Cavatelli is a traditional Molise pasta shaped like small shells. It's often served with a rich pork ragu made from slow-cooked pork, tomatoes, and red wine, providing a hearty and comforting dish. 1)
A spicy pork dish, pampanella is made by slow-cooking pork loin that has been rubbed with garlic, paprika, and chili. It’s cooked until tender and served as a flavorful main course, especially at festivals. 2)
A delicious dish made from salt cod (baccalà), which is baked with breadcrumbs, raisins, pine nuts, and olive oil. This unique combination of flavors results in a savory-sweet dish that reflects Molise's creative use of simple ingredients. 3)
Scamorza, a type of smoked cheese, is often grilled in Molise and served with a drizzle of olive oil and herbs. The cheese becomes melty and soft, with a deliciously smoky flavor. 4)
A hearty pasta and bean soup made with sagne (a type of hand-cut, wide ribbon pasta) and borlotti beans. The dish is flavored with tomato sauce, garlic, and herbs, making it a comforting winter meal. 5)
Cicatelli is another typical pasta from Molise, often served with sautéed broccoli rabe and sausage. The bitterness of the broccoli and the richness of the sausage make for a balanced and delicious dish. 6)
A traditional shepherd's dish, pezzata is made with lamb that is slow-cooked with potatoes, onions, and herbs in a broth. It's a rustic dish that celebrates Molise's pastoral heritage. 7)
Known as “dumb pizza,” this yeast-free flatbread is made from flour, water, white wine, and olive oil. It’s typically baked in a wood-fired oven and served with cured meats, cheese, or vegetables. 8)
Fusilli, a spiral-shaped pasta, is commonly served with a sauce made from tomatoes, peppers, and pork or lamb, and sometimes garnished with grated pecorino cheese. 9)
Taccozze are large squares of homemade pasta, often served with beans in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. This is another humble yet delicious dish that reflects the region’s simple, agricultural roots. 10)
Polenta (a dish made from cornmeal) is popular in Molise, especially in colder months. It's typically served with a hearty pork ragu, sausages, or cheese, making it a filling and warming meal. 11)
Known as “escaped birds,” this dish is actually made with thin slices of pork or veal rolled around a filling of cheese and herbs, then cooked in a rich tomato and white wine sauce. The name refers to the bird-like shape of the rolls. 12)
This cornbread pizza is made with cornmeal, and instead of traditional toppings, it’s often flavored with wild herbs, garlic, and olive oil. It's a rustic dish that showcases the simplicity of Molise's cuisine. 13)
A rich fish soup from the coastal town of Termoli, made with a variety of Adriatic seafood such as monkfish, squid, shrimp, and mussels, simmered in a tomato-based broth with garlic, wine, and herbs. 14)
A typical dessert from Molise, this crostata is made with a base of shortcrust pastry and filled with ricotta or fruit jam, often cherry or apricot. It’s a simple yet satisfying way to end a meal. 15)