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Writer's picturePrakhar Gupta

Best Italian Cookbooks for Beginners

Italian food is loved throughout the world for its big flavors, natural integrity, homey comfort and surprising diversity. True experience of Italian Cuisine can be found in a homemade Italian feast, it is the next best way to feel close to the old country.


Italian foods have evolved internationally, but also locally. Modern Italian cuisine is not what it was 100 years ago. And not everyone is liking it. But progress is part of humanity and modern Italian food is as amazing as the traditional, and definitely worth experiencing.


I am fond of cooking Italian and the experience gained while working in Italy were the finest I can ever recall of. In this edition my motive is to list down the top 5 Italian Cookbooks for beginners or everyone who is looking to gain knowledge and find new recipes about Italian Cuisine.


So, "Andiamo a cucinare!” (English: Lets get Cooking)


The Silver Spoon may be the best selling Italian cookbook of all time. It was first published in Italy in 1950 as Il Cucchiaio d’Argento. The collection of recipes was compiled by food experts around the country who were hired by Domus magazine to create a fully representative cookbook. The experts took authentic recipes like those collected by Pellegrino Artusi, and updated them for modern Italian tastes. The recipes preserve Italian culinary traditions, but make the guidance and ingredients easier to follow and assemble. Still true to its Domus beginnings 70 years later, The Silver Spoon is almost a design book as well as a cookbook – with fabulous photographs of the delicious dishes. There are 2,000 recipes in total, so this one will take you awhile to work through.

The book is color-coded and contains different recipe chapters, including Marinades and Flavored Butters, Eggs, Soups, Fish, and more. It also includes delicious recipes for Tuscan Minestrone, Penne Rigate with Artichokes, Bresaola with Corn Salad, Ricotta and Spinach Gnocchi, Pizza Napoletana, and more.

Overall, The Silver Spoon is nothing short of a classic symbol for traditional Italian cuisine




Loaded with useful information, including the best way to cook and sauce pasta, suggestions for substituting pasta shapes, and advance preparation and storage notes, Mastering Pasta offers you all of the wisdom of a pro. For cooks who want to take their knowledge to the next level, Vetri delves deep into the science of various types of flour to explain pasta’s uniquely satisfying texture and how to craft the very best pasta by hand or with a machine. Mastering Pasta is the definitive work on the subject and the only book you will ever need to serve outstanding pasta dishes in your own kitchen.



The unapologetic and hilarious book title speaks volumes about Bottura’s professional and personal character. This book is a tribute to chef Bottura’s 25-year career and is a joy for Italian foodies who want to learn tips and tricks from the best in the cooking industry.

The book has 4 chapters and 50 recipes with text explaining the inspiration behind each one, its ingredients, tools, and techniques.

Never Trust a Skinny Chef may be considered a promising go-to book and a modern Italian gastronomy repertoire.

This is one of my favorite books. Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well was published in 1891 and is currently known as one of the best Italian cookbooks of our time. This book was not intended for professional chefs but rather for middle-class cooks. The tone of the book is cheerful and humous – the perfect combination of witty anecdotes and savory recipes. You’ll feel as though you’re cooking with a friend rather than cooking alone with a book.

Artusi’s book is more than meets the eye. Those who are genuinely passionate about Italian cuisine will find this book enlightening and delightful.



As the title suggests, this book is an essential guide for Italian cuisine enthusiasts and a go-to reference book to look up renowned dishes. This book goes beyond pizza, spaghetti, and meatballs. Hazan’s famous recipes include risotto, sautéed swiss chard with olive oil and garlic, polenta, squid braised with tomatoes and white wine, and more.

This book is meant for all levels of expertise, from beginners to professionals. Hazan shares a multitude of techniques, ingredients, and recipes for anyone passionate about Italian food. What better way to expand your Italian repertoire than using Marcella’s creative techniques!

 

If you plan to grab any of these books please buy from the links by clicking on images, while it won't cost you extra it will help me run this website. Thank You!

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