, most of all, quick-to-prepare recipes, Gennaro Contaldo’s new book demonstrates how to whip up a delicious Italian feast in 40 minutes or less. From lightning-fast risottos to perfectly pronto pastas, speedy soups, and delightful desserts, these recipes showcase the very best Italy has to offer while requiring very little time in the kitchen. Featuring food...
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    Ask a foodie about the Amalfi Coast and lemons immediately spring to mind. The sweet, aromatic, large, and thick-skinned Sfusato Amalfitano is the extraordinary and delectable citrus fruit which Gennaro Contaldo grew up with. Lemons were, and still are, a part of daily life for the locals of the Amalfi Coast. When Gennaro came to the UK over 40 years...
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  • Jamie’s Food Tube: The Pasta Book
    When it comes to pasta, you could have no greater teacher or inspiration than Gennaro. Whatever your ability in the kitchen, pasta is often a staple mid-week supper. This book will help to re-vamp your repertoire. It's full of delicious, simple, seasonal recipes such as wild rocket & pecorino orecchiette, summer vegetable cappellacci, autumnal wild mushroom tagliatelle, and wintery game...
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