Pasta and Potatoes Pugliese Style is not just a dish: it is a tradition, a moment of sharing, a piece of culinary history that is passed down from generation to generation in Pugliese families. This dish, in its simplicity, encapsulates the ability to transform simple ingredients into an unforgettable taste experience.
Ingredients:
- 400g of durum wheat pasta (preferably orecchiette or troccoli)
- 600g of potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 4 tablespoons of Pugliese extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- A bunch of fresh basil
- 100g of grated Pugliese pecorino cheese
Preparation:
- Cooking the Potatoes: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cubed potatoes and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Cooking the Pasta: In the same potato water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. The choice to use the potato water to cook the pasta is a Pugliese secret to enrich the dish with flavor.
- Preparing the Sauce: While the pasta and potatoes are cooking, in a large pan heat the extra virgin olive oil and sauté the garlic cloves until golden. Remove the garlic and add the drained potatoes, letting them flavor and lightly brown in the oil.
- Combining the Ingredients: Drain the al dente pasta and transfer it to the pan with the potatoes. Gently mix the ingredients over medium heat, adding a little cooking water if necessary to make the dish creamier.
- Finishing the Dish: Turn off the heat and add the grated pecorino, hand-torn fresh basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to melt the cheese and blend the flavors.
Presentation:
Serve the Pasta and Potatoes Pugliese Style hot, garnishing the dish with additional grated pecorino and basil leaves. A drizzle of raw extra virgin olive oil will enhance the taste of Pugliese flavors.
Notes and Variations:
This dish can be customized according to taste: some add chili pepper for a spicy touch, while others prefer a more rustic version with the addition of turnip tops or other seasonal vegetables.
Pasta and Potatoes Pugliese Style represents the essence of Pugliese cuisine: simplicity, taste, and tradition. A dish that tells stories of families, shared meals, and love for their land. Preparing and enjoying it means taking a journey into the authentic flavors of Puglia, a journey that AGROPUGLIA is proud to share with you.
