I love horse. No, not horses (though I don’t mind them). I’m talking about horse meat. I don’t honestly remember the first time I ate it but I do know that since visiting Puglia for the first time three years ago, my consumption has considerably increased. In fact, my first proper meal after arriving in Monopoli (near Bari) today was involtini di cavallo, thinly pounded horse cutlets rolled around ham, herbs, cheese, and bread crumbs, all cooked in a rich tomato sauce. I know some people find the idea of eating horse meat offensive, but for generations in Italy, the poor depended on this protein for survival. Today cavallo recipes persist as a reminder of dire times and continue to be consumed, particularly in Puglia, Lazio and the Veneto. So grab your forks and join me in preserving a precious culinary tradition!
Revolting and intriguing- you bring out such a mixed bag of emotions with your food writing Katie Parla. Sempre manga bene, dd
@DDelatorre Preparati carissima. When we come to Pulgia together its pezzetti di cavallo all the way!
Horse? Of course of course
Oh Katie- lovely photos- but I love horses waaaaay too much to eat em 🙂
@My Melange yeah that could be a deterrent. Just think: my dad has horses and he eats horsemeat when he comes to visit. Its a totally natural thing!