pizze, focacce

pucce

⏱ 60 min👤 4 pp★★★☆☆

The preparation of pucce is a ritual that is consumed with passion and dedication on warm Apulian evenings, when the aroma of fresh bread mingles with the flavors of the Mediterranean. These rustic rolls, characterized by a golden crust and a soft crumb, are enriched with simple yet flavorful ingredients. Their texture is perfect for being filled with a variety of fillings, making them ideal for a picnic lunch or a dinner among friends. The use of sweet spring onions and fresh tomatoes, which are sautéed in extra virgin olive oil, gives the pucce an intense and enveloping flavor, while the pitted olives add a salty touch that enhances everything. This recipe, typical of Apulian tradition, stands out for its versatility: each family has its own variant, which may include ingredients like peppers, cheeses, or aromatic herbs, making each preparation unique. Pucce are perfect for an informal meal, accompanied by local cured meats and cheeses, or they can be served as an appetizer during festivities, when conviviality is the order of the day. The cooking technique, which involves natural leavening thanks to the brewer's yeast, is essential to achieve the right balance between crunchiness and softness. With their intoxicating aroma that wafts during baking, pucce invite you to sit at the table and enjoy the authentic flavors of Puglia, where every bite tells the story of a land rich in culinary traditions.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 420 kcal / serving

Protein
9g
Carbohydrates
68g
Fat
12g
Fiber
3g

* approximate values per serving

Information
60 minutes Preparation time
Serves 4 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

In a small pan, add 5 tablespoons of oil to sauté the cleaned and sliced spring onions. Add the tomatoes, peeled of their outer skin. Cook while stirring constantly, then add the pitted olives and a pinch of salt. Keep on the heat for a few more minutes and let cool. Meanwhile, mix the flour with the brewer's yeast, salt, and warm water. Add the cooled mixture to the dough, form into rolls, and let them rise for at least an hour. Bake hot (200°).

Tips
If you want to achieve particularly soft pucce, make sure that the lukewarm water for the dough is not too hot, otherwise you might compromise the activity of the yeast.
Trivia
Puccia is a typical bread of the Apulian tradition, originally prepared for festivities, and is characterized by its round shape and soft texture, ideal for accompanying various toppings.

Additional information

Pucce with tomatoes and olives

A delicious variation of pucce is the one that includes tomatoes and olives, ingredients that enhance the flavor and texture of this traditional Apulian bread. To prepare the pucce with tomatoes and olives, start by sautéing the spring onions in a small pan with extra virgin olive oil until they become golden. Add the peeled tomatoes and pitted olives, mixing everything together. After cooking the ingredients and letting the mixture cool, combine it with the dough made of flour, yeast, and warm water. This combination will create fragrant and tasty rolls, perfect for accompanying a meal or for enjoying on their own. Remember that the quality of the ingredients is essential for achieving an optimal result.

Pucce Apulian style with spring onions

The pucce Apulian style are a traditional preparation that stands out for its simplicity and authentic flavor. This version uses fresh spring onions, which give a sweet and aromatic taste to the bread. To make them, start by sautéing the spring onions in extra virgin olive oil until they become tender. Then, add the tomatoes and olives, cooking everything over low heat. Once the mixture is ready and cooled, blend it into the dough of flour and yeast. After rising, bake the pucce to achieve a crusty exterior and soft interior, perfect for serving with cheeses or cured meats typical of the region.

Light pucce without oil

For those who want a lighter version of pucce, it is possible to prepare them without oil, while still maintaining their characteristic flavor. In this recipe, replace the oil with water or vegetable broth for the dough, using the same basic ingredients. The spring onions and tomatoes will continue to provide a rich and aromatic flavor, while the olives will add a note of saltiness. This variant is ideal for those following a low-calorie diet or for those who want to reduce fat intake. The light pucce can also be enjoyed as a healthy snack or as an accompaniment to vegetable dishes, keeping their goodness intact.

Benefits of pucce and nutritional values

The pucce, thanks to fresh and natural ingredients, offer several health benefits. The flour used provides complex carbohydrates, essential for energy, while the tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant known for its heart-healthy properties. The spring onions, in addition to adding flavor, contain vitamins and minerals beneficial for the immune system. Finally, olives provide monounsaturated fatty acids, which are healthy for cardiovascular health. In terms of calories, a medium-sized puccia can contain about 150-200 calories, depending on the ingredients and portions used, making it a nutritious and tasty option.

Can pucce be frozen?

Pucce can be frozen without any problems, allowing you to preserve them for longer and enjoy them at a later time. To freeze them, make sure they are completely cooled after baking. You can wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe food bag. When you want to consume them, simply take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature, or heat them directly in the oven for a few minutes. This way, you can enjoy fresh and fragrant pucce even days after preparation.