A collection of simple, healthy, flavorful recipes based in the traditions of the southern Italian region of Puglia.

The cuisine of Puglia is famous for being among the best in Italy. Puglian food is deeply rooted in the traditions of this southern Italian region, its geography, and its history as the breadbasket of Italy and the largest producer of olive oil.

In this cookbook, beautifully illustrated with recipe and preparation photos as well as images from Puglia itself, first-time author Viktorija Todorovska (a Chicagoan who studied cooking at the famed Florentince culinary school Apicius) has created a memorable introduction to this unsung cuisine. Puglian cooking’s two great benefits are of huge interest today: it’s very simple, usually requiring little technique and basic prepartion, and it’s incredibly healthful, as it’s based largely on olive oil and fresh vegetables.

Puglian cooking as Todorovska presents it here respects the integrity and quality of the ingredients, which should be as fresh high quality as possible. The recipes in this cookbook are simple, the ingredients easy to find, and the dishes bursting of flavor. These are healthful, easy to prepare dishes that should appeal to everyone.

Praise for The Puglian Cookbook

“We love that before cranking up the heat at the stove, Todorovska pauses to make sure we have a deep understanding of the ingredients that are the fundamentals of Puglian cuisine. She writes for the home cook, with no fancy tricks, no hard-to-find ingredients.” —Chicago Tribune

“For those who want a taste of excellent, yet different Italian cooking, The Puglian Cookbook is not to be missed.” —Midwest Book Review