Instagram, Mutti Parma
One of renowned Italian chef and television presenter Silvia Colloca’s favourite ways to unwind is to spend time in the kitchen. “Baking is something I love to do in my downtime,” she says. She often carves out time on weekends especially to spend with her family making delicious meals.
If the kitchen is the last place you want to be right now, it could be because you’ve fallen out of love the space. To rediscover the joy of cooking again, take time to indulge in the unhurried ritual of measuring, mixing, kneading and baking. And keep things simple, says Silvia. Here she gives us three tips to try if you’re feeling uninspired and unmotivated in the kitchen.
She shares her recipe for baked Gnocchi Sorrentina with us too!
What’s the best way to embrace home cooking?
Keep it simple! I think that a lot of people who profess they can’t cook or don’t have time for it, are overthinking it. Elaborate meal preparation should only be reserved for special occasions, and even then, I always tend to turn to simple recipes that easily please a crowd. I can’t tell you how often I feed my family a simple plate of spaghetti pomodoro. (For a similar recipe, try this delicious spaghetti alla Norma). It comes together in 15 minutes and is so much better and healthier than any takeaway food. And cheaper too!
What are your top 3 tips to fall in love with your kitchen?
- Try to keep the clutter away. Unused utensils or appliances belong in cupboards. A clean kitchen makes all the difference.
- Cook! The more you cook, the more interested and confident you’ll become in the kitchen and enjoy cooking for your loved ones.
- Don’t see cooking as a chore! I always have the pantry stocked with versatile products that I can whip up several quick and easy dishes. My favourite go-to is Mutti Cherry Tomatoes; think easy tomato-based pastas, bruschettas and salads.
Your favourite thing to do at home?
Chilling with children! Weekends at my house are made for catching our breath. Nowhere to rush to, no soccer, no hurry. Baking is always something I love doing in my downtime.
The best thing about Italian cuisine?
Italian home cooking is very healthy. I know a lot of food literature seems to love to think that we only eat gallons of pasta and pizza, but the truth is that the average Italian home cook consumes plenty of vegetables, pulses and good carbs, all cooked in olive oil, as well as small amounts of meat, wine and sugar in moderation. These ingredients are the fundamental principles of the Mediterranean diet, which is at the core of Italian cuisine.
Try Silvia’s delicious recipe for Baked Gnocchi Sorrentina.
Silvia’s latest series, Silvia’s Italian Masterclass is currently airing on Channel 10. You can also stream it at your leisure over at 10Play.
Want more Silvia Colloca?
Related stories
The latest kitchen styling trends just got personal
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
