Pasta alla norcina

Umbria is famous for its pork products, and this indulgent pasta dish from the town of Norcia is a local speciality. Golden nuggets of fried sausage and earthy porcini mushrooms infuse the cream sauce with all their wonderful flavours, coating each piece of pasta in chef Masha Rener’s unapologetically rich recipe.

“Umbria is one of the few Italian regions without access to the coast, which makes it a little mysterious – difficult to reach yet breathtakingly beautiful. This land of saints, named the green heart of Italy for the ancient woods that cover it, is home to a slow way of life, tied to tradition,” says Masha. “This dish is typical of its regional cuisine, which will amaze you with its intense flavours.”

Born in a remote valley between Tuscany and Umbria, Masha grew up on her parents’ organic farm and restaurant, La Chiusa, where she learnt to cook. At 19, she moved to London, where she discovered Soho’s Italian deli, Lina Stores. Today, after running her own restaurant in Italy, Masha is at the helm of Lina Stores’ restaurants.

Discover everything there is to know about the food of Umbria, including its star cheeses and wines, in our full guide to the region.