Orecchiette with Turnip Tops: The Traditional Apulian Recipe

Orecchiette with Turnip Tops is one of the most famous typical dishes from Puglia , a symbol of Puglia cuisine . This traditional recipe combines the genuineness of typical Puglia pasta with the freshness of turnip tops, creating a perfect combination enhanced by the use of extra virgin olive oil from Puglia . This dish represents the essence of Puglia and its authentic flavours, perfect for those who want to taste typical Puglia dishes .

Ingredients (for 4 people)

• 400 g of Pugghia orecchiette , the real pasta from Puglia
• 1 kg of fresh turnip tops
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 4 anchovy fillets in oil (optional)
• Pugghia chilli pepper (to taste)
• 50 ml of Pugghia extra virgin olive oil
• Coarse salt to taste

Preparation

1. Clean the turnip tops

Clean the turnip tops , removing the toughest leaves and keeping the tender ones. Wash them well and prepare the heart of the dish, one of the most loved typical dishes of Puglia .

2. Cooking the turnip tops

Bring a pot of salted water to the boil and cook the turnip tops for 5-7 minutes, maintaining their bright green colour, characteristic of typical Apulian dishes .

3. Cook the orecchiette

In the same water as the turnip tops, cook the orecchiette Pugghia for 8-10 minutes. This allows the typical Apulian pasta to absorb all the flavors and create a creamy consistency.

4. Prepare the dressing

In a large pan, heat the Pugghia extra virgin olive oil . Add the garlic cloves and Pugghia chili pepper and, if desired, dissolve the anchovy fillets to enrich the seasoning.

5. Add the pasta and turnip tops to the sauce

Drain the orecchiette and turnip tops and add them to the pan with the sauce. Sauté for a few minutes to blend the flavors.

6. Serve

Serve the orecchiette with turnip tops with a drizzle of raw Puglia extra virgin olive oil , to enhance the typical flavors of Puglia.

Tips for enjoying at its best

To fully appreciate this typical Apulian dish , savor every bite and let yourself be transported by the authentic flavors of our land. The use of extra virgin olive oil and the touch of chili pepper add a depth that makes this dish unique among the typical dishes of Puglia .