Pancotto Pugliese: the Farmer's Stew of South Italy

Literally translated as "cooked bread," this dish has been nourishing farmers and families for generations. We share with our WWOOF community a traditional Italian recipe that can come from any garden, anywhere.

"Back in the day, the tables were much smaller, and low to the ground. There were stools instead of chairs, and everyone would gather around one huge, heaping dish to eat, sharing the food one at a time. That's how our parents, grandparents and great grandparents ate. First thing in the morning, about 5 am before starting the day's work, then again at night when it was dark; after, they went straight to bed they were so tired. In those days you didn't stop work for lunch. Up with the sun and to bed with the chickens, as we say!"