Poggiardo's Authentic Cuisine

The Flavors of Poggiardo

Poggiardo, a charming town located in the province of Lecce, in the Apulia region of Italy, is renowned for its rich culinary heritage. The local cuisine showcases a delightful blend of traditional flavors, using fresh local ingredients that are sourced from the fertile lands of Apulia.

Local Dishes

When visiting Poggiardo, be sure to try these iconic local dishes:

Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa (Orecchiette with Turnip Tops)

A classic pasta dish from Puglia, orecchiette con cime di rapa features small ear-shaped pasta tossed with sautéed turnip tops, garlic, chili flakes, olive oil, and often sprinkled with grated Pecorino cheese. It is a simple yet flavorful dish that perfectly represents the region's gastronomy.

Pittule

Pittule are deep-fried dough balls made with a mixture of flour, water, and yeast. These crispy and golden-fried delights are often enjoyed as an appetizer or snack, especially during festive occasions and local celebrations.

Tagliata di Manzo (Sliced Beef Steak)

Tagliata di manzo is a succulent dish consisting of thinly sliced beef steak cooked to perfection and served with arugula, cherry tomatoes, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. The quality of the local beef combined with the freshness of the ingredients creates a harmonious flavor profile.

Local Restaurants

Poggiardo boasts several restaurants that offer authentic local cuisine. Here are a few recommended establishments:

• Ristorante del Borgo - A charming restaurant located in the heart of Poggiardo, known for its traditional dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
• Trattoria La Terrazza - This family-run trattoria offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, serving a range of delicious dishes, including regional specialties.
• L'Osteria del Pesce - If you're a seafood lover, this is the place to be. L'Osteria del Pesce is renowned for its fresh seafood dishes prepared with expertise.

Traditional Recipes

If you want to recreate the flavors of Poggiardo at home, try these traditional recipes:

Recipe: Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa

Ingredients:

• 500g orecchiette pasta
• 1 bunch of turnip tops (cime di rapa)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1-2 chili flakes (optional)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Grated Pecorino cheese for serving

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, wash and trim the turnip tops, removing any tough stems.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chili flakes, if desired, and sauté until the garlic becomes golden and fragrant.
4. Add the turnip tops to the skillet and sauté until wilted and tender.
5. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the turnip tops. Toss everything together, adding a drizzle of olive oil if needed.
6. Serve the orecchiette con cime di rapa hot, sprinkled with grated Pecorino cheese.

Recipe: Pittule

Ingredients:

• 500g all-purpose flour
• 1 packet of dried yeast
• Water
• Salt
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, dried yeast, and a pinch of salt.
2. Add water gradually and knead the mixture until you obtain a smooth and elastic dough.
3. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise for at least 1 hour.
4. Once the dough has risen, heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot.
5. Take small portions of dough and shape them into balls using your hands, then flatten them slightly.
6. Gently place the pittule in the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides.
7. Remove the pittule from the oil and drain them on kitchen paper to remove any excess oil.
8. Serve the pittule warm and enjoy as a delightful snack or appetizer.