What We’re Reading: Rustic Italian

From prosciutto-wrapped dates and hand-shaped pastas to seared pork scaloppine, home-cooked Italian fare brings warmth to the kitchen table. Author Domenica Marchetti relies on uncomplicated seasonal dishes in her new cookbook, Rustic Italian, which honors traditional ingredients and techniques with a nod to modern flavors.

Marchetti dedicates sections of her book to the six Italian courses, paying homage to the country’s unique style of eating. For the antipasti course, she tops crostini with spicy broccoli rabe and pecorino cheese, or sweet pea puree enhanced with fresh mint. Rich flavors of porcini mushrooms and cured beef star in soups and salads, while summer squash mingles with spaghettini to create a bright primi dish. Secondi range from rabbit roasted with fresh herbs to a homey pork rib ragù served over polenta. And the gelatos and tortas from the dolci section will speak to any sweet tooth.

You’ll also find suggested wine pairings with each recipe, plus guides to Italian cheese and salumi. Unfamiliar with stinging nettles? Marchetti’s list of Italian pantry staples can answer your questions.

So gather friends and family and celebrate the bold, hearty tastes of Italy using the season’s fresh bounty.