Delicious Culinary Treats From Puglia

If you're searching for a different and less crowded part of Italy to explore, look no further than Puglia. Hotels in this region are plentiful and many are conveniently located in the main towns and close to the most popular beaches. While often people do not necessarily consider this are as a primary destination in Italy, those who do venture into the "heel" of the country find there is a whole host of things to be discovered - not least the incredible gastronomy and wonderful wines.

Puglia hotels often have their own restaurants – and very good ones at that. But if you are interested in discovering more about the food of this special region make sure you head out and explore the local restaurants and trattoria in Puglia. Hotels will make recommendations of places to eat, and make sure you talk to the locals to find the real hidden gems.

Food Glorious Food

This region is predominantly agricultural and is the biggest producer of olive oil in Italy. Wines are also produced in abundance here and, despite being less well known than the Chiantis and Vermentinos, they certainly stand up for themselves. The huge focus on agriculture has meant that the region’s cuisine is very much concentrated on hearty home-cooking, which includes plenty of vegetables and the durum wheat that is grown here. Some of the vegetables you can expect to see in your antipasti, pasta dishes and as vegetable side dishes include fennel, fava beans, courgettes, rocket and artichokes.

It is well recognised that every region in Italy boasts its own pasta dishes, and indeed favours its own shape of pasta depending on the sauce that goes with it. This region is no exception, and the orecchiette shells that are hand made on a daily basis by many locals are the favourite here. Served with meat ragu, the famous turnip tops, or broccoli, the pasta dishes are simple but no less delicious for it. Eggs are not used in the pasta of this region, as traditionally eggs were considered a luxury and this was never one of the wealthiest parts of the country.

When staying in one of the Puglia hotels, make sure you venture out and find a place that serves the baked macaroni: a tasty combination of meatballs, pasta, and boiled eggs, topped with a pie crust and baked in the oven. This is one dish you will never forget.

Bread is another of Italy’s staples and, eaten with every meal, bread also varies throughout the country. Local bread of this region is made with wheat and produced in all shapes and sizes. In fact, bread is respected so much here that even McDonald’s couldn’t turn the local people from their treasured fare. After opening here they only lasted two years before closing and leaving town!

For meat lovers, the area is chock-full of delicious options. Sheep are farmed in the rocky interior of the region and produce beautiful cuts of lamb as well as fine sheep’s milk cheeses. Lamb features on many celebratory feast menus, but pork and horsemeat is equally popular. Fish is also eaten a lot and a visit to Brindisi or Taranto offers you plenty of seafood restaurant choice.

Food is as important here as anywhere else in Italy; the local people cling steadfastly to their gastronomic culture that has been so intricately woven into their society for centuries.

Helen Forbes is from Essential Italy, a company specialising in Italian holiday villas, apartments and hotels. If you’re looking for the perfect Puglia hotels we can help. Our handpicked accommodation offers distinctive Italian qualities, great comfort and convenience.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.