Spring into Flavour: Light Italian Recipes for Spring

The days are getting longer, the air is getting warmer, and in Italy, our kitchens are embracing the bounty of spring! After the comforting, rich dishes of winter, it’s time to lighten up and celebrate the fresh, vibrant flavours of the season.

At Carluccio's, we believe the best cooking uses simple, quality ingredients, and spring offers us the very best. Think of bright green asparagus, tender peas, aromatic herbs, and the first sweet, sun-ripened tomatoes.

Three Light Dishes to Bring Spring to Your Table

Embrace the simplicity and freshness of the season with these Italian classics:

1. Risotto Primavera: A Garden on a Plate

"Primavera" translates to "spring," and this creamy risotto is its perfect culinary representation. The secret is layering the freshest seasonal vegetables—asparagus, peas, and broad beans—into a perfectly cooked carnaroli rice.

• Carluccio's Tip: Start with a good, fragrant oil. Our Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Calabria is hand-picked and cold-pressed, giving your risotto the perfect fruity base. Don't forget to finish with a generous grating of Parmigiano-Reggiano.

2. Orecchiette with Tomato, Basil, and Fresh Mozzarella

These charming "little ears" of pasta are designed to cup the sauce, making them ideal for a simple, vibrant dish. This recipe requires almost no cooking of the sauce itself, relying on the warmth of the pasta to gently soften the tomatoes and mozzarella - although if you prefer, you can use our Tomato and Basil sauce.

• Must-Have Ingredient: Choose an authentic pasta shape like Orecchiette di Puglia from our shop. Toss the finished dish with fresh basil leaves and a final drizzle of exceptional Extra Virgin Olive Oil for a truly Mediterranean taste.

3. Asparagi alla Milanese: Simple Elegance

Sometimes, the simplest dish is the most satisfying. Tender asparagus spears are steamed or boiled until perfectly crisp-tender, then topped with a fried egg and a dusting of high-quality cheese. The runny yolk acts as a natural, luxurious sauce.

• For the Perfect Finish: A pinch of freshly ground black pepper and a light grating of Pecorino Romano will elevate this dish from simple to sensational.

🛒 Stock Your Larder for the Season

Ready to start cooking? The essence of great Italian food lies in the quality of your core ingredients. Our online shop is stocked with authentic Italian deli essentials to help you effortlessly create these light and bright meals.

• Authentic Pasta: We stock a wonderful range, from the curled Trofie—perfect for pesto—to any of our Durum Wheat Pasta range.

• Italian Larder Staples: Our Olive Oils and Vinegars are the foundation of light Italian cooking. A good quality oil is key for dressings, light sauces, and finishing a dish.

• The Perfect Pairing: No spring meal is complete without a refreshing drink. Browse our selection of Italian Wines, including crisp whites and light rosés, to find the perfect accompaniment.

This spring, celebrate the lightness and flavour of Italian cuisine. Visit our online shop or join us in a Carluccio's restaurant to taste the season!

Buon Appetito!