Calabrian Vegetables and Sides
Much of inland Calabria is extremely rugged, but like the rest of the South, the region enjoys a long growing season, and where there is space to plant, things grow very well.
Calabrian Eggplant: Melanzane Calabre
Zesty Calabrian eggplant with garlic and hot pepper, a perfect summer antipasto.
Lentils -- Lenticchi
Lentils, or Lenticchi: Here's a Calabrian recipe for lentils. Though it's obviously a side dish, it will also work nicely as a light meal with a tossed salad. In terms of a wine, a Ciró Bianco comes to mind.
Stuffed Egglplant -- Milangiane Chjine
There are many kinds of stuffed eggplant. This is Calabrian, with bread crumbs and Romano cheese.
Stuffed Tomatoes: Pimmaduori Chjini
Stuffed tomatoes with a Calabrian twist: they're dried, and seasoned with anchovies and herbs.
Stuffed Zucchini -- Cucuzzieddri Chjini
There are many recipes for stuffed zucchini. This is from Basilicata, and is quite simple, with bread crumbs, minced beef, and grated pecorino leading the way.
Sun Dried Tomatoes -- Pimmaduori Siccati
Sun dried tomatoes are a standard South Italian antipasto and ingredient, and are also easy to make. This particular recipe is Calabrian; before you begin check the weather forecast because you'll need several days of hot dry weather with intense sunlight.