Contorni: Authentic Italian Side Dishes for All Seasons

by Susan Simon

Discover contorni-the delicious side dishes of Italy-in this wonderful cookbook of over 60 recipes from Susan Simon, author of Insalate. Made with the freshest vegetables, these little dishes follow the seasons to take advantage of each ingredient at its most flavorful. From spring vegetable tarts-Crostate di Verdure Primaverili-to a colorful blend of winter carrots and celery root-Carote e Sedano-Rapa alla Nonna Silvera-each recipe uses ingredients...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0811836762
• ISBN13: 9780811836760
• Release Date: July 2003
• Publisher: Chronicle Books
• Length: 132 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 8.7" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

A stunning intro to Italian cuisine!

Sometimes a main dish can be very intimidating, especially when using ingrediants and techniques you aren't used to. This book is perfect for an introduction to authentic Italian cuisine. The dishes are divided by season (the author states that vegetables are best when in season). Each offers a few different recipes with each vegetable, ranging from bell peppers to leeks. All of them look amazing, can't wait to try them all. The best is that they are vesatile enough to work for everyday dinners or special occasions. Another thing worth mentioning: the photography in this book is worth the purchase price alone (as of now, the purchase price is around $6, you can't beat that with a stick). Beautiful rustic dishes, sprawling landscapes. Absolutely beautiful. Worth every penny and then some!

Finally!

This book should be scattered throughout the entire bookstore. It belongs in the travel, photography, history and cookbook sections. Every single page drips with sensuous photographs of gorgeous places and beautiful food. The recipes are accessible and easy to prepare. The way Ms Simon describes the food, preparation and suggestions for serving it are mouth watering. My partner made the vegetable tart the other night and it was fantastic. He wasn't crazy about peeling the asparagus, but admitted that it was certainly worth it. Coming up with inventive, delicious side dishes is always a challenge. Finally, that challenge has been met. I can't wait to try everything in the book, even the eggplant.