The Puglian Cookbook: Bringing the Flavors of Puglia Home [Kindle Edition]

Viktorija Todorovska (Author)

Book Description

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 present 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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"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

"The region's flavorful cucina povera (peasant cuisine) is the subject of The Puglian Cookbook, a new book from Chicago-based Viktorija Todorovska, a passionate ambassador of the oft-overlooked area. Of Amazon.com's nearly 100,000 cookbooks, hers is one of only three focusing on Puglian cooking, and it catalogs the area's legume-, vegetable- and tomato-heavy dishes with great enthusiasm." —Tasting Table

"The Puglian Cookbook: Bringing the Flavors of Puglia Home, paints a vivid picture of the region and its culinary traditions." —WBEZ-FM, Chicago Public Media

"This is the kind of book you picture well-worn and loved, spattered with olive oil and maybe some tomato sauce. A cookbook that won't leave the kitchen." —Marcia Crawford, Nutrition Minute

"...a 157-page collection of the essentials of Pugliese cooking, with recipes ranging from a tomato-topped flatbread known as puddica to baked squid stuffed with cheese, breadcrumbs, and capers to the potato, rice, and mussel casserole tiella." —Mike Sula, Chicago Reader

"Arrivederci fast foods and trans fats! Viktorija Todorovska...[is] bringing the foreign experience to kitchens everywhere with her new cookbook, The Puglian Cookbook. The quick fix meals are simple, savory and, most importantly, healthy, with their basic pantry ingredients, fresh herbs, some cheese and olive oil." —Today's Chicago Woman

"...turns humble spuds into something still simple but very flavorful, and adds some veggies to your diet, too." —Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Product Details

• File Size: 7305 KB
• Print Length: 144 pages
• Publisher: Agate Surrey (February 22, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B004T4LVFG
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Not Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #309,269 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
  • #100 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Cookbooks, Food & Wine > Regional & International > European > Italian

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for families! April 22, 2011

By Brooke Vuckovic

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Viktorija Todorovska's cookbook is excellent for families!! I have three young children and, as such, time, simplicity of prep and healthy eating are a priority for us. The Puglian cookbook's recipes are simple (think 5 ingredients or so), healthful and flavorful--full of staples that reflect home-centered cooking focused on vegetables and olive oil (for Michael Pollan fans, the "mostly plants" rule is met easily here). Most ingredients are on hand or bought easily at the local produce store (with the exception of only one-or-two stand out recipes for special occasions). Especially see the Puglian Potatoes recipe! YUM! We just made this. Warning: if you're just flipping through the cookbook, you will look at the ingredients and recipes and think--hmmmm....there isn't much to this--can it be that good? And it is; it is! It's a cookbook that lets you get back to simple flavors and uncomplicated dishes--the kind you can throw together and really *taste* each flavor.

If you're interested in regional cooking and trying something new for your family, I think you'll enjoy this. Photographs are gorgeous (and realistic! Todorovska took them at her home without a stylist).

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Grazi tanto!!! May 16, 2011

By Candace Lord

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Best cookbook I've ever purchased! My husband and I have traveled to this region in Italy a few times and each time we return home, we long for the food we experienced. We've tried to replicate the dishes. Some hits, but mostly misses. Then we stumbled across this cookbook and we get to relive our vacations several nights per week! The author knocks it out of the park. She presents amazing dishes in a reader friendly format that will have you cooking like a local for family and friends in no time. As an additional plus, the pictures are fantastic! From the white bean and escarole soup to the rustic tomato sauce to the orecchiette with arugula pesto to the chocolate tart, you will not be disappointed. Add a glass of red wine to any of the foregoing and consider yourself prepared for the perfect evening!!!

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Accessible & Delicious April 28, 2011

By Jan Stallard

Format:Paperback

As a novice cook, I'm often intimidated by cookbooks. What a treat to discover that I can manage these recipes beautifully. My family is especially impressed with the Puglian-style meatballs; when the whole family descends, my go-to dinner is always the tomato sauce and meatballs. It never fails to impress and satisfy. I'm so grateful to have discovered a path to gourmet food without all the fuss, which seems to be the whole aim of Todorovska's wonderful book.

More About the Author

WHAT I BELIEVE

I believe the world needs more people passionate about food, wine, and culture. I am on a mission to spread love for food and cooking and guide you to discovering what you like and how to prepare it so you can nourish yourself and those around you. I believe that the moments we spend around food and wine in the company of others should be re-vitalized as those are some of the most memorable experiences.