Italian Food Ideas For A Long Weekend

Italian Inspiration for the Bank Holiday Weekend - Or Whenever Time Is On Your Side

The early May bank holiday is the perfect excuse to slow down, fire up the stove, and embrace the Italian ritual of the long, lingering lunch. Whether you are spending your time tending to a bubbling pot of risotto or dining alfresco in the late spring sunshine, Carluccio's have curated a selection of recipes and pantry essentials to make your long weekend truly delicious.

The Main Event: Spring Sunshine in a Bowl

A long weekend is the ideal time for a recipe that requires your full, undivided attention. Making a proper risotto is a meditative process—the rhythmic stirring and the gradual addition of stock are just as rewarding as the final dish.

Our Risotto Primavera celebrates the arrival of spring. It uses Carnaroli rice, often called the "king of Italian rice," for its ability to maintain a perfect al dente bite while creating a beautifully creamy emulsion. With vibrant peas, broad beans, and a generous finish of Parmigiano Reggiano, it is a bright and elegant centrepiece for a Saturday lunch.

Top Tip — Make more risotto than you need and chill the leftovers. There's a recipe further down you will thank us for!

View our Risotto Primavera Recipe

The Sunday Tradition: Slow-Cooked Ragu

Sunday afternoons are made for the comforting aroma of a ragù simmering on the hob. For an authentic taste of Tuscany, our Ragù di Chianina recipe requires the best quality beef, resulting in a rich, lean, and deeply flavourful meat sauce.

However, we believe the cook should also enjoy the holiday. If you would rather spend your Sunday in the garden than at the stove, you can achieve that same depth of flavour by simply opening a jar of our Chianina Beef Ragù. Tossed with egg pappardelle, it offers a restaurant-quality meal in minutes.

Master our Tuscan Beef Ragù

The Monday Shortcut: Arancini

Never let leftover risotto go to waste. On Bank Holiday Monday, transform your chilled risotto into Arancini. These golden, crispy rice balls are a beloved Sicilian street food. Simply coat your chilled risotto portions in breadcrumbs and fry until the outside is crunchy and the centre is warm and melting. They are perfect for a casual lunch or as a snack to enjoy while lounging outdoors.

Learn how to make Arancini from leftovers

Alfresco Nibbles: A Taste of Liguria

If the weather permits, the long weekend is the perfect time for an outdoor aperitivo. Our Spring in Liguria collection features curated ingredients from Italy’s coastal region, designed for effortless sharing.

Ligurian Pesto: Bright, herbaceous, and perfect for dipping, if not using with pasta.
Bruschetta Spread: Full-flavoured and ready to serve immediately.
Taggiasca Olives: The small, dark olives famous for their buttery texture and nutty finish.

Simply arrange these with some crusty bread and a bottle of chilled Italian sparkling wine for an effortless afternoon in the sun.