Cilento cuisine has its roots in an ancient and rich history. The traditional recipes of the Cilento were born from the combination of simple and genuine ingredients, the fruit of the bounty of the Cilento land and sea. These poor but extremely tasty dishes have conquered the most demanding palates, making Cilento cuisine one of the most appreciated not only in Italy, but also abroad. And also discover where to try these dishes in an excellent Cilento restaurant in Rocca Gloriosa.
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A taste of Cilento, appetisers and first courses
The journey of discovery of Cilento cuisine begins with appetisers and first courses. Among the most representative dishes is acquasale cilentana, a simple and tasty preparation made with toasted bread, extra virgin olive oil, anchovies and cherry tomatoes. Another typical starter is the bruschette ai fichi cilentani (bruschetta with Cilento figs), where the flavours of the Cilento land can be found: white figs, Cilento goat cheese, homemade bread and local olive oil.
For lovers of seafood flavours, marinated anchovies are a real treat. These anchovies, called “di menaica”, are caught in the waters of Pisciotta and Pollica and are famous for their unique and intense flavour. If, on the other hand, you prefer a richer taste, you cannot miss the zeppole di alici, typical of Castellabate.
Moving on to first courses, the protagonists are undoubtedly pasta and pulses. Among the most popular recipes are lagane e ceci, a simple pasta seasoned with local chickpeas, and cavatielli alla cilentana, a fresh pasta made in a special way.
Altri primi piatti da non perdere sono gli spaghetti alle patelle cilentane, a base di un particolare mollusco, e gli spaghetti pane e olio, un piatto antico dal sapore unico.
Secondi piatti e contorni, dal mare alla terra
Cilento cuisine offers a wide variety of main courses, ranging from fish to meat. The main fish dishes include anchovies, which are prepared in a variety of ways in Cilento: from anchovies soaked to anchovies arreganate and stuffed anchovies. Other fish dishes not to be missed are baccalà alla cilentana, calamari mbuttunati and mullet alla pizzaiola.
If, on the other hand, you prefer meat, braciola alla cilentana is a dish not to be missed. Other typical meat dishes are pork sfriunzolo, prepared with guanciale and “topepo” peppers preserved in oil, and wild boar stew with green pepper.
To accompany these dishes, Cilento cuisine offers a wide variety of side dishes. Among these, soaked artichokes, stuffed aubergines, Cilento-style escarole and spicy Cilento chickpeas deserve special mention.
Traditional Cilento sweets
Cilento cuisine would not be complete without its traditional desserts. Among these, the cannoli cilentani are a real treat: unlike the better-known Sicilian cannoli, these are filled with custard and chocolate cream. Other sweets not to be missed are Cilento knuckles, Cilento morselletti, Cilento zite and Cilento wheat or rice pastiera.
Discover the taste of our ricotta and chocolate:
During the festive season, Cilento pastries are enriched with other delicacies, such as castagnole cilentane and chiacchiere cilentane for Carnival, and scauratielli and struffoli for Christmas.
Where to try Cilento cuisine
If you wish to taste typical Cilento dishes, we recommend visiting the “Ù Trappitu del Cilento” and “Rocca Gloriosa” restaurants. These restaurants, located in the heart of the Cilento region, offer an authentic gastronomic experience based on respect for traditions and quality ingredients.
‘Cilento cuisine is a journey through authentic flavours and age-old traditions, capable of conquering the most demanding palates.’
Conclusion
Cilento cuisine represents a gastronomic heritage of inestimable value, able to amaze with its simplicity and authenticity. Through its typical dishes, this cuisine tells stories of land and sea, of farmers and fishermen, of ancient traditions and unforgettable flavours. Tasting Cilento cuisine means taking a journey into the heart of a generous and welcoming land, discovering the secrets of a unique and inimitable gastronomy.
Come and discover our menu, where each dish is a rollercoaster of flavours and a homage to Italian peasant cuisine, exalted in its purest and most delicious form. Here, tradition meets innovation in an embrace that celebrates the beating heart of true Italian cuisine.
You can also read this article dedicated to our restaurant:
https://www.giornaledelcilento.it/u-trappitu-il-ristorante-dai-sapori-antichi-cilentani
