Gennaro's Hidden Italy: Regional Recipes to Treasure for Generations

Travel Italy with legendary chef Gennaro Contaldo to uncover forgotten heritage dishes---from humble pasta variations to mouthwatering sauces--that were once the heart of family gatherings and reveal the essence of Italian cooking.

Get ready to be transported to the rustic kitchens of Italy, where traditions are woven into every dish.

From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the sun-soaked coasts of Sicily, join Gennaro in Italy's rustic kitchen, where forgotten traditions come to life. Explore a treasure trove of lesser-known regional recipes passed down through generations; quietly cherished but rarely celebrated. Uncover delicious dishes from family tables--from simple pasta variations to rich, flavorful sauces--keeping Italy's heritage alive one mouthwatering bite at a time.

With his unmatched passion for authentic Italian flavors, Gennaro Contaldo, guides you through lost recipes that were on the verge of fading into history. From all across Italy, each page of the book reveals a culinary tale that pays homage to the wisdom and love that Nonnas have long infused into their creations.

With a deep respect for the past, Gennaro recreates these heritage dishes, blending his modern touch with timeless techniques. You'll uncover dishes that were once the heart of family gatherings, from humble pasta variations to mouthwatering sauces that capture the essence of Italy. Each recipe carries a piece of history and tradition, inviting you to embrace the warmth and authenticity of Italian culture.

Gennaro's anecdotes add a heartfelt dimension to each dish, making this cookbook a true homage to his home country of Italy.

Author: Gennaro Contaldo
Publisher: Interlink Books
Published: 03/03/2026
Pages: 224
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 2.10lbs
Size: 9.77h x 7.57w x 1.11d
ISBN: 9781623715717


Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 02/01/2026 pg. 72

About the Author
Gennaro Contaldo is the legendary chef and restaurateur who taught Jamie Oliver all he knows about Italian cooking. Gennaro first started helping in restaurant kitchens on the Amalfi Coast at the age of eight, later becoming one of London's most celebrated chefs. He is a TV favorite, appearing in Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, Jamie Cooks Italy, and starring in PBS's Two Greedy Italians. These days he divides his time between cookbook publications, magazine articles, and teaching masterclasses at Jamie Oliver's cooking school.

Award-winning, influential and internationally acclaimed, David Loftus' photographs for the books of Jamie Oliver, Rachel Khoo, Gennaro Contaldo, Elizabeth David and April Bloomfield have brought food to life for millions of people. For over 20 years, David has photographed over 100 books including all but one of Jamie Oliver's international best-sellers. He has also directed television commercials including one of the most successful food ads of all time, for UK supermarket Sainsbury's. He works with a range of advertising clients such as American Express, Dove, Fortnum & Mason, Nespresso, Pizza Express and Philips, to name a few.