Cucina Povera

Step into the rustic heart of the Italian countryside with Cucina Povera, a soulful cookbook from Tuscan food writer and cooking teacher Giulia Scarpaleggia. Rooted in the frugal traditions of rural Italy, this book celebrates the art of doing more with less—transforming humble ingredients into deeply nourishing, comforting meals.

With over 100 seasonal recipes—from hearty pasta e fagioli and rib-sticking ribollita to golden frittata trippata and chestnut maltagliati with wild porcini—Cucina Povera offers a heartfelt invitation to slow down, cook simply, and honor the resourceful spirit of Italian home kitchens.

Guided by Giulia’s calm, encouraging voice and decades of culinary storytelling, Cucina Povera is more than a collection of recipes— it's a return to essentials. Whether you’re cooking for one or gathering around a crowded table, these dishes remind us that true abundance comes not from excess, but from intention, seasonality, and care.

*QB Cookbook Club Pick: This book was chosen for our November-December 2025 Italian cookbook club selection, where we’ll cook 1 recipe each week from the book. Learn more about the QB Cookbook Club.