- FEBRUARY 2018 -
Apulian Cooking
Flour gnocchi with scrum
by Dario Ersetti An elegant meatless recipe from Bari to make the menu on the eve of feast-days more original and interesting November 2017
The scapece of Gallipoli
by Dario Ersetti The history of this delicious product – small fish preserved in vinegar, saffron and grated breadcrumbs – found in the markets of Salento and elsewhere. It is mainly produced in Gallipoli but Vasto, in Abruzzo, also has a special recipe September 2017
Cupeta An irresistibile delicacy
by Dario Ersetti Nougat and almond brittle, typical of many parts of Italy, have remote origins. The same goes for cupeta, a traditional sweet from Lecce, ever-present at street markets and local celebrations June 2017
Simulata with mussels
by Dario Ersetti A delicious dish in which the delicate taste of semola combines with the intensity of the mussels flavored with garlic and oil. There are numerous variations May 2017
Sardine fishballs
by Dario Ersetti A delicate dish, healthy and extremely cheap.We advise accompanying it with a glass of Leverano white wine January 2017
“Fruttone”, the other face of the pasticciotto
by Dario Ersetti The same shape as the pasticciotto but with ingredients typical of Salento: filled with almond paste and quince paste, in a delicious contrast with its chocolate icing.Ideal when accompanied by a glass of Moscato di Trani November 2016
Potato and zucchini soup
by Dario Ersetti The triumph of simple, genuine flavors. But all the ingredients must be top quality September 2016
Oven-baked pasta with eggplant and tomatoes
by Dario Ersetti A simple dish but full of flavor, with the main ingredients of the Mediterranean diet July 2016
Filled wafers
by Dario Ersetti Gargano and nearby Abruzzo both claim paternity.If the ingredients are right the flavor is amazing! May 2016
Cuttlefish with artichokes and potatoes
by Dario Ersetti It’s cooked tuttu paru, that is, with all the ingredients put into the pot at the same time.Delicious! March 2016
Pisieddhri a cecamariti (Peas cecamariti-style) or Pisieddhri cu li muersi (Peas with fried bread)
by Dario Ersetti 2016 has been declared the “International Year of Pulses” by the UN and as its first recipe of the year Bridge suggests a pulse-based dish.It’s an old rustic recipe, really just using up the leftovers, good enough to “blind” your husband January 2016
Fish soup - Taranto style
by Dario Ersetti A traditional dish on Christmas Eve, it is made in several different ways up and down Italy.The freshness of the fish and the speed of cooking are the essential elements November 2015
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Fish A precious part of healthy eating
by Luigi Formisano Protein with a high biological content, omega 3, minerals and vitamins. The substances in fish give the body major benefits and prevent many diseases November 2015
Puccia, pizzi and other delicacies
by Dario Ersetti Plain or with olives, onion, tomato etc., they are an irresistible Apulian street food.It’s better not to make them at home as to get the best results you need professional ovens October 2015
Troccoli with octopus sauce
by Dario Ersetti Delicious recipe enhanced by the rough texture of the troccoli.In summer it's best to use fresh tomatoes July 2015
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Octopus Few calories, good proteins
by Novella Pranzo It is also very rich in minerals. But not recommended for everyone July 2015
Cherry pistofatru
by Dario Ersetti Adding cherries to one of Puglia’s oldest sweets gives a surprising result May 2015
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Loaded with vitamins and minerals, they have outstanding properties: they fight free radicals and aging of the skin, they’re diuretic, depurative and promote sound sleep June 2014
Cherries, a miracle of goodness
by Luigi Formisano Puglia is also well-known for its magnificent “Ferrovia” cherries, grown in the areas of Conversano and Turi.Loaded with vitamins and minerals, they have outstanding properties: they fight free radicals and aging of the skin, they’re diuretic, depurative and promote sound sleep June 2014
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
In its food group, it is the lowest in fat but if you’re on a diet it’s best not to overdo it February 2015
Ricotta Tasty, nutritious and light
by Novella Pranzo Very easy to digest, a source of high biological value protein and very versatile in cooking.In its food group, it is the lowest in fat but if you’re on a diet it’s best not to overdo it February 2015
Soup of cicerchie “alla pizzaiola”
by Dario Ersetti The cicerchia, the tasty pulse found in various parts of Puglia, can be cooked in many ways but “alla pizzaiola” it comes into its own January 2015
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Cicerchia In pursuit of old-time flavors
by Luigi Formisano This pulse is rich in protein and starch but it is important to soak it at length, changing the water several times January 2015
Marzipan fruit
by Dario Ersetti Marzipan in the shape of fruit, which originated in Sicily as “frutta martorana”, is also very common in Puglia.With the traditional marzipan fish, this “fruit” brightens up the Christmas table December 2014
Troccoli with walnut sauce
by Dario Ersetti Typical of Gargano, this recipe from “poor” cuisine is a real delicacy. Easy to make, healthy and sure to be a success September 2014
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Walnuts Topping up on antioxidants
