Food 101 on our fourth season with Chef Allessandro Panattoni.

Food 101

Puglia, the sun-drenched region in southern Italy, is celebrated for its rustic and flavorful cuisine, which highlights the simplicity and richness of locally-sourced ingredients. Known as Italy’s “breadbasket,” Puglia offers iconic dishes like orecchiette, a unique ear-shaped pasta traditionally served with cime di rapa (turnip tops) or rich tomato-based sauces. Focaccia barese, a fluffy flatbread often topped with cherry tomatoes and olives, is a staple, embodying the robust flavors of the region. Seafood also plays a starring role, with dishes like tiella, a layered casserole of mussels, rice, and potatoes, and polpo alla pignata, an octopus stew cooked with tomatoes and herbs. Another beloved classic is fave e cicoria, a creamy fava bean purée served with sautéed chicory, reflecting Puglia’s love for simple yet hearty ingredients. Every dish from Puglia resonates with the authentic taste of the Mediterranean, offering a culinary journey into the heart of Italian tradition.