Normally we are writing about deli food, restaurants, recipes and other related related topics. Recently a reader contacted us and asked for recommendations for the best books for an Italian deli connoisseur to add to his or her bookshelf. So today, we are reviewing my favorite books that will interest all of you.
If you’re interested in learning more about Italian delis, there are some great books out there for you, but honestly, there are very few books on Italian Deli cookbooks, unlike the Jewish Deli Cookbooks, so my recommendation list here is much smaller.
These books are very focused on recipes, although they do include some history and great stories too.
Read on to find out which one will be your next favorite read!
The Best Books about Italian Deli’s
Here are my favorite books that I would recommend to anyone reading this website.
The Italian Deli Cookbook: 100 Glorious Recipes Celebrating the Best of Italian Ingredients
Theo Randall is a famous chef who started at Chez Panisse under Alice Waters and then returned to London to work as the Head Chef at the River Cafe. He has since launched his own restaurants and is well known on BBC TV. Randall has had a longstanding interest in Italian cuisine and he perfected his approach during many years at the River Cafe.
The best part about this book is that it contains 100 recipes using cured meats, smoked fish, jarred vegetables, vinegars, olives, pasta, pulses, cheeses and wine, stunning photography throughout, and original, simple recipes. Overall, I’m recommending this book because the recipes are accessible to everyone.
Bonus: The cookbook also includes a directory of classic delicatessens worldwide, which is a nice addition.
My personal favorite recipes from this cookbook are the rocket and ricotta green ravioli with tomatoes and olive oil – this will really wow your friends! The risotto de mare is a beautiful presentation of seafood risotto. The Buffalo mozzarella salad (with black fig and herbs) is a stunning, unusual and delicious presentation. And finally the nduja baked eggs with red peppers and onions is a different Italian approach to shakshuka.
If you need some gifts, be sure to read about the Best Italian Deli Gifts.
Deli Meats: An Italian Pantry
If you love Italian deli meats, this book is for you!
It provides a deep dive and historical overview of how deli meat is produced in Italy from Ancient Rome all the way up to the present day. It includes history, stories and folklore about the production and naming of the meats, including drying, curing and flavorings.
It also includes many tips for buying, storing and serving Italian deli meats with some panache and style!
Finally, it includes 30 delicious traditional recipes that are re-interpreted for the modern era.
This book is a must buy for the Italian deli meat lover in your family.
Conclusion
If you love Italian Deli food and want to make it at home, these are the books I recommend the most.
These cookbooks will help you improve your cooking skills at home and create some delicious meals to enjoy with your friends and family.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect cookbook or just a fun read, we hope our list has helped you find some great titles to explore!
My name is Jay and I started this website to share my love of Deli Food. I am Jewish with Italian ancestry and grandparents who emigrated to the US from Poland, Russia and Turkey. This website is my celebration of the delicious flavors of international deli culture. Please feel free to send me your suggestions and feedback through the contact form.
