Puglian Cuisine: Food from the Puglia Region in Italy

Each of Italy’s regions has a unique cuisine based on the culture, culinary traditions, geography, and produce availability. One region of Italy that boasts some fantastic dishes is Puglia. Here is an overview of Puglian cuisine and some examples of famous dishes from Puglia.

Where is Puglia?

Puglia, also known as Apulia, is a region located in southern Italy. It is situated at the “heel” of the Italian peninsula and has a long coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.

Common Ingredients in Puglian Cuisine

Puglian cuisine is famous for its simplicity and use of fresh, local ingredients. Some common ingredients used in Puglian dishes include tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, chickpeas, fava beans, artichokes, olives, capers, and various types of seafood such as octopus, clams, and mussels. Puglia is also famous for its high-quality olive oil, used in many dishes. Other staple ingredients in Puglian cuisine include bread, pasta, cheese, and wine.

Typical Dishes in Puglian Cuisine

Puglian cuisine has a wide variety of dishes that showcase the region’s fresh and flavorful ingredients. Here are some popular dishes from Puglia:

• Orecchiette alle cime di rapa: A classic Puglian pasta dish made with orecchiette pasta, broccoli rabe, garlic, chili flakes, and anchovies.
• Focaccia barese: A simple and delicious flatbread made with flour, water, yeast, and olive oil. It often has a topping of tomatoes, olives, and oregano.
• Tiella di Cozze: A traditional Puglian dish made with mussels, potatoes, and rice. It’s layered in a casserole dish and baked in the oven.
• Burrata: A creamy and delicate cheese made from mozzarella and cream. It’s a speciality of Puglia that people often serve with tomatoes and basil.
• Polpo alla pignata: An octopus stew made with tomatoes, potatoes, onions, and red wine.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes from Puglia. If you want to learn more about regional Italian cuisine, read about the cuisines of Abruzzo, Sardinia, Sicily, and Piedmont.

Have you visited Puglia and tried the food? Let us know about your experiences with Puglian cuisine in the comments below.