You’ll discover the heart and soul of Puglia through its rich culinary heritage, where centuries-old traditions blend with the bounty of the Mediterranean. Helping you bring a little of Southern Italy into your own kitchen, we share two quintessential dishes and their recipes, that represent the region’s famous flavours and simplicity: Orecchiette con le Cime di Rapa and Burrata with Tomato and Basil. Orecchiette, ear-shaped pasta, pairs perfectly with tender broccoli rabe, garlic, and chili, offering a taste of the sun-drenched fields. Meanwhile, creamy Burrata cheese, balanced with ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil, encapsulates the freshness of Puglia’s ingredients.
Orecchiette alle cime di rapa
Ingredients
- 400g fresh orecchiette
- 1 bunch fresh turnip tops (called rappi at the markets)
- 300g pork and fennel seed sausages
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 long red chilli
- 100mL extra virgin olive oil
- 80g toasted breadcrumbs
Method
- Heat oil in a wide fry pan. Brown the chopped sausages.
- Boil the orecchiette in a large pot with salted water.
- Add chopped garlic, chilli and breadcrumbs to sausages and toss for a few seconds. Set aside.
- Add turnip tops (rappi) to the water with the pasta and cook for 1 minute. Strain.
- Bring the pan back to the stove and toss the pasta and turnip with the sausage mixture and a bit more olive oil.
- Serve the orecchiette alle cime di rapa hot, topped with grated Pecorino cheese. Enjoy!
Burrata with Tomato and Basil
Ingredients
- 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1 ball of Burrata cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Balsamic glaze (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
- Start by slicing the tomatoes into thin rounds and arrange them on a serving platter.
- Carefully tear the Burrata cheese apart and place it in the centre of the tomato slices.
- Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the tomatoes and Burrata.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil generously over the dish. You can also add a few drops of balsamic glaze for extra flavour (optional).
- Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, allowing guests to scoop up the Burrata, tomatoes, and basil with crusty bread.