Sardinia is a fascinating island that boasts a unique culinary tradition full of authentic flavours. Thanks to its geographical position and its ancient history, Sardinian cuisine offers a variety of traditional dishes and delicacies that reflect the influence of the different cultures that have left their mark on the island. In this article, we will take you on a food and wine journey to discover the typical features of Sardinian cuisine.
Pane carasau: Let’s start with one of the symbols of Sardinian cuisine, carasau bread. This thin and crunchy bread has traditionally been used by Sardinian shepherds due to its long shelf life. Today it is an essential element of the local gastronomy and is often served with hors d’oeuvres, cheeses, cold cuts and accompanied by typical sauces such as “carasau a fresh” (carasau bread soaked in olive oil and seasoned with fresh tomatoes).
Porceddu: Porceddu, or suckling pig, is one of the most famous and tasty dishes of Sardinian cuisine. It is a whole suckling pig roasted on a spit, flavored with herbs and slowly cooked to obtain a crispy skin and succulent meat. This traditional dish is often served with roast potatoes or salad.
Culurgiones: Culurgiones are a traditional stuffed pasta from Sardinia, similar to ravioli, but with a characteristic orecchiette shape. Their filling varies from area to area, but the most common variations include potatoes, pecorino cheese, mint and garlic. They are often topped with melted butter, grated cheese and sage, creating a dish full of authentic flavours.
Bottarga: Bottarga is a precious and typical ingredient of Sardinian cuisine. These are dried and pressed fish roe, generally tuna or mullet, which are then grated and used as a condiment for pasta, risotto or simply sprinkled on slices of bread. Bottarga has an intense and salty flavour, which adds a touch of the sea to any dish.
Cannonau: Sardinia is also famous for its fine wines, among which Cannonau stands out. This robust and full-bodied red wine is made from grapes from Sardinian vineyards and offers fruity and spicy notes. Cannonau is known for its health benefits, as it contains a high amount of antioxidants.