by Novella Pranzo Among their many positive properties, they also lower “bad” cholesterol levels September 2014
Spaghetti with clams and samphire
by Dario Ersetti A delicious recipe using sea aspargus, an extremely versatile plant rich in minerals.No tomato, to give a more “marine” flavor, and a variation with shrimps from Gallipoli July 2014
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
They contain omega 3 but also have high cholesterol and sodium levels July 2014
Clams Low in calories, high in vitamins and minerals
by Novella Pranzo Rich in vitamins of the B-group, they are perfect for those needing to supplement their vegetarian diet.They contain omega 3 but also have high cholesterol and sodium levels July 2014
Lecce’s “rustico”
by Dario Ersetti Delicious street food found in nearly every cafe in Lecce and the surrounding area.Nobody knows where and when it was invented but it is certainly a “cousin” of other delicacies made with pastry similar to our puff pastry in the Balkans and the Middle East June 2014
Pot of spring vegetables
by Dario Ersetti A seasonal dish, light and tasty, best with fresh greens and pulses from Puglia May 2014
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Full of potassium and low in sodium, they help to fight water retention May 2014
Potatoes
by Novella Pranzo In contrast to what is commonly believed, they are not very high in calories and have remarkable nutritional qualities.Full of potassium and low in sodium, they help to fight water retention May 2014
Scarcella …one of the Easter delicacies
by Dario Ersetti It has different names in different parts of Puglia. Cuddhura or puddhica in Salento April 2014
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Precious in cooking, an essential ingredient in countless recipes, it is the symbol of resurrection and of life April 2014
Eggs, an extraordinary food
by Novella Pranzo Rich in protein of high biological value, vitamins and minerals, eggs are easy to digest and have very few counter-indications.Precious in cooking, an essential ingredient in countless recipes, it is the symbol of resurrection and of life April 2014
Marzotica …a taste of spring
by Dario Ersetti In Puglia a few weeks before the beginning of spring the delicatessens are already displaying the first pieces of marzotica ricotta.Delicious with young raw fava beans, it is also used in many recipes. We will give you two very good ones: “Sagne torte with marzotica” and “Marzotica balls” March 2014
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Marzotica ricotta For a calcium hit
by Luigi Formisano Besides being delicious, this cheese is packed with calcium. But it should be eaten in small doses as it has a high calorie and fat content March 2014
Maritati with fresh breadcrumbs
by Dario Ersetti Fresh bread crumbs, grated and fried, with anchovies for a simple, mouth-watering dish.Different names for maritati, in the various parts of Puglia but the same meaning: sex February 2014
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Anchovies A “poor fish” rich in goodness
by Novella Pranzo Loaded with omega-3, they strengthen the immune system. They contain iron and calcium and are an excellent substitute for meat February 2014
Lentils with lampascioni (grape hyacinths bulbs)
by Dario Ersetti From an ancient recipe by the Greek philosopher, Chrysippus, a delicious winter dish January 2014
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
And lentils, like all pulses loaded with positive qualities, are no less nutritious January 2014
Lampascioni (Grape hyacinth bulbs) The viagra of the Ancients
by Novella Pranzo The beneficial properties of these bitter but tasty wild onions are numerous.And lentils, like all pulses loaded with positive qualities, are no less nutritious January 2014
Cakes An alternative to panettone and purceddhruzzi
by Dario Ersetti Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without pastries, but we find that nearly all our lunches and dinners end with the same traditional sweets. They are delicious but for those who feel like something different our gastronomy expert suggests a range of cakes from some of the best pastry shops in Lecce. Enjoy the choice! December 2013
Pasta with black chick peas from the Foggia Murge
by Dario Ersetti Apulian triddhi is the ideal pasta to combine with tasty black chick peas.Differences between this dish and the better-known ciceri e tria November 2013
“Olive leaves” Pasta with olives
by Dario Ersetti An original recipe by Dario Ersetti, inspired by traditional Apulian cooking, using this new kind of pasta, now very popular and easy to find October 2013
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Olives, good and healthy
by Novella Pranzo Ideal against the aging of the skin due to the high content of anti-oxidants that fight free radicals. But watch out for the brine October 2013
Green peppers with mussels
by Dario Ersetti A very tasty dish, ideal in the late summer, when peppers and tomatoes are still in season and the temperature, which begins to cool down, encourages us to go for robuster flavors September 2013
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Beware, however, of the contraindications September 2013
Garlic A natural antibiotic
by Novella Pranzo It has thousands of beneficial properties, but you need to eat it raw.Beware, however, of the contraindications September 2013
Spumone
by Dario Ersetti Sorbet and ice-cream have origins that go way back, in Sicily, Campania and Puglia.Spumone, invented in Naples and exported to Puglia, has become a very popular ice-cream in Salento.
