Puglia, the southern region of Italy, is known as the heel of the Italian boot. Thanks to its diversified landscape, great cultural traditions, scenic coastlines and delicious cuisines, the region is increasingly getting worldly attention. While the area is worth a visit for multiple reasons, its delightful cuisine stands out, making your tours to Puglia the best. As each part of Italy has its heritage of traditional foods, let’s find out what is so special about the foods specific to this part.
The tastiest culinary traditions of Puglia
Cavatelli
This traditional cuisine, which comes in pasta shape, is trendy among international tourists. The ingredients they use to make this dish are sausage, fish and vegetables; meats can also be used based on individual preferences. The consistency of cavatelli is a little puffier, which makes it almost look like gnocchi. However, unlike the latter, cavatelli is hollow from the sides.
Focaccia Pugliese
Got hungry cycling on a Puglia bike tour? Just re-energize by tasting the iconic street food Focaccia. The pizza dough is made of a mixture of plain flour, water, salt, and baking yeast. On top, it uses the local potato and tomatoes. To add extra toppings, they use olive, onion and green vegetables. Lastly, the dish gets complete with the local cheese, which gives it the perfect touch of deliciousness.
Riso patate e cozze
If you possess the weird taste of seafood mixed with earthy flavours, you must try this cuisine. Riso “patate e cozze“ is an ancient traditional food made of pure ingredients such as rice, potatoes and mussels. It is the most available and healthiest seafood option in Puglia. This item is relatively affordable and is mainly prepared for the peasant.
Panino con polpo
Want to experience an exotic taste of octopus? Go for the Panino con polpo, which is a sandwich of octopus. The region’s most famous street food usually contains thinly sliced octopus mixed with onions, celery stalk, carrots, black peppercorns, and bay leaves. To reduce the smell, it includes extra virgin olive oil and lemon extract. Pugliese people mainly serve it as an appetizer or a light main course.
Pasticciotto
Dessert is something which is the main attraction of the people of every age. Puglia is famous for ensuring the different types of mouthwatering desserts. Pasticciotto is one of the most delicious desserts of Puglia; in fact, the people of entire Italy love it. The dessert comes in a mini cake form filled with tasty cream and coated with Cartellette to make it crispy. For decoration, it uses sprinkles and chopped nuts on the top.
While tasting the traditional delicacies, you are sure to sip from some Puglia wines such as primitivo or Negramaro. You can also get out for a Puglia winery tour – one of the best tours in Puglia. Learn about the vineyards you visit in a homely setting while you get busy pairing the drink with cold cuts, sharp cheese, and the traditional meat-based tomato sauce pasta. Life sounds good, eh?
