Bari's Castagnelle Traditional Christmas Treats

What are Bari's castagnelle and why are they a typical Christmas dessert in Puglia?

Castagnelle, known in the Bari dialect as castaggnèdde, are traditional sweets that cannot be missing from the Christmas tables in Puglia. They have an intense and aromatic flavor, thanks to the presence of toasted almonds, cinnamon, and cloves. They are rustic and fragrant sweets, perfect to enjoy with a glass of sweet wine or coffee after lunch.  This dessert has ancient origins and is part of the Christmas tradition in the Bari area and its surroundings. Bari families used to prepare them in large quantities to share with relatives and friends during the holidays, along with other sweets like cartellate and occhi di Santa Lucia.

What are the ingredients of Bari's castagnelle?

The ingredients of castagnelle are simple and genuine, as in the best peasant tradition of Puglia. Here is the complete list:  500 g of almonds  500 g of flour  500 g of sugar  Cloves to taste  Cinnamon to taste  Grated lemon peel (optional)  Warm water (as needed for kneading)  In some variations, you can also add unsweetened cocoa or use coffee instead of water to make the flavor more intense and aromatic.

How are castagnelle prepared step by step?

The preparation of castagnelle is simple, but it requires attention in toasting the almonds and in the consistency of the dough.  1. Blanch the almonds by immersing them for a few seconds in boiling water, then dry and toast them in the oven until they become slightly golden.  2. Coarsely chop them, so that visible pieces remain in the dough.  3. On a pastry board, form a mound with flour, sugar, and chopped almonds in equal parts.  4. Add a pinch of cinnamon and cloves, and if desired a bit of grated lemon zest.  5. Knead with warm water (or coffee) until obtaining a rather hard dough.  6. Form sticks about two centimeters thick, flatten them slightly, and cut them into small diamond-shaped strips.  7. Place them on a floured baking tray and bake in a moderate oven for 10-15 minutes.  The aroma of cinnamon and almonds that wafts during baking is one of the most beautiful signs of Christmas's arrival in Puglia homes.

What is the texture and flavor of castagnelle?

Bari's castagnelle have a crunchy but not hard texture, and an intense and spicy flavor. The toasted almonds give a crunchy note, while the cinnamon and cloves add a typical holiday aroma. They are simple sweets, without icing or decorations, but that is what makes them fascinating in their rusticity.  In some families, castagnelle are stored for days in tin boxes, and they become even better over time, as the aromas blend perfectly.

Where does the tradition of castagnelle in Puglia come from?

Castagnelle originate from the Bari area and have spread throughout the region, becoming one of the symbols of Puglia's Christmas pastry. Their name, castaggnèdde, probably derives from the brown color reminiscent of chestnuts, even though they do not contain chestnuts among the ingredients.  Like many Puglian sweets, castagnelle tell a story of simplicity: few ingredients, but rich in flavor and meaning. Once, they were prepared by grandmothers with children in the days leading up to Christmas, and the scent of spices filled the kitchens throughout the house.

When are Bari's castagnelle prepared?

Castagnelle are traditionally prepared during the Christmas season, between the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and Christmas Eve. However, many Puglian families also make them for other festive occasions, such as Easter or patronal feasts, because they are sweets that keep well and pair perfectly with sweet wine or liqueur.  In peasant tradition, castagnelle were prepared in large quantities to be given to friends, neighbors, and relatives, a simple gesture but rich in meaning.

Are there variations of Puglian castagnelle?

Yes, there are several variations of castagnelle depending on the area and family. Some add unsweetened cocoa to the dough, others use hot coffee instead of water for kneading. Some also add a bit of honey to make the mixture softer and more fragrant.  In some versions, a pinch of baking soda is added to make the sweets flakier. However, the traditional Bari version remains the most loved, made only with flour, sugar, and almonds in equal parts.

How are castagnelle served?

Castagnelle are enjoyed plain, perhaps accompanied by a glass of sweet wine or Puglian rosolio. They are perfect to serve at the end of a Christmas lunch or to offer to guests along with other traditional sweets.  They are often stored in tin boxes, which keep their aroma intact for weeks. In some families, they are decorated with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a thin glaze, although this is not included in the original recipe.

Where can you taste Puglian castagnelle?

Castagnelle can still be found today in traditional bakeries and pastry shops in Bari and its province, especially during the Christmas season. At Puglian Christmas markets, they can be purchased in decorated bags, often alongside other typical sweets like cartellate, calzoncelli, and occhi di Santa Lucia.  Many agritourisms and farms offer them as a dessert for tourists, telling their story and showing how they are prepared according to family recipes.

Why should tourists taste castagnelle during a trip to Puglia?

Castagnelle represent an authentic experience of Puglia's culinary tradition, a sweet that encapsulates unique flavors and aromas, perfect for immersing oneself in the local culture.