Fave e Cicoria

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗲 𝗖𝗶𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮 is a traditional Puglian dish made from creamy fava bean purée topped with sautéed wild chicory. The mild, buttery flavor of the beans contrasts with the slightly bitter greens. It’s the combination of these two unpretentious ingredients that sort of epitomize southern Italian cooking, here you can taste influences from North Africa, Egypt, the Middle East and Greece. Historically, Puglia, especially the port town of Brindisi, was a key port for trade between these places. I have seen Fave e Cicoria on every menu in town and expect to see it as I go further into Puglia. This is the kind of dish you’ll want to douse in local olive oil and smear around with bread. The way olive oil couples with bean purées is something regal even if it is dirt cheap.