Eat Like a Sardinian - by Francesco Mattana (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Sardinia captures the true spirit of Mediterranean cooking. Here, you find a way of life filled with simple, fresh, seasonal ingredients, healthy fats and plenty of time spent cooking, eating and spending time with loved ones. Sardinia is, after all, one of only five designated "blue zones" in the world - where people live longer than anywhere else.

In Eat Like a Sardinian, chef Francesco Mattana invites you to discover the rich and varied food culture of the island, bringing together his experiences learning to cook from the women around him and years of teaching at Jamie Oliver's Cookery School to create authentic, delicious home cooking recipes that everyone can master, with all the tips and tricks needed to get them right every time. Find the perfect small bite for your aperitivo hour, stock up your larder with preserves, perfect your pasta and bread-making skills, learn how to entertain the Sardinian way with impressive fish, meat and vegetable dishes and finish it all off with a traditional dolci. Who knew healthy living could be so sweet?

Review Quotes

'A true celebration and education of Sardinian cuisine. The recipes are easy to follow and approachable...the kind of cookbook that makes you excited to get cooking!'

'A wonderful ode to Italian cuisine and Sardinian classics!' Sam Way'Sardinian food isn't just Italian, it has its own clear identity. Sardinian recipes are resilient, bold, unique and vibrant, exactly like the people who inhabit the island and Francesco has truly captured the essence of his region's cuisine in his debut cookbook.'

'Captures the essence of Sardinian cuisine with recipes that are both deeply rooted in tradition and refreshingly accessible to modern cooks.'

'Francesco takes us on an affectionate tour of his homeland through a selection of curated recipes, drenched with Mediterranean sunlight.'

'There is no one better to take you on a journey to the beautiful island of Sardinia than Francesco, with his in-depth knowledge of the land, its food and traditions.'

'This book is a true gem, a perfect combination of mouthwatering recipes and the warm essence of Sardinian hospitality. It offers everything you need to create authentic Italian dishes. A must-have for anyone who loves great food and culture!'

'This book is pure sunshine on a plate. The recipes are inspiring, the photos are breathtaking, and together they transport you straight to a sun-soaked table by the sea. Every turn of the page makes me want to roll out fresh pasta, slow-cook something rustic and grab a spoon for a scoop of that Tiramisu Sardo. It's a beautiful invitation to cook, gather friends, pour a glass of wine, and cook something truly memorable.'

'This book is STUNNING! It's beautifully written, the photography is warm and inviting, and the recipes are all absolutely delicious. I want to make the Culurgiones and Tiramisù Sardo immediately.'

'This is the most wonderful cookbook, full of fantastic recipes but Francesco's many years' teaching cookery classes also come through in very clear, concise recipes that are easy to follow - bringing the food and flavours of Sardinia to life!'

"There is such a beautiful feeling of home in this book. It's a pure love letter to Italian food filled to the brim with recipes I want to make but importantly I know I CAN make. I cannot wait to get this covered in sauce as I have it permanently open on my kitchen side."

The ability to use humble ingredients well is the greatest gift of all. Francesco teaches us exactly that, all while echoing the voices of generations."

About the Author

Francesco Mattana (@our_cookingjourney) is an Italian chef and online sensation with a loyal following of 1.6M people across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube. His culinary journey started at his family home in Sardinia, learning traditional recipes from his mother and aunt. He honed his skills in local restaurants and went on to open his own highly regarded Italian restaurant in Brisbane, Australia called Ajó. In 2018 Francesco moved to the UK to pursue his passion for teaching, working for some of the top cookery schools in London and eventually becoming the head teacher at Jamie Oliver's Cookery School. Francesco continues to offer cooking classes and to host events and demos in the UK and in Sardinia, teaching people about authentic Italian and Sardinian food. Eat Like a Sardinian is his first book.