Pettole with strong sheep ricotta and cherry tomatoes by Spirito Contadino are traditional Apulian leavened-dough fritters, handmade, filled with the bold flavour of fermented sheep ricotta and the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes, pre-cooked and deep-frozen with the IQF method. Each 1 kg bag contains about 140-145 pieces, ready in about 2 minutes in the deep fryer at 170 °C, straight from frozen. Sold in cartons of 4 x 1 kg bags, ideal for aperitifs, buffets and restaurant starters.
What Are Pettole?
Pettole are soft fritters of leavened dough typical of Apulia, in southern Italy: small irregular bites of airy dough, fried until golden and traditionally served hot at family celebrations and village feasts. Light inside and crisp outside, they are one of the most beloved street-food and antipasto preparations of the region. Spirito Contadino keeps this tradition alive with a handmade product, shaped piece by piece and pre-cooked, so that professional kitchens can serve authentic Apulian pettole in just a few minutes.
Strong Sheep Ricotta and Cherry Tomato: an Apulian Pairing
Strong ricotta, known in Apulia as ricotta forte, is a fermented sheep ricotta with a creamy texture and a decisive, slightly spicy flavour. It is one of the most characterful specialities of the Apulian dairy tradition. In these pettole its intensity is balanced by the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, harvested in summer at full ripeness: a contrast that gives each bite depth and personality, without overpowering the soft leavened dough.
The Producer: Spirito Contadino, Borgo Tressanti (Apulia)
Spirito Contadino is the agricultural company of the Gervasio family, based in Borgo Tressanti, a rural district of Cerignola in the province of Foggia, Apulia. Run by the third generation of farmers, the company cultivates over 100 hectares planted mainly with local Apulian varieties and processes its vegetables directly on site. The products are handmade, pre-cooked and frozen with the IQF method (Individually Quick Frozen), which preserves shape, texture and flavour of each single piece. Production is certified IFS (International Featured Standards).
Technical Characteristics
- Format: 1 kg bag, about 140-145 pieces
- Carton: 4 bags x 1 kg (4 kg total)
- Freezing: IQF, pre-cooked product, ready to finish in the fryer or oven
- Storage: at -18 °C, shelf life 180 days
- Supplier code: P63 — EAN 8032942131995
Professional Uses
Cook directly from frozen, without thawing:
- Deep fryer: 170 °C for about 2 minutes
- Air fryer: 170 °C for about 4 minutes
- Convection oven: 170 °C for about 7 minutes
- Conventional oven: 200 °C for about 9 minutes
Serve hot as a welcome bite with the aperitivo, in a mixed Apulian antipasto, in buffet baskets or as a fried starter in pizzerias and trattorias. A portion of 4-5 pieces per guest works well as an appetizer; for catering buffets, one 1 kg bag covers roughly 30 guests as a welcome snack. The constant size of the IQF pieces guarantees uniform cooking and stable food cost per portion.
Pairings
Pettole with strong ricotta and cherry tomato pair naturally with other Apulian flavours: burrata and stracciatella, taralli, olives, semi-dried tomatoes and cured meats. On the table they work alongside a fresh tomato dip or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. For a complete aperitivo board, combine them with Italian sparkling wine or a young Apulian red.
LAPA Delivery and Logistics
Frozen delivery at -18 °C from the LAPA warehouse in Embrach (Zurich) with the LAPA refrigerated fleet across Zurich, Winterthur, Kloten, Aargau, St. Gallen, Lucerne, Zug, Bern and Basel. For Ticino (Lugano, Bellinzona, Mendrisio), French-speaking Switzerland (Geneva, Lausanne, Fribourg, Sion) and mountain regions (Chur, Davos, St. Moritz) delivery within 24-48 hours with certified food-grade partner couriers (Swiss Post, Planzer, Galliker, Camion Transport) and insulated packaging with dry ice. The cold chain at -18 °C is guaranteed from our warehouse to your kitchen.
Who It Is For
Designed for restaurants, pizzerias, trattorias, catering services, hotels, delicatessens, Italian grocery stores and event kitchens that want to serve an authentic Apulian fried appetizer without preparation time, as well as private customers who love real southern Italian cooking. B2B and B2C service throughout Switzerland from LAPA, the Swiss wholesaler of fine Italian food.
