Eat Like a Sardinian

Francesco Mattana (@our_cookingjourney) is an Italian chef and online sensation with a large, loyal community that attracts millions of people across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube. Growing up in Sardinia he was surrounded by great home cooks and an appreciation for local and seasonal ingredients and this inspired him to start his own culinary journey. After working in the kitchen in Sardinia, he travelled to Australia where he opened his own highly regarded Italian restaurant in Brisbane called Ajó. In 2017 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 chef 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.

'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.' Gennaro Contaldo'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.' Emily English '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.' Julius Fiedler aka @hermann '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.' Jane Dunn '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!' Chris Bavin 'Captures the essence of Sardinian cuisine with recipes that are both deeply rooted in tradition and refreshingly accessible to modern cooks.' Amelia Christie-Miller, Bold Beans 'Francesco takes us on an affectionate tour of his homeland through a selection of curated recipes, drenched with Mediterranean sunlight.' Giuseppe Dell'Anno '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.' James Strawbridge '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!' Chris Baber '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.' Danilo Cortellini '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!' Roberta d'Elia

• IntroductionAperitivo & Antipasti Pane & Pasta Primi Secondi Contorni & Verdura La Dolce Vita Dispensa Grazie Index