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basilicata regional food, regional food of basilicata
Basilicata Food

Basilicata Food: Savor Authentic Regional Italian Cuisine

Nestled between the heel and the toe of Italy's boot lies Basilicata, a region rich in history, culture, and an extraordinary culinary tradition that has been shaped by its geography, climate, and the ingenuity of its people. Despite being one of the less-known Italian regions, Basilicata boasts a cuisine that can rival any of its more famous neighbors, with dishes that speak of the land and the seasons.

The Influence of Land and History on Basilicatan Cuisine

Basilicata, also known as Lucania, is a land of contrasts. From the sun-baked hills and ancient villages to the rugged mountains and untouched forests, the region's food is a reflection of its diverse landscapes and the historical layers that have contributed to its cultural makeup. The Lucanian cuisine is a testament to the resourcefulness of its people, who have traditionally had to make do with what the land provided.

The Staple Ingredients

The Lucanian pantry is one of simplicity and quality. Beans, sturdy vegetables, durum wheat, and pork play starring roles in many dishes. The region's bread, particularly from Matera, with its ancient grains and sourdough techniques, has garnered international acclaim. Olive oil is a liquid gold here, with the local variety, the "Olio di Oliva Vulture," being a protected geographical indication (PGI) product.

Bread and Baked Goods: The Heart of Basilicatan Cuisine

Matera bread, with its crusty exterior and soft, fragrant interior, is a product of the region's ancient baking traditions. But it's not just about bread. Basilicata is also home to a variety of baked goods, such as the ‘peperoni cruschi,’ crispy dried peppers, and the ‘focaccia di patate,’ a potato-based focaccia that's a testament to the versatility of the region's potato crops.

Pasta: A Creative Canvas

Pasta in Basilicata comes in all shapes and sizes, often handcrafted with a creative twist. The ‘fusilli lucani,’ a type of pasta that is hand-twisted into helical shapes, is typically served with a hearty meat sauce. Another signature dish is ‘strascinati,’ pasta shapes that are dragged across a wooden board to create a concave form, perfect for holding onto the robust flavors of the region’s sauces.

Meat and Cheese: From the Pastures to the Plate

Pork is the preferred meat in Basilicata, with sausages like ‘lucanica’ being a staple. The region's rugged terrain is also ideal for sheep and goat herding, with cheeses such as ‘pecorino di Filiano’ (a DOP product) being a savory treat. ‘Caciocavallo podolico’ is another prized cheese, made from the milk of the Podolica cow, known for its rich and intense flavor.

Vegetables and Legumes: The Soul of Lucanian Dishes

Legumes are an essential part of the Basilicata diet, with dishes like ‘crapiata,’ a soup made from a mix of legumes, representing the peasant roots of the cuisine. The fertile valleys produce a bounty of vegetables, from artichokes to eggplants, which are often preserved in oil or made into delectable stews.

Seafood: A Coastal Bounty

Despite its limited coastline, Basilicata’s coastal areas offer fresh seafood dishes. The ‘baccalà alla lucana’ is a testament to the ingenious ways the region's cooks have learned to use salted cod, brought from more northern seas.

The Harmony of Flavors: Lucanian Gastronomy Today

The food of Basilicata is a delicate balance between the robust flavors of the land and the simple, yet profound techniques of its preparation. It's a cuisine that has started to make waves in the gastronomic scene, with Matera's designation as a European Capital of Culture in 2019 shining a spotlight on the region's culinary wealth.

Sweet Endings: Desserts and Pastries

Basilicata’s desserts are as varied as its landscape, with ‘calzone di San Leonardo’ (a sweet calzone filled with a rich cream) and ‘pancotto’ (a sweetened bread soup) being just the tip of the iceberg. ‘Pastiera di grano,’ a tart made with wheat berries, ricotta, and orange flower water, blends the flavors of Basilicata with the influences of nearby regions.

Wine: The Elixir of the Lucanian Table

No exploration of Basilicata’s food would be complete without mentioning its wines. The ‘Aglianico del Vulture’ is the region's most renowned wine, a robust red that encapsulates the volcanic terroir of the Vulture area.

The Future of Basilicatan Cuisine

As the world becomes more interested in authentic and regional foods, Basilicata’s cuisine is poised for international recognition. Chefs within and outside Italy are finding inspiration in the traditional dishes of the region, interpreting them in new and exciting ways while staying true to the core principles of simplicity and flavor.

