Puglia is home to some of the most delicious traditional Italian foods. It’s located in the heel of Italy’s boot. In the region’s peninsula, Salento.
The Salento in Puglia is a beautiful area with lush farms, ancient ruins, and ornate churches. It is also home to many of Italy’s most famous foods. Because of its deep-rooted cucina Povera tradition, the cuisine is simple and delicious. It relies on fresh, local ingredients. The Salento and Puglia have a wide range of delicious ingredients, including chickpeas and homegrown herbs and spices as well as olive and olive oils, tomatoes and fresh seafood.
Puglia is known for its serious tradition of eating. As you walk along cobblestone streets, you will notice that many families eat lunch and dinner openly, filling the air and inviting passers-by to take a bite.
People in Bari hand-roll pasta on the streets. We don’t think so. Check out the video below!
Continue reading: All about Bari, Puglia’s Capital, Italy
If you’re looking for quick meals, there are stands that offer fried polenta and pizzette on the main piazzas. (Want to know more about traditional Pugliese food? Continue reading!
These are some Salentine delights you should try:
Frisella Crunchy, dry bread baked in stone oven with a little olive oil. Friselle is one of Puglia’s most popular and practical foods. They can be stored for several months, making them ideal for long trips. This versatile bread can be dipped in salt water to give it a stronger taste and a soft texture.
Taralli These crackers are Italy’s answer for the pretzel. These crackers are small and round, making them a great snack, especially when paired with a glass Pugliese wine. You can make them sweet with white wine or sugar, or make them savory with black peppercorns, poppy seeds, and fennel flavors.
Pizzette –Miniature Pizzas with Fresh Cherry Tomatoes. Enjoy a tasty snack on a beautiful beach in Puglia.
Puccia is A sandwich made from pizza dough and filled with meats, cheeses, or vegetables. This is another popular snack for on-the-go in Puglia.Orecchiette is a traditional Puglian pasta. Photo by Giuseppe Masil
Orecchiette is a homemade pasta with ear-shaped shapes. It’s often served with Cime di Rapa (broccoli, rabe), garlic, fresh tomatoes, and ricotta. This shape is perfect for soaking up any sauce!
Sagne ‘ncannulate: Love Baroque architecture? This long, spiraled pasta will appeal to those who love Baroque architecture, especially when served with a tomato-and-cheese sauce.
Baccala alla salentina: Not your average baccala! This traditional Puglia and Salento dish takes dried and salted cod to a new level. The cod is seasoned with fresh tomato, breadcrumbs, and pecorino cheese, then baked in the oven until it becomes crispy.
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Sott’olio: “Sott’olio” refers to a Pugliese way of preserving produce. Extra virgin olive oil and vinegar are used to preserve local vegetables such as eggplants, artichokes, and peppers. This allows them to keep for several months and makes for a great appetizer.
Pasticciotto The outside of this dessert might look like a flaky crust. Take a bite and you’ll be surprised at the creamy custard-filled filling.
Zeppole Also called “St. Joseph’s pastries,
This sweet Salentine treat can be enjoyed throughout Italy on Father’s Day. Your zeppole can be made to your liking by filling it with cream or chocolate.
VinelloIn Salento wine is more than just a drink to go with dinner. It’s something that should be celebrated! Each year, the peninsula gathers together on November 11 to enjoy the harvest’s wine ( Vino Novello). Also, they open bottles from the previous years in honor of Saint Martin.
After you’ve had Puglia’s traditional food, it’s time to dance Puglia’s traditional dance! After enjoying the best of Puglia’s food and Salento’s most famous dishes, you can enjoy the Pizzica, an Italian folk dance that is similar to the Tarantella.
