The Puglian Cookbook: Bringing the Flavors of Puglia Home

by Viktorija Todorovska

A collection of simple, healthy, flavorful recipes based in the traditions of the southern Italian region of Puglia.The cuisine of Puglia is famous for being among the best in Italy. Puglian food is deeply rooted in the traditions of this southern Italian region, its geography, and its history as the breadbasket of Italy and the largest producer of olive oil.In this cookbook, beautifully illustrated with recipe and preparation photos as well as images from Puglia itself, first-time author Viktorija Todorovska (a Chicagoan who studied cooking at the famed Florentince culinary school Apicius) has created a memorable introduction to this unsung cuisine. Puglian cooking’s two great benefits are of huge interest it’s very simple, usually requiring little technique and basic prepartion, and it’s incredibly healthful, as it’s based largely on olive oil and fresh vegetables.Puglian cooking as Todorovska presents it here respects the integrity and quality of the ingredients, which should be as fresh high quality as possible. The recipes in this cookbook are simple, the ingredients easy to find, and the dishes bursting of flavor. These are healthful, easy to prepare dishes that should appeal to everyone.Praise for The Puglian Cookbook“We love that before cranking up the heat at the stove, Todorovska pauses to make sure we have a deep understanding of the ingredients that are the fundamentals of Puglian cuisine. She writes for the home cook, with no fancy tricks, no hard-to-find ingredients.” —Chicago Tribune“For those who want a taste of excellent, yet different Italian cooking, The Puglian Cookbook is not to be missed.” —Midwest Book Review

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Nonfiction, Reference

162 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 22, 2011

Reviews

[Sienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw a deal for the ebook version so I checked it out from my library. I started to look at it & ended up reading the whole thing, wanting to cook many of the dishes, & circled back to buy it on the deal. Making Puglian Potatoes & Peasant Chicken tonight. The ingredients are all so familiar & already in my pantry. I cook like this already! Looking forward to learning more about my favorite ingredients, & to visiting Puglia in September!

[Miralicious · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cookbook focuses on a specific regional Italian cuisine that I’ve never cooked before. It utilizes simple flavors and especially highlights bitter leafy greens to make surprisingly tasty meals. The pictures are novice-level, but I can’t hold it against the author as she at least tried (and I could do little better). I enjoyed cooking from this book and have now put Puglia on my list of places to visit. Just kidding, it’s been on my list for a while, but now it’s moved up a little higher on the scale of immediacy.

[Sandra Noel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Italian cooking as it should be! Delightfully delicious dishes prepared simply with quality ingredients. From a classic Tomato Bruschetta to White Focaccia with Olives or a lovely Zucchini Frittata, there is an array of dishes to satisfy.

Lentil Soup sounds practically boring with its seven simple ingredients, but it cooks up to something that is so homey and satisfying it seems impossible that it was so easy to make! My family are not big on lentils (though I love them!), but they all enjoyed this classic dish.

Rustic Tomato Sauce is a fairly quick, rich (thank the anchovies and olives for that) sauce to grace any pasta, or even just to let your meatballs swim in! Roasted Potatoes with Breadcrumbs bring a new twist to your basic potatoes. For dessert, why not try Shortbread Cookies with Dark Chocolate and Almonds (a match made in heaven!), a sleek Chocolate Tart, or a light Coffee Pudding!

Less is more. It's an old adage, but this book just proves it true once more. Simple flavors, well prepared. Experience this delightful cuisine for yourself!

I received a copy of this book from Surrey Books through Agate Publishing for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Nancy DeFrane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I tried several of the recipes in this book and they were really very good as well as easy to prepare. If you like to cook and enjoy Italian food read this book!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many great recipes to try.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many good sounding recipes. I particularlly want to make the pasta without eggs and some of the bean recipes.

[Monika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful recipes but what really stuck a chord with me was the fact that it really took me to Italy. Lovely lovely read