Spring in Puglia is an explosion of flavors and aromas, thanks to the freshness of seasonal ingredients and the richness of the local gastronomic tradition. In this article we suggest five unmissable dishes of the Apulian and Salento spring that will make you fall in love with the authentic and genuine taste of this splendid region. And if you also want to taste them, why not do it by dining among the olive trees of the Café Bistrot “Il Torrino” at the Tenuta Rocci Cerasoli?

 

1. Potato pitta: the unmissable classic

In this proposal of unmissable dishes of the Apulian cuisine, we could not start with a great classic: potato pitta. It is one of the oldest traditional recipes of Salento, which housewives have repeated over the years always using the same ingredients and procedures. It consists of an irresistible savory pie made with potatoes, stuffed with onions, parmesan, black olives, capers, breadcrumbs plus eggs, anchovies and mint to taste. Tasty and substantial, it is perfect to enjoy during a trip to the countryside or a spring picnic immersed in the greenery of nature in full bloom.

2. Cavatelli with marzotica, asparagus and rocket: the richness of simplicity

Cavatelli with marzotica, asparagus and rocket is a dish that best reflects the Apulian mood, where true richness is found in simple things. In fact, it combines fresh handmade pasta with natural and seasonal ingredients. Marzotica, for example, is a cheese similar to strong ricotta but more delicate and owes its name to the fact that it is produced in the summer, when sheep and goats graze on spring fodder and provide the richest and most flavorful milk. What can we say about asparagus and rocket, two true kings of the Apulian Mediterranean scrub that in this season begin to grow and develop luxuriantly spontaneously.

3. Rice, potatoes and artichokes: the vegetarian tiella

The baked rice, potato and artichoke tiella is the vegetarian version of the more famous potatoes, rice and mussels and is a typical Apulian recipe to be made in spring, when artichokes are in season. It is a peasant root dish originating from the Bari area and province that includes rice, potatoes and artichokes seasoned with lots of parmesan or pecorino cheese and extra virgin olive oil: all these ingredients are put together raw in a terracotta pan and cooked slowly in the oven, until gratinated. An extraordinary dish, with unique goodness, perfect for celebrating the freshness and variety of spring products.

4. Focaccia Cipollata: an explosion of colors

Focaccia Cipollata is another delicacy of Apulian cuisine, characterized by a layer of caramelized onions that gives the dish a unique and enveloping flavor. Similar to potato pitta because it uses more or less the same filling, it differs in its external dough which is essentially that of a pizza, but made using onion sauce instead of water, which makes it even tastier as well as colorful. Focaccia Cipollata is ideal for an outdoor lunch, not surprisingly it is never missing from the classic trips out of town that Apulians take on weekends when spring lengthens the days and makes the air warmer.

5. Ciceri e tria: the secret of double cooking

Finally, ciceri e tria represent another symbolic recipe of Salento, composed of fresh fried pasta and chickpeas. It is one of the main dishes of the traditional “Tavole di San Giuseppe” based on chickpeas and fresh pasta made with durum wheat semolina and aesthetically similar to tagliatelle. What makes this dish unique is the double cooking of the pasta: one part is boiled and the other is fried in boiling oil to give crunchiness to the final dish. A true delight for the palate and a tribute to the homely and genuine cuisine of Salento as well as to spring, since it symbolically brings to the table the colors of the narcissus, a typical flower of this season. Spring in Puglia is a feast for the senses, with its bright colors and authentic flavors: if you are planning a trip to Salento, take advantage of this season to enjoy the authentic beauty of the area in a quieter period. Book your stay in the magical atmosphere of Tenuta Rocci Cerasoli and prepare to live an unforgettable gastronomic experience dining surrounded by centuries-old olive trees, pampered by the mastery of the chefs of our restaurant, Café Bistrot Il Torrino.