The Story Behind Burrata: An Invented Culinary Tradition in Puglia
Puglia, located in the heel of Italy's boot, is known for its simple yet flavorful cuisine. The region's dishes feature the herbs and ingredients commonly found in Mediterranean cuisine, including garlic, rosemary, bay leaves, chili pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. However, one key ingredient in Puglian cuisine is cheese, and the region has a great variety to choose from.
From cow's milk Caciocavallos to sheep's milk pecorinos, Puglia has a cheese for every palate. But one cheese, in particular, stands out: burrata. Burrata is a relatively new addition to Puglian cuisine, having been invented only about fifty years ago. However, it has become a staple of the region's cuisine and has recently gained popularity in the United States and other areas of Europe, Australia and the UK.
The best burrata comes from the town of Andria, where Riccardo Olanda produces it in his family cheese works in the center of town. Burrata starts off like any cheese, with cultures and rennet added to warm fresh cow's milk. As the milk curdles, the whey separates, and the curds are drained off. Boiling water is then poured over the curds, and the stretching process begins, just like with mozzarella.
However, to make burrata, Olanda takes a piece of mozzarella, pulls it into a ribbon, cuts it into pieces or shreds it, and puts it into a basin of heavy yellow cream. He then hollows out a little sack or pouch of the mozzarella, fills it with a dollop of the raggedy cream mixture, seals the top, and ties it.
The result is a rich, creamy, and utterly delicious cheese that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Burrata can be served on its own or added to salads, pastas, and pizzas. It is a versatile ingredient that adds a burst of flavor and texture to any dish.
Puglian cuisine is all about simplicity and using the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Burrata, a cheese that is relatively new to the region's cuisine, has become a staple and is now enjoyed around the world. Whether enjoyed on its own or added to a dish, burrata is sure to delight even the most discerning palate.
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