5 Foods I Ate in Puglia I Can't Stop Thinking About
My journey through Puglia was as much a voyage across the map as it was a culinary expedition through the most heartfelt and delicious corners of Italian cuisine. Here are five foods from Puglia that have lingered in my memory, each telling a story of tradition, family, and the simple joy of eating.
1. Fresh Figs from Masseria Potenti
Imagine plucking a sun-warmed fig straight from the tree and tasting its sweet, jammy goodness right then and there. That's exactly what I experienced at Masseria Potenti. The natural sweetness and soft texture of these figs were unlike anything else, a true testament to the beauty of simplicity.
2. Orecchiette
There's something profoundly communal about sharing a meal of fresh, handmade orecchiette, especially when enjoyed with a family like Vito's. Tossed with cherry tomatoes and a generous helping of freshly grated Parmesan, this dish is the essence of Puglian hospitality and the warmth of home cooking.
3. Pasticciotto
In Ostuni, I discovered a little shop dedicated solely to pasticciotto, and it was love at first bite. The flaky pastry filled with creamy custard is a morning ritual I wish I could bring back home. It's not just a sweet treat; it's a piece of Puglian tradition.
4. Panzerotti
The perfect snack for those on the move or lounging by the sea, panzerotti are delightful pockets of joy. The most memorable one? An octopus panzerotti from a beachside café in Polignano a Mare. The combination of crispy dough and tender octopus was a revelation.
5. Pistacchio Cornetti
In a bakery just outside Ostuni, where the air was thick with Italian chatter and not a word of English was heard, I found my pistacchio cornetto love. With locals crowding the counter, all I had to say was "Pistacchio cornetti," and I was handed a pastry that was nothing short of divine. Filled with rich, nutty pistachio cream, it was a love affair encapsulated in pastry.
These five foods are more than just meals; they are memories etched into my palate, calling me back to Puglia with every reminiscent taste. From the simplicity of a fresh fig to the complex flavors of a pistacchio cornetto, Puglia has a way of capturing your heart through your stomach.