Angela Hartnett Italian Summer Recipes: Grilled Peaches, Gnudi 2026

Angela Hartnett's Italian summer recipes bring fresh, vibrant flavors to your table, featuring grilled peaches, green beans, mozzarella, and gnudi in tomato sauce. These dishes celebrate seasonal produce and simple preparation, perfect for sunny days and al fresco dining. Inspired by her London restaurant Cicoria, these recipes highlight the best of Italian cuisine with a modern twist.

Grilled Peaches, Mozzarella, and Green Beans: A Summer Salad

This refreshing salad combines sweet grilled peaches with creamy buffalo mozzarella and crisp green beans, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. It's a delightful balance of flavors and textures, ideal as a starter or light lunch. The key is to use ripe peaches and high-quality mozzarella for the best result.

Ingredients and Preparation

You'll need 200g fine green beans, 250g buffalo mozzarella, 4 ripe peaches, extra-virgin olive oil, shallot, balsamic vinegar, basil, and optional toasted almonds or lemon zest. Blanch the beans, tear the mozzarella, and grill the peach halves until charred. Toss the beans with shallot, oil, vinegar, and seasoning, then arrange everything on a platter.

The dish is finished with a drizzle of olive oil and sea salt, served slightly warm or at room temperature. This flexibility makes it perfect for outdoor gatherings where timing can be relaxed.

Gnudi with Roast Tomato Sauce: A Tuscan Classic

Gnudi, meaning "naked" in Italian, are light ricotta dumplings that resemble ravioli filling without the pasta. They are delicate and pillowy, paired here with a rich roast tomato sauce that enhances their subtle flavor. This recipe requires chilling time, so plan ahead for the best texture.

Making the Roast Tomato Sauce

Roast 500g ripe plum tomatoes with garlic and thyme until caramelized, then blend into a smooth sauce. The roasting concentrates the tomato sweetness, creating a robust companion for the gnudi. Simmer briefly to meld the flavors.

For the gnudi, mix ricotta, Parmesan, egg, and flour, then chill the mixture before shaping into dumplings. Poach them gently in salted water until they float, then serve with the tomato sauce and extra cheese.

Why These Recipes Work for Summer

These recipes emphasize freshness and simplicity, using peak-season ingredients that require minimal cooking. They are versatile enough for a casual lunch or an elegant dinner, and they showcase the beauty of Italian cooking.

Key Takeaways for Perfect Summer Dining

• Use ripe, in-season peaches for maximum sweetness and texture.
• Blanch green beans briefly to retain their crunch and vibrant color.
• Chill gnudi mixture for at least 8 hours to ensure they hold their shape.
• Roast tomatoes slowly to deepen their flavor for the sauce.
• Serve both dishes at room temperature for a relaxed summer meal.

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