Puglia is a region in the South of Italy, famous for its olive oil and wine. A largely agricultural area, it is home to Bari, Brindisi, Taranto and Lecce. It is flat and fertile with a spectacular coastline and many resorts. 

The agricultural traditions of the region have meant that the food is inspired by the local produce: wheat, vegetables and olive oil. The Apulians have a particular love of fava beans, similar to broad beans, which they use to make thick soups in the Winter and as part of salads in the Summer. They are even added to pastas and often ground into purees. An incredibly versatile vegetable - you will find it from May through to Autumn in local markets.

Apulians tend to make use of wild vegetables such as broccoli raab and dandelions. They are boiled first until they are soft - this is to reduce the bitterness. They are then sauted in olive oil until they are incredibly tender and only the hint of the original bitterness remains. Served either alone or as part of a dish, they add a certain unique flavour which is associated with Puglia.

Traditionally pasta wasn't made with eggs, since they were considered a luxury, so the pasta is made from durum wheat flour and water. Orecchiette is the most traditional pasta in Puglia. Another speciality is maccheroni al forno, traditionally a Sunday dish, but also used for special occasions such as Lent. The pasta is cooked with a tomato sauce, meatballs (often a mixture of beef and pork) and hard boiled eggs. It is then covered with mozzarella and baked in the oven. 

Due to the abundance of durum wheat, bread is of particular importance to the people of the region. In some villages there are still communal bread ovens. Some of the most common specialities include Pane di Altamura, a sourdough durum wheat bread, and Focaccia ripiena, bread filled with mozzarella, tomatoes, ham and leek.

One final highlight of Puglia, and not a cullinary one, are Trulli, the traditional houses of the Apulians. The homes of the peasants were originally designed as a form of tax evasion, since they can be easily dismantled! Now they are an important part of the Puglian landscape. Alberobello is a beautiful town made up of mainly Trulli and is definitely worth a visit - it is recognised as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations.