The Glorious Vegetables of Italy

Book excerpt: “Domenica, at home in the tradition, reveals all: lore, history, tips, and, best of all, a thousand thrilling tastes from the garden that is Italy.” —Frances Mayes, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Under the Tuscan Sun This book is a tribute to Italy’s many glorious vegetables, from the bright, orange-fleshed pumpkins of autumn to the tender green fava beans of early spring. Organized by course, this lavishly photographed cookbook lauds the latest dining trend—the vegetable’s starring role at the center of the plate. Cooks of all skill levels will enjoy more than 100 recipes mixing tradition and innovation, ranging from the basics (Fresh Spinach Pasta Dough and Fresh Tomato Sauce) to the seasonal (Spring Risotto with Green and White Asparagus) to savory (Grilled Lamb Spiedini on a Bed of Caponata) and sweet (Pumpkin Gelato). This indispensable recipe collection will appeal to Italian cuisine lovers looking to celebrate vegetables in any meal, every day. “Marchetti’s Eggplant ‘Meatballs’ in Tomato Sauce is simply dazzling . . . rich, succulent, vibrant, satisfying . . . This simple, contemplative, seductive book offers Bread Soup with Summer Squash; Beet and Beet Green Gratin; Riccioli with Peas and Porcini; and staples like Basic Beans in a Pot.” —Scott Mowbray, editor of Cooking Light “Fresh vegetables, prepared so beautifully at the peak of ripeness, result in a book you won’t want to live without. The really special part is that Domenica creates a perfect marriage between classic Italian vegetable dishes and the seasonal abundance that is available at your local farmers’ market. This is truly an inspirational cookbook and one that I will enthusiastically return to for years to come.” —Tracey Ryder, Cofounder of Edible Communities