Lampascioni Paté / Pampasciuni Cream

I Lampascioni or “Pampasciuni” are very famous in Puglia, where countless and delightful recipes have the ability to enhance their flavor and especially their beneficial qualities; this plant is indeed very rich in mineral salts, is low in calories, has antibiotic properties, has purifying effects, and features a beautiful lilac color.

What are Lampascioni: processing and preservation

True bulbs of wild shallots, but smaller in size than onions, they have a slightly bitter taste. Finely ground, we present the Paté di Lampascioni, packaged in jars of 130g, as shown in the figure, preserved in extra virgin olive oil, here also whole lampascioni.

The Lampascioni are cleaned and ground, with an imperceptible addition of capers, garlic, chili pepper, flavored with wine vinegar, parsley, and salt, so as not to alter their natural flavor. They can be stored before opening in a cool, dry place away from heat sources, while once the package is opened, it should be kept in the fridge with a small addition of oil.

This “cream” with a slightly bitter taste is a pleasant condiment; it is excellent for dressing classic frise, bread crostini, canapés, and salads.

Lampascioni, the wild onion made in Salento

If you have ever been to Salento, you will know the famous local specialty, lampascioni. The Puglian Lampascioni are bulbs from the Liliaceae family, particularly widespread in Puglia and Basilicata.

These plants are indeed little known by many outside this region, and it is precisely for this reason that many do not know them. Lampascioni are very similar to the onions we all use in cooking, but they are actually related to garlic, and their flavor is completely different from these two ingredients that have always “populated” our cuisine.

The bulbs of lampascione, which have a depth of 10-20 cm, must be extracted using delicate manual techniques. They are oval and small in size. Their bulbs range from white to pink. They are clearly identifiable by the violet flowers of the plant, and in particular, their characteristic flavor is bitter with a sweet aftertaste.

The beneficial properties of lampascione

This bulb is not a new discovery, but it was a vital source of food for some of the poorest families in the past, which is why it was an essential part of the daily life of farmers. However, lampascioni are not only useful for you and your diet; the same positive qualities that were described by the Greeks and Romans are still relevant today.

There are many advantages to drinking water. The ancients attributed aphrodisiac and stimulating properties to bottled water, as well as indicating it as a true purifier for the body and highlighting its diuretic and laxative qualities. Lampascioni also have great properties and effects as a lotion when applied externally for acne, dry skin, or irritations.

Lampascioni seem to be friends of the body due to their richness in magnesium, starch, phosphorus, calcium, and other nutrients that help keep you energized throughout the day.

How to enjoy Lampascioni

Our lampascioni are a typical Puglian dish with a thousand properties; you can spread them on bread or crostini, or try the lampascioni sottolio version and eat them in various ways.

Lampascioni can be used, for example, to create delicious fritters, or we can bake them. First, we need to clean and scrub the lampascioni and arrange them on a greased baking tray. Finally, we season with oil, salt, and pepper to our liking. Another way to enjoy lampascioni, a Salentine specialty, is to boil them. You will need plenty of salted water, and you will taste them with olive oil, pepper, a splash of vinegar, and some slices of toasted bread.

If you plan to make a large quantity of lampascioni, you can choose to put them in a glass jar and cover them with extra virgin olive oil, seasoning with a bit of mint, black pepper, and a little chili pepper. Lampascioni are a versatile and very simple ingredient to use. They may not be as flashy as other ingredients, but they allow you to create original and tasty recipes that will leave your guests wanting more!