Here’s where to taste the best ones… July 2013
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
In summer it can replace a meal, and is refreshing and easily digested July 2013
Everything you need to know about ice-cream
by Novella Pranzo The home-made stuff is a complete food, with excellent nutritional properties.In summer it can replace a meal, and is refreshing and easily digested July 2013
Apulian calzone
by Dario Ersetti Fried or baked, round or with a half-moon shape, it can have many different types of stuffing: spunzali and anchovies, mozzarella and tomatoes, ricotta and broccoli rabe tips, to which pitted olives, anchovies, capers can be added… June 2013
Foglie mischiate (mixed leaves)
by Dario Ersetti A simple and delicious rustic recipe, which dates back to the age of the Emperor Frederick II.It is made with wild herbs April 2013
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Wild herbs, precious for health
by Novella Pranzo Excellent for enriching and enhancing so many recipes, they are a concentrate of mineral salts, vitamins and fiber April 2013
Baccalà with spunzali
by Dario Ersetti Introduced in southern Italy by the Spaniards in the 15th century, baccalà (dried salted cod) combined with delicious spunzali (spring onions), makes an excellent dish March 2013
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Onions, a concentration of beneficial properties
by Novella Pranzo Diuretic, depurative, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, onions have antitumor properties and reduce heart attack risk March 2013
Artichoke parmigiana
by Dario Ersetti Delicious winter variation of the classic eggplant parmigiana it enhances artichokes of which Puglia has a large and excellent production, particularly in the province of Brindisi.In the US the first Queen of the “Artichoke Festival” was Marilyn Monroe. And there is even a club for artichoke “aficionados” January 2013
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Artichokes …so tasty and precious for our health
by Novella Pranzo They have countless beneficial properties, they lower cholesterol level and are recommended for diabetics. But there are also some counter-indications January 2013
Purceddhruzzi and carteddhrate to sweeten your Christmas
by Dario Ersetti A must on Apulian tables throughout the Christmas holidays, they are delicious fried “sweets” covered with honey, originating from the Middle East.There are countless variations in the ingredients, almost a competition to see who succeeds in making the best ones December 2012
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
In right amounts it is suitable for children, the elderly, the sick and people practicing sports. December 2012
Honey A prodigious food
by Novella Pranzo It has extraordinary nutritional, antibacterial, antibiotic and cosmetic properties.In right amounts it is suitable for children, the elderly, the sick and people practicing sports. December 2012
Apulian focaccia
by Dario Ersetti The Bari focaccia contains tomatoes, the one in Altamura onions and olives, the one made in Lecce is plain. Each town, and even every family, in Puglia, has its own variation November 2012
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Eulogy to carbohydrates
by Novella Pranzo The excellent Apulian focaccia, like all other carbohydrates, is not completely forbidden even for those who are following a slimming regime. In modest quantities, it is one of the staples of a healthy diet November 2012
Red mullet with tomatoes
by Dario Ersetti An exquisite dish when made with freshly-caught red mullet, preferably off the Gallipoli rocks.It can also be used as a sauce to dress a dish of Foggia-style troccoli October 2012
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Positive effects even on the I.Q. October 2012
Fish Protein of high biological quality
by Novella Pranzo The fatty acid Omega 3 and other nutritional substances make it an extraordinary food.Positive effects even on the I.Q. October 2012
Poor Man’s style zucchini
by Dario Ersetti Fried or “pickled” they are a great summer appetizer July 2012
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Zucchini An ideal summer food for the table
by Novella Pranzo Full of vitamins, digestible, diuretic, it fights cellulite, promotes relaxation and even sleep July 2012
Stuffed pepper rolls
by Dario Ersetti Very tasty, you can also enjoy them cold.This recipe is originally from the province of Foggia June 2012
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Peppers
Super-concentrated
by Novella Pranzo
They have more vitamin C than oranges, and contain many other vitamins and minerals.
