Strazzata

Strazzata is a traditional focaccia originating from Basilicata, or more precisely the Avigliano area. It's made with a combination of flour, yeast, water, oregano, and black pepper, while ingredients such as pieces of bacon or lard are also sometimes added to the dough. In the past, strazzata was a staple at feasts and weddings, where it would always be served with wine, and often with vegetables, ham, and cheese. The more pepper the focaccia contained, the more wine the people would drink at the wedding. The name of this classic bread is derived from the word strazzat, meaning ripped or torn, referring to the traditional way of tearing chunks of bread with your hands instead of a knife. Nowadays, strazzata is a staple at the Sagra della Strazzata, a festival held each August in Avigliano.