Italian homes adopt budget recipes and kitchen herb gardens as food prices climb

Rising fuel costs have pushed up food prices in Italy, prompting households to look for inexpensive holiday meals. Guides suggest cheap salads made from pasta, rice, legumes or potatoes, flavored with home‑grown herbs such as basil, mint, thyme, parsley and chili. Simple pesto recipes and cost‑saving dressings are offered, along with tips on preparing and storing the dishes.

Separate advice encourages keeping aromatic herbs on the kitchen counter. Recommendations cover choosing a sunny spot, using well‑draining containers, arranging plants for easy access, and stacking trays to save space. By growing basil, rosemary, thyme, sage and other herbs at home, cooks can add fresh seasoning to meals without extra grocery trips.