They are more easily digested when peeled or eaten raw June 2012
Peppers
Super-concentrated
with vitamin C
by Novella Pranzo
They have more vitamin C than oranges, and contain many other vitamins and minerals. They are more easily digested when peeled or eaten raw June 2012
Pea soup
by Dario Ersetti A shockingly simple dish which you can make lighter with a few tips May 2012
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
They are best eaten with cereals (bread, pasta and rice) May 2012
Fresh peas Lots of vitamins and the taste of Spring
by Novella Pranzo They have great nutritional value and are an excellent source of calcium, phosphorous, vitamins and fibre.They are best eaten with cereals (bread, pasta and rice) May 2012
Almond paste Easter lambs
by Dario Ersetti The origins of almond paste can be traced through the centuries as far back as the Etruscans and the Ancient Romans.During the Easter festivities it takes the shape of lambs, a tradition that derives from the Christian religion April 2012
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Almonds So good …and precious for health and beauty
by Novella Pranzo Minerals and vitamins in abundance, “good” fats and properties that can prevent many illnesses April 2012
St. Joseph’s zeppole
by Dario Ersetti An old recipe for one of the most delicious desserts in Southern Italy.There are many variations: without cream, with cream and cherries in syrup or with cream and chocolate cream sauce. They are all irresistible March 2012
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
And if you sometimes go “overboard” when eating, it really is better to immediately diet the next day to get rid of the excess calories right away March 2012
Sweets How to stay in shape without feeling deprived
by Novella Pranzo A sweet every now and then does not hurt and it helps to improve mood. Sweets are definitely not forbidden if you have an active lifestyle and do sports.And if you sometimes go “overboard” when eating, it really is better to immediately diet the next day to get rid of the excess calories right away March 2012
Tubettini pasta with mussels
by Dario Ersetti An easy and delicious dish to make.It’s for those who love the smell of tomato and the sea February 2012
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
For health reasons they are best eaten cooked February 2012
Mussels For a full serving of minerals
by Novella Pranzo They are low in calories but rich in many precious elements your body needs.For health reasons they are best eaten cooked February 2012
Ciceri e tria (pasta and chickpeas)
by Dario Ersetti It is a traditional Salento dish, but has Arabian/Sicilian origins.The finishing touch that adds special flavor comes from frying a small amount of pasta separately and mixing it with the rest just before serving January 2012
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Their myriad properties make them precious allies in maintaining good health.
And if you have trouble digesting them you can use kombu seaweed January 2012
Chickpeas Precious for good health and very tasty too
by Novella Pranzo Coupled with grain, as in “pasta and chickpeas,” they are a complete food source.Their myriad properties make them precious allies in maintaining good health.
And if you have trouble digesting them you can use kombu seaweed January 2012
Pittule
by Dario Ersetti Plain or full of vegetables, “alla pizzaiola” or flavored with fennel seeds, make them according to tradition, and just freshly fried, they are irresistible... December 2011
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Extra virgin olive oil elixir of health and beauty
by Novella Pranzo A staple ingredient in the Mediterranean diet, it has countless remarkable properties. It is also the best for frying December 2011
Leccese Quince
by Dario Ersetti A delicacy prepared in Autumn, when the quince are ripe November 2011
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
The innumerable qualities of quince
by Novella Pranzo An astringent agent which also has a laxative quality, it acts as an anti-inflammatory and anti-cholesterol agent as well, and the seeds have anti-aging properties that can prevent wrinkling of the skin November 2011
Lecce’s eggplant parmigiana
by Dario Ersetti It was the dish for the Eve of St. Oronzo but made with an abundance of ingredients. It is extremely tasty and there are many different varieties September 2011
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Eggplant, depurative and very tasty
by Novella Pranzo It is a food source with many properties, including that of freeing the system from impurities, thus helping to combat cellulite and high cholesterol September 2011
Burnt grain
by Dario Ersetti From the original Foggiano paupers’ dish, to an exquisite recipe for refined palates.In the past, after the stubble had been burnt, the peasants could keep the scorched kernels left on the ground for themselves and they used to make flour from it. These days that flavor is achieved by toasting the grain July 2011
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Cooking does not dent its nutritional properties July 2011
The tomato king of good health and beauty
by Novella Pranzo It contains lycopene, a substance that has extraordinary antioxidant powers and which prevents many illnesses.Cooking does not dent its nutritional properties July 2011
Pasticciotto, a delight from Salento
by Dario Ersetti A typical treat from Lecce and its surrounding areas, made with a sweet crust and pastry cream.You can find exquisite ones in all the famous pastry shops, but making them at home is not very difficult.
They are best eaten fresh out of the oven June 2011
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Pasticciotto
by Novella Pranzo Irresistible, genuine, and a super nutrient. For sure it is not a dietetic food source, but it packs a lot of energy and puts you in a good mood June 2011
Purée of fresh fava beans with chicory from Galatina
by Dario Ersetti A delicious springtime variant on the classic “fava bean purée with chicory”, which is prepared with dried beans.It is easy to make and a sure success May 2011
MEDITERRANEAN DIET
Fresh fava beans Chock full of energy and beauty
by Novella Pranzo They have the lowest caloric value of all legumes, and are a goldmine of antioxidants, fiber, and precious vitamins and minerals May 2011
Orecchiette with broccoli rabe
by Dario Ersetti A dish from long ago, it is cooked in many different ways… April 2011
MEDITERRANEAN DIET