Discover the Best Food in Matera Italy: A Culinary Adventure

Are you a food lover looking for the ultimate gastronomic experience? Look no further than Matera, Italy, a hidden gem in the southern region of Basilicata that boasts a rich culinary tradition. From hearty pasta dishes to mouth-watering meat dishes, Matera offers a diverse range of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Join us on a culinary adventure as we explore the best food in Matera Italy.

🍝Pasta Dishes

Matera is famous for its pasta dishes, which are made fresh daily using locally-sourced ingredients. One of the most popular dishes is Orecchiette con le Cime di Rapa, which is a simple yet delicious dish made with homemade pasta, rapini, garlic, and chili flakes. Another popular dish is Cavatelli alla Lucana, which is pasta served with tomato sauce and meatballs. Vegetarians will enjoy the Fusilli con Peperoni Cruschi, which is pasta served with sun-dried peppers that are unique to the region.

🍅Orecchiette con le Cime di Rapa

This dish is a staple in Matera and is a must-try for any food lover. The homemade pasta is cooked al dente and served with rapini, which is a type of broccoli that has a slightly bitter taste. The rapini is cooked with garlic and chili flakes, which gives the dish a spicy kick. The dish is finished with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and grated pecorino cheese.

🍝Cavatelli alla Lucana

The Cavatelli alla Lucana is a hearty pasta dish that is perfect for meat lovers. The pasta is served with a rich tomato sauce and meatballs that are made with a blend of beef and pork. The meatballs are seasoned with garlic, parsley, and pecorino cheese, which gives them a delicious flavor. The sauce is made with tomatoes, onions, and garlic, and is cooked slowly to bring out the flavors.

🌶️Fusilli con Peperoni Cruschi

This dish is a vegetarian’s delight and is made with fusilli pasta that is served with sun-dried peppers that are unique to the region. The peppers are dried in the sun and then fried in olive oil until they are crispy. The crispy peppers are then added to the pasta, along with garlic, chili flakes, and parsley. The dish is finished with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.

🍖Meat Dishes

Meat lovers will be in heaven in Matera, which is known for its hearty meat dishes that are cooked using traditional methods. One of the most popular dishes is the Agnello alla Lucana, which is lamb cooked with potatoes, onions, and tomatoes. Another popular dish is the Salsiccia Lucana, which is a sausage made with pork, fennel, and black pepper.

🍴Agnello alla Lucana

The Agnello alla Lucana is a dish that is typically served on special occasions and is a true representation of the local cuisine. The lamb is cooked slowly with potatoes, onions, and tomatoes, which gives it a rich and hearty flavor. The dish is seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and thyme, which gives it a delicious aroma.

🌶️Salsiccia Lucana

The Salsiccia Lucana is a delicious sausage made with pork, fennel, and black pepper. The sausage is cooked slowly on a grill or in a pan, which gives it a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. The sausage is typically served with a side of roasted potatoes or vegetables, which complements its flavor.

🍨Desserts

No meal is complete without dessert, and Matera offers a range of delicious sweets that will satisfy any sweet tooth. One of the most popular desserts is the Pasticciotto, which is a pastry filled with custard cream. Another popular dessert is the Strazzata, which is a sweet bread that is filled with chocolate and hazelnuts.

🍰Pasticciotto

The Pasticciotto is a must-try dessert that is made with a buttery pastry that is filled with custard cream. The pastry is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, which gives it a delicious texture. The custard cream is sweet and creamy, which complements the pastry perfectly.

🍪Strazzata

The Strazzata is a sweet bread that is filled with chocolate and hazelnuts. The bread is soft and fluffy, and the chocolate and hazelnuts give it a delicious flavor. The bread is typically served as a dessert or as a snack, and it is perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.

FAQs about the Best Food in Matera Italy

1. What is the best time to visit Matera for food?

The best time to visit Matera for food is during the summer months when the local produce is at its best. The region is known for its fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs, which are used in many of the local dishes.

2. What is the traditional cuisine of Matera?

The traditional cuisine of Matera is based on simple, rustic dishes that are made using locally-sourced ingredients. Pasta dishes, meat dishes, and desserts are all popular, and they are cooked using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations.

3. What is a typical breakfast in Matera?

A typical breakfast in Matera consists of coffee or tea, along with a pastry or bread. Pasticciotti and Strazzate are popular breakfast foods, as are croissants and bread rolls.

4. What is the best restaurant in Matera?

Matera has many great restaurants, and choosing the best one can be difficult. Some of the most popular restaurants include Osteria Al Casale, Il Cantuccio, and Baccanti.

5. What is the local wine in Matera?

The local wine in Matera is Aglianico del Vulture, which is a red wine that is made from the Aglianico grape. The wine is full-bodied and has a rich flavor that complements the local cuisine.

6. What is the most popular pizza in Matera?

The most popular pizza in Matera is the Margherita, which is a simple pizza made with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil. Other popular pizzas include the Capricciosa, which is topped with ham, mushrooms, artichokes, and olives, and the Diavola, which is topped with spicy salami.

7. What is the best gelato in Matera?

The best gelato in Matera can be found at Gelateria il Passero, which offers a range of flavors that are made using fresh ingredients. Some of the most popular flavors include pistachio, hazelnut, and chocolate.

8. What is the best seafood dish in Matera?

Although Matera is not a coastal town, it still offers some delicious seafood dishes. The Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare is a popular dish that is made with fresh seafood, including mussels, clams, and shrimp. The seafood is cooked in a rich tomato sauce, which gives the dish a delicious flavor.

9. What is the best way to experience Matera’s food?

The best way to experience Matera’s food is to visit the local markets, where you can sample fresh produce and meet the locals. Taking a cooking class is also a great way to learn about the local cuisine and prepare your own dishes.

10. What is the traditional dessert of Matera?

The traditional dessert of Matera is the Strazzata, which is a sweet bread that is filled with chocolate and hazelnuts. Other popular desserts include the Pasticciotto, which is a pastry filled with custard cream, and the Torta alla Ricotta, which is a ricotta cheese cake.

11. What is the best way to pair wine with food in Matera?

The best way to pair wine with food in Matera is to choose a wine that complements the flavors of the dish. Red wines, such as Aglianico del Vulture, are perfect for meat dishes, while white wines, such as Greco di Tufo, are ideal for pasta dishes and seafood.

12. What is the best way to get around Matera?

The best way to get around Matera is on foot, as many of the streets in the historic center are narrow and winding. There are also buses and taxis available, but walking is the best way to explore the city and discover its hidden gems.

13. What is the best way to learn about Matera’s food history?

The best way to learn about Matera’s food history is to visit the local museums and historical sites,