This risotto is great when the asparagus season has just started. However, even though it can be very expensive, a little asparagus can go along way as it has such a deep flavour. You can make this risotto with a vegetable stock but make sure it’s fresh and not made from a stock cube – the result will be much tastier!

This is a simple risotto to make and the combination of peas, spinach and parmesan is delicious. It is very important that you cook the rice with the onion for the first few minutes so the rice will be hot when you add the hot stock. This way the rice will cook evenly and the risotto will have a chewy bite. Always season your stock before you start making the risotto.

This is a really hearty fish stew that can be prepared beforehand as long as you cook the fish at the last minute; perfect for a dinner party or for someone special. The beauty about this dish is that the fish is cooked at the last minute so it’s cooked perfectly and by making the base you get massive amounts of flavour.

This classic Tuscan Acquacotta is a packed full of vegetables and enriched with poached egg. A great meal for lunch or dinner, the thick and tasty soup is ideal to warm-up the last weeks of February. Pair with a glass of Morellino di Scansano (which originates from the same region as the dish) and enjoy the weekend.

A popular Italian breakfast or brunch dish, the ‘purgatory’ in the name refers to the fiery tomato sauce that the eggs are poached in which gets its heat from spicy ’nduja sausage. Francesco Mazzei recommends serving a little extra ’nduja on the side – spread a little on a piece of toasted sourdough to dunk in the runny yolks from a delicious medley of baked, poached and boiled eggs to achieve breakfast perfection.

This beautiful and light dish is a favourite in my restaurant and will bring a bit of sunshine to the weekend.
It is really quick and simple, but the perfect blend of flavours will leave your guests happy and impressed.

Spaghetti carbonara is another classic Italian dish and a consistent crowd pleaser. This is an incredibly quick recipe, but the secret to success is in the consistency, the pasta to sauce ratio, and the quality of ingredients.
Great for a Friday or Saturday night in with a bottle of Sangiovese di Romagna.

Celeriac is such a lovely vegetable and often under used. Cooking it this way gets the full flavour and sweetness from it.
When you buy your beef make sure it has plenty of fat as this, when melted, will add more flavour. Also take the beef out of the fridge 10 mins before you cook it – this will ensure that the beef cooks evenly.