Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is not only known for its rich history and stunning landscapes but also for its diverse and flavourful cuisine.
The island’s gastronomy is a testament to the various cultures that have influenced it over the centuries, including Greek, Arab, and Norman. Here are our must try’s when visiting.
Arancini:
Sicilian street food at its best. These are scrumptious fried rice balls often filled with ragù (meat sauce), mozzarella, and peas.
Caponata:
With every Sicilian family have their own secret version, this is a sweet and sour eggplant dish typically consisting of aubergines, celery, capers, and olives, with a sweetened vinegar sauce.
Pasta all Norma:
Named after the opera by Vincenzo Bellini, the pasta dish is made with tomatoes, fried aubergines, grated ricotta and basil.
Cannoli:
One of the most famous Sicilian desserts. Tube shaped shells of fried pastry filled with sweet creamy fillings made with ricotta.
Granita:
A semi-frozen dessert from sugar, water and various fillings famous in Catania but enjoyed by all over and served with a brioche bun.
Panelle:
Little fritters made from chickpea flour and served as a snack or appetiser.
Sfincione:
An island version of a pizza. A thick crust and typically topped with tomato, onions, anchovies and local caciocavallo cheese.
Sarde a Beccafico:
Fresh sardines stuffed with breadcrumbs, pine nuts, raisins and herbs rolled up and baked or deep fried.
Busiate al Pesto Trapanese:
Long twisted strands, a traditional Sicilian pasta served with pesto made from tomatoes, almonds, garlic, basil and pecorino cheese.
Frutta Martorana:
Traditional marzipan sweets from Palermo. Soft and almondy a traditional dessert normally served on All Sou’s Day but found year round throughout Sicily.
Sicilian cuisine is a delicious blend of simplicity and complexity, where the freshness of the ingredients is as important as the historical influences that shaped the dishes and leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
Buon appetite!