What Is Calabria Famous for Food?

Calabria is a region in Southern Italy, located at the tip of the Italian “boot”. It is well-known for its stunning coastline and its delicious cuisine.

The food in Calabria is primarily made up of locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations. Here, we will explore some of the most famous dishes from Calabria that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Nduja
Nduja, pronounced en-doo-ya, is a spicy spreadable salami made from pork fat, chili peppers and a variety of spices. It can be spread on bread or used as a condiment on pizza or pasta dishes. This pungent delicacy originated in the small town of Spilinga near Calabria’s Pollino National Park.

Pecorino Crotonese
This hard sheep’s milk cheese hails from Crotone and the surrounding areas in Calabria. It has a strong flavor and an intense aroma due to its lengthy aging process. Pecorino Crotonese is often served with honey or jams as an appetizer, or as part of a cheese platter with other local cheeses such as Scamorza Affumicata and Ricotta Salata.

Caponata
Caponata is a traditional eggplant dish from Calabria that consists of fried eggplant cubes cooked with tomatoes, onion, celery, capers and olives in a sweet-and-sour sauce known as agrodolce. This delicious side dish can be served hot or cold and is often accompanied by freshly baked bread.

Pepperoncini
Pepperoncini are mild chili peppers that originate from Calabria and are commonly found in Italian cuisine around the world. They have just enough heat to add flavor without overwhelming your taste buds. You can find pepperoncini pickled and jarred in supermarkets, or fresh at farmers’ markets throughout the region during summer months.

Conclusion:

Calabria has become famous for its delicious food over the centuries due to its use of locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes passed down through generations. The most popular dishes include nduja (a spicy salami spread), pecorino crotonese (a hard sheep’s milk cheese), caponata (an eggplant dish), and pepperoncini (mild chili peppers). Whether you’re visiting Calabria or cooking at home, these dishes are sure to tantalize your taste buds!