Ostuni, the beautiful "White City" of Apulia, is not only renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and enchanting beaches, but also for its rich culinary tradition that reflects the authenticity and genuineness of Apulian cuisine. Let's discover together the specialties and typical dishes that characterize the gastronomic identity of this fascinating city.
We begin our culinary journey with orecchiette, an iconic dish of Apulian cuisine and also of Ostuni. This pasta, named after its ear-like shape, is prepared with durum wheat flour, water and a pinch of salt, still following the ancient tradition of hand-making. Among the most popular variations are orecchiette with turnip tops, but there are also those with tomato sauce, broccoli and sausage.
Another unmissable protagonist of the Ostuni table is the panzerotto pugliese. These are tasty half-moons of leavened dough, filled with stringy mozzarella and tomato, and then fried to an irresistible crispness. Perfect for an afternoon snack, a quick lunch or a tasty appetizer, panzerotti come in many variations, from the classic tomato and mozzarella filling to those with meat, vegetables or even mortadella.
When talking about typical Apulian products, one cannot fail to mention taralli. These irresistible baked snacks, included in the list of traditional Italian food products, are perfect for any occasion, from aperitifs to snacks. With a wide range of variations, from savory to spicy to sweet, taralli represent a true symbol of Apulian gastronomic tradition.
Among Ostuni's most famous and authentic pasta dishes are cavatelli con ceci, an ideal dish to face the winter days. This fresh pasta, prepared with durum wheat semolina and water, goes perfectly with chickpeas, rich in protein, creating a unique and satisfying combination of flavors.
A poor dish but rich in flavor and tradition is fava bean puree with wild chicory. Dried fava beans are turned into a creamy puree, while wild chicory, cooked whole leaf, is rolled and dipped in the puree for a flavor combination that wins the palate.
Inevitable in Ostuni's gastronomy is focaccia with onions, a hearty and flavorful treat perfect for any occasion, from parties to family outings. Prepared with onions and often enriched with olives, this focaccia requires time and dedication in preparation, but the result is an explosion of flavor worth every effort.
To conclude our journey among the delicacies of Ostuni, we cannot forget the cartellate, sweets related to religious holidays and with ancient origins. These mouth-watering sweets, similar to roses of thin fried dough, are traditionally accompanied by vincotto, creating a combination of flavors and tradition that enchants the palate.
Finally, a simple yet authentically flavored dessert are almond dried figs. These delicious sweets, once a symbol of poorer families because of their cheapness and long shelf life, are filled with toasted almonds and enriched with vincotto, sugar and chopped chocolate, creating an explosion of flavor in every bite.
During the Christmas season, Ostuni's tables are filled with enveloping scents and authentic flavors, creating a unique atmosphere that invites you to celebrate Christmas with joy and conviviality. Discovering Ostuni's Christmas culinary traditions means immersing yourself in a world of traditional delicacies passed down from generation to generation, where each dish carries with it the warmth and history of local families.
In conclusion, fully immerse yourself in Ostuni's unique culinary experience, savoring its specialties and typical dishes that reflect the authenticity and tradition of Apulian cuisine. And if you want to fully experience all that this beautiful city has to offer, why not book one of our vacation rentals in Ostuni? Treat yourself to the luxury of a comfortable and cozy accommodation, right in the heart of this charming location, and get ready for an unforgettable journey among flavors, scents and breathtaking landscapes. Don't wait any longer, book now and treat yourself to a dream vacation in Ostuni!
