Fettuce is just a slightly thicker version of fettuccine. You can feed a family with this healthy, robust dish. Simple and affordable, it uses only what would have amounted to dried beans, flour, egg, some day old bread and a little soffritto. No cheese at all. Practical, delicious and with a sensation of history.

Farro is a protein rich ancient whole grain historically treasured in Italian cooking. Flavourful and toothsome, it's a fantastic addition to soups and salads.

This meal requires patience, but it's worth it! Prepare the beans ahead of time if looking to use this as a quick meal.

Chickpeas are an unsung star of Italian cooking! Very versatile and packed with protein, they can be found in salads, soups, pasta dishes and even crêpes when milled into flour.

Bean dishes are an age-old staple of much of Northern Italy. Here we have a very simple yet fragrant and flavourful combination of cannellini beans, pancetta and sage. Often served as a side, it can function happily as a soul-warming main.