Taralli

Taralli are Italian bagel-shaped dough rings made from olive oil, flour, and flavorings such as salt, pepper, and fennel seeds. The name tarallo comes from the Greek word daratos, denoting a type of bread. Although taralli are today one of the favorite snacks in southern Italy, they were originally prepared as food for the poor, when bakers learned to save the scraps of dough used to make the bread for the wealthy people. The bakers combined leftover dough scraps with olive oil and a bit of white wine and baked the concoction in the oven. Over time, taralli were improved by first being boiled (to make them crispy and shiny) and then baked. Today, taralli are made in savory and sweet versions, and are typically dunked in wine before consumption. These snacks are also often paired with cheese and cold cuts, due to their unique flavor and texture.