The secrets to good Italian cooking

Think Italian cooking is all about the laborious processes of kneading dough and stewing tomatoes? Think again! Here are a few handy hints to execute the perfect Italian dish from Bella Vista’s Head Chef, Jem Erdonmez.

There’s nothing quite like filling your home with the scent of rustic Italian cooking. The bubbling of cheese that tops a comforting lasagne, the sizzling of thinner-than-paper eggplant slices ready to be rolled in a delicious involtini. Then there’s the almond decadence of a crescent-shaped tea biscuit served with a nice, strong coffee…

But, while this all sounds like it may taste like gourmet’s answer to heaven, it also sounds like an arduous task. There’s the peeling of fresh tomatoes, the simmering down of sauces, the minutes hunched by the oven to assure your pizza dough has the right colour and crunch.

Not so! According to Jem Erdonmez, Head Chef at Bella Vista Hotel, precision is to French cooking, what simplicity is to the Italians. That is, the flavours of Italy may be intense but creating them isn’t as laborious as most would like to believe.

“It’s all about good quality ingredients, cooking everything from scratch, and keeping it simple,” he says.

That’s right, our favourite culinary delights that were derived from ancient Rome and other parts of the world, which trickled through Sicily and ended up on the plate of many a kitchen, just need a little love and a few key ingredients – extra virgin olive oil, garlic, cheese or tomato.

Jem — who always touts free range eggs, prosciutto, marinated green olives, yogurt and open bottles of wine in his fridge — also recommends stocking your pantry with basil, balsamic vinegar and red wine. They all help to add sweetness and acidity which can balance out a dish. Above all else, they help to season your dish, extremely important when dealing with simple recipes.

For those just starting to explore the wonders of Italy, opt for easier dishes – such as chilli, garlic and olive oil tossed through fresh pasta, or simple summer salads like a crowd favourite, the caprese, which layers juicy tomato with freehand creamy mozzarella.

For the skilled home chef, try your hand at prosciutto and cheese stuffed chicken breasts, or making your own pasta. The more daring can work on a serving of fresh potato gnocchi. “Due to the fact potatoes are sometimes more moist and sometimes more dry,” Jem says. “It really comes down to having a feel for it, and the experience to have perfect gnocchi every time.”

FacebookTwitterEmail

Our Venues

Hills Distilling Co.

The Hills District’s first locally owned distillery and bar producing handcrafted premium spirits - gin, vodka & Australian white malt - using the finest homegrown local ingredients.

Hudson Hotel

Hudson Hotel & Events Centre is Seven Hill's newest pub! Offering premium dining, live sports, and versatile event spaces suitable for all occasions!

Silverwater Hotel

Silverwater Hotel offers premium TAB facilities, indoor & outdoor dining and an exciting new bar!

Bella Vista Hotel

Whether you want a long lunch in the sun, a dinner under the stars, to cheer on your favourite sports team or to dance the night away, you will find it all here at Bella!
Book now

Hillside Hotel

The Hillside has become a venue that attracts guests from far and wide with its eclectic mix of entertainment, sport viewing facilities and culinary experiences.
Book now

The Governor Hotel

The Governor Hotel is a sleek and vivacious event precinct that’s as aesthetic as the rich and decadent cuisine it serves, with a sundrenched rooftop with a beautiful backdrop to escape for sunset drinks and afternoon knock-offs.
Book now

Mullane’s Hotel

Mullane's Hotel is the epicentre of quality dining in The Hills. On level one, you’ll find Sarino’s, an upmarket Italian restaurant and bar, featuring private dining rooms.
Book now

Sarino’s Restaurant & Bar

The artisan modern-Italian restaurant, Sarino’s, features sophisticated Italian fare, a luxe cocktail lounge and private dining rooms.
Book now

Sophia's

Sophia’s is enthralling, glamorous, and mysterious. Frankly, dear, Sophia’s is more than just a venue – she is an experience. Located on Level 2 of Mullane's Hotel.

The Duke of Dural

The perfect venue to drop in for a drink and a bite to eat – with plenty of parking and opened 7 days, The Duke of Dural is set to be the new neighbourhood watering hole.
Book now

Oran Park Hotel

Opening in 2024

Nags Head Hotel

A traditional, old English style pub renowned for its friendly staff, patrons and great atmosphere.

Friend in Hand Hotel

Famous old-school pub with newly renovated pool hall & home to local legend Georgie the Cockatoo!

Commons Cafe

FOLLOW US @momento_hospitality

Apply Now