Claudio Del Principe draws on the wealth of "Cucina Povera" for his new cookbook and declares it to be a forward-looking cooking culture: simple, tasty and ecologically sound. Inexpensive, seasonal, regional and easily available ingredients form the basis: Vegetables, grains, pulses, a little garlic, olive oil, even stale bread is good for a soul-warming feast. Cucina Povera is considered the "humble cuisine" of Italy and includes regional dishes from the rural tradition. Simple combinations, simple preparation and a reduction to the essentials are the key to the flavour experience. The ingredients are not highly processed, are spiced with restraint and are easy to digest. Claudio Del Principe not only preserves tradition in his recipes, he also skilfully adapts the tried and tested recipes in a contemporary and varied way, thus rekindling the fire for the stunningly simple.