In conclusion, the cuisine of Basilicata is a journey through time, taste, and tradition. It is a culinary tale told with humble ingredients that transform into dishes with remarkable depth and complexity. As more food enthusiasts discover Lucania's table, the region's gastronomic profile is set to rise, bringing with it a well-deserved appreciation for its rich and vibrant food culture. Whether it’s the hand-twisted fusilli topped with a rich ragu or the sweet whispers of a ricotta-filled pastiera, Basilicata’s cuisine invites you to discover the heart and soul of this lesser-known, yet no less extraordinary, piece of Italy.

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More Details

Flag of Basilicata
Basilicata flag
  • Regional Information

    • Area: 9,995 km²
      Population: 600,000
      Density: 59/km²
      Capital: Potenza

      National Parks:
      The Pollino National Park

Location of Basilicata
Basilicata location
Provinces of Basilicata
Basilicata provinces
  • Comunes of Basilicata
    • Matera (MT)
      • Accettura
        Aliano
        Bernalda
        Calciano
        Cirigliano
        Colobraro
        Craco
        Ferrandina
        Garaguso
        Gorgoglione
        Grassano
        Grottole
        Irsina
        Matera
        Miglionico
        Montalbano Jonico
        Montescaglioso
        Nova Siri
        Oliveto Lucano
        Pisticci
        Policoro
        Pomarico
        Rotondella
        Salandra
        San Giorgio Lucano
        San Mauro Forte
        Scanzano Jonico
        Stigliano
        Tricarico
        Tursi
        Valsinni
    • Potenza (PZ)
      • Abriola
        Acerenza
        Albano di Lucania
        Anzi
        Armento
        Atella
        Avigliano
        Balvano
        Banzi
        Baragiano
        Barile
        Bella
        Brienza
        Brindisi Montagna
        Calvello
        Calvera
        Campomaggiore
        Cancellara
        Carbone
        Castelgrande
        Castelluccio Inferiore
        Castelluccio Superiore
        Castelmezzano
        Castelsaraceno
        Castronuovo di Sant’Andrea
        Cersosimo
        Chiaromonte
        Corleto Perticara
        Episcopia
        Fardella
        Filiano
        Forenza
        Francavilla in Sinni
        Gallicchio
        Genzano di Lucania
        Ginestra
        Grumento Nova
        Guardia Perticara
        Lagonegro
        Latronico
        Laurenzana
        Lauria
        Lavello
        Maratea
        Marsico Nuovo
        Marsicovetere
        Maschito
        Melfi
        Missanello
        Moliterno
        Montemilone
        Montemurro
        Muro Lucano
        Nemoli
        Noepoli
        Oppido Lucano
        Palazzo San Gervasio
        Paterno
        Pescopagano
        Picerno
        Pietragalla
        Pietrapertosa
        Pignola
        Potenza
        Rapolla
        Rapone
        Rionero in Vulture
        Ripacandida
        Rivello
        Roccanova
        Rotonda
        Ruoti
        Ruvo del Monte
        San Chirico Nuovo
        San Chirico Raparo
        San Costantino Albanese
        San Fele
        San Martino d’Agri
        San Paolo Albanese
        San Severino Lucano
        Sant’Angelo Le Fratte
        Sant’Arcangelo
        Sarconi
        Sasso di Castalda
        Satriano di Lucania
        Savoia di Lucania
        Senise
        Spinoso
        Teana
        Terranova di Pollino
        Tito
        Tolve
        Tramutola
        Trecchina
        Trivigno
        Vaglio Basilicata
        Venosa
        Vietri di Potenza
        Viggianello
        Viggiano
Airports in Basilicata
Basilicata airports
Hotels in Basilicata
Basilicata hotels
BASILICATAWEATHER
Basilicata Climate (Potenza)
  High Low Sun Rain
Jan 6 1 - 63
Feb 7 1 - 54
Mar 9 2 - 53
Apr 13 5 - 60
May 18 9 - 46
Jun 22 13 - 42
Jul 25 15 - 29
Aug 25 15 - 36
Sep 21 13 - 45
Oct 16 9 - 70
Nov 11 5 - 80
Dec 8 2 - 74
Table Key:
High - Average monthly high temperatures
Low - Average monthly low temperatures
Sun - Average hours of sunshine per day
Rain - Average monthly rainfall in mm
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