For an easy nibble alongside a glass of Montepulciano or Primitivo — or to round out a cheese board — you might want to keep a box of taralli in your pantry. These crunchy little ring-shaped Italian crackers deliver a satisfying, savory snap. Think of them as Italy’s pretzels.
A standout version comes from Sfizi (pronounced SFEET-see), a name inspired by the Italian word for little whims and cravings. The New York company was founded by husband-and-wife duo Joe Fiorenzo and Sheela Prakash, a cookbook author and food writer who previously worked at the Kitchn and Epicurious.
Sfizi’s taralli come from a family-run bakery in Puglia, the southern Italian region where these little circles originated. Prakash appreciates that the bakery’s owners observe the traditional method, using wheat flour, white wine, and extra-virgin olive oil.
“Their taralli are a celebration of their region, Puglia, and its culinary heritage,” Prakash says, “from the sourcing of the few simple ingredients to the old-fashioned step of boiling them before baking to ensure an extra light and flaky texture.”
The snack comes in three flavors: classic, fennel seed, and a pizza-inspired blend of dried tomato, oregano, and garlic powder. All are hard to stop nibbling (about $9 for an 8.81-ounce box).
Available at Dave’s Fresh Pasta, 81 Holland St., Somerville, 617-623-0867; The Little General Store, 25 Lincoln Road, Lincoln, 781-259-9876; JG Charcuterie, 3 E Chestnut St., Sharon; Highland & Heather, 36 Main St., Andover, 978-961-7306; or order at eatsfizi.com.
Ann Trieger Kurland can be reached at anntrieger@gmail.com.
Dining and Cooking