Manteca is a traditional food product from the region of Basilicata in southern Italy. It is a type of lard that is made from the fat of pigs and is commonly used in cooking and baking. Manteca can be found in various towns and communes in Basilicata, including Potenza, Matera, and Melfi.
In Potenza, you can find manteca at local butcher shops such as Macelleria De Luca and Macelleria Verrastro. In Matera, it is available at La Macelleria di Matera and Macelleria Cappiello. Melfi also has several stores where you can purchase manteca, including Macelleria Melfi and Macelleria De Rosa.
Manteca is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. One popular dish is “Pasta con la Manteca,” which is a simple pasta dish made with manteca, garlic, and chili flakes. Another recipe is “Pane di Matera,” a traditional bread from Matera that is made with manteca, flour, water, and yeast.
Manteca has received the PAT (Traditional Agri-Food Product) recognition, which is a certification that guarantees the traditional production methods and quality of the product. The specifications for manteca include using only the fat from pigs raised in Basilicata, a minimum aging period of 60 days, and adherence to traditional production techniques.
Sources:
– “Manteca di Basilicata” – www.basilicataturistica.it
– “Prodotti Agroalimentari Tradizionali (PAT)” – www.politicheagricole.it