For many of us, Italian food is what we turn to when we want to eat something comforting. The warm embrace of garlic, tomato and red wine in a good ragù is enough to see away even the bluest of days, but there is plenty more besides if you need some cheering up. This collection of Italian comfort food recipes is testament to that.

Pasta is the first port of call for most of us when we just want a plate of something delicious and unfussy. Filippo Trapella's Bolognese ragù is a simple and delicious version of the Italian classic, whilst Sally Abé's Spaghetti alla carbonara is rich with Parmesan, pancetta and egg, and just as pleasing. There's even Antonio Carluccio's traditional Macaroni pie, which is effectively two comfort foods rolled into one.

Pasta isn't your only option, either. Try this Aubergine parmigiana from Manuela Zangara, or Valeria Necchio's Torta della nonna if you're after something a little sweeter.