FOOD GUIDE

Salento, the southern part of the Puglia region in Italy, boasts a rich culinary tradition that reflects its agricultural heritage and coastal location.
	Puccia Salentina: A traditional bread, similar to a flatbread or focaccia, often stuffed with various fillings such as cheese, cured meats, and vegetables.
	Pittule (or Pettole): Fried dough balls made with flour, water, yeast, and sometimes potatoes. They can be savory (with anchovies or vegetables) or sweet (with sugar or honey).
	Rustico Leccese: A savory pastry filled with mozzarella, béchamel sauce, and tomato, often served as a snack or appetizer.
	Ciceri e tria: A dish combining chickpeas (ciceri) and strips of fried pasta (tria), typically served with a tomato-based sauce and sometimes flavored with anchovies or other seafood.
	Orecchiette con le cime di rapa: Small pasta shapes (orecchiette) served with sautéed turnip greens (cime di rapa), garlic, chili pepper, and sometimes anchovies or grated cheese.
	Frisella: A type of hard bread soaked in water and seasoned with tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and sometimes oregano or other herbs. It's often topped with fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and arugula.
	Pasticciotto: A small pastry filled with custard cream, typical of the Salento region and often enjoyed for breakfast or as a dessert.
	Pezzetti di cavallo: Horse meat cubes cooked with herbs and spices, reflecting Salento's traditional meat dishes.
	Fave e cicorie: A dish combining fava beans with sautéed chicory, often seasoned with olive oil and sometimes accompanied by crusty bread.
	Bombette: Grilled meat rolls typically filled with cheese and sometimes cured meat, showcasing Salento's flavorful approach to grilled dishes.
Salento cuisine is deeply rooted in the fertile lands of southern Apulia and the richness of the coast, offering a vibrant expression of Mediterranean flavors and culinary traditions. Key elements include the abundant use of fresh, local ingredients such as vegetables, seafood and grains, all enhanced by the region's prized extra virgin olive oil. Renowned wines such as Primitivo and Negroamaro complement the dishes with their bold flavors, embodying Salento's rich winemaking heritage. Salento cuisine is also adaptable to vegan and vegetarian diets due to its extensive use of vegetables and greens, offering options that highlight the region's agricultural abundance. Seasonal ingredients, aromatic herbs, and a tradition of hospitality further enrich the dining experience, making Salento a true culinary destination in Italy.

Con il Patrocinio di
Provincia di Lecce – Salento d’Amare
Comune di Lecce