Sicilian cuisine – what you must try on the largest Italian island?
Sicilian cuisine is full of fresh fish, seafood, vegetables from different parts of the world, aromatic spices and, of course, has not resisted the culinary influence of continental Italy. Therefore, the selection of dishes is really diverse and we are sure that everyone will find something for themselves here.
However, when visiting the largest Italian island, it is worth preparing a list of Sicilian dishes and delicacies that you simply must try. What should be included?
- Fish and seafood are the basis of Sicilian cuisine. Fish and frutti di mare in all forms can be found in many dishes and snacks. Shrimps, tuna, anchovies, swordfish, cuttlefish, squid... everything is fresh!
- Pasta alla Norma – this is a classic Catalan dish, although it can be found all over the island. It is pasta combined with eggplant fried in olive oil, tomatoes and smoked feta cheese. Simple yet delicious!
- Arancini – a ball or cone made of risotto rice with a filling, coated in breadcrumbs and deep fried. The filling takes many forms - from minced meat and cheese, through pistachio pesto, to sweet options.
- Caponata – the basis of this Sicilian dish is eggplant, accompanied by tomatoes, celery, olives and capers. Everything is sprinkled with apple cider vinegar. Caponata is served both cold and warm.
- Parmigiana di melanzane - the dish can be compared to a layered casserole of eggplant, tomato sauce and various cheeses (pecorino Siciliano, mozzarella, fiordilatte, scamorza and caciocavallo Silano), often additionally enriched with a hard-boiled egg.
- Sfincione – typical Sicilian pizza with a slightly thicker dough and thick tomato sauce. Most often served in a rectangular shape with a rich amount of ingredients - caciocavallo cheese, onion, anchovies and olives.
- Granita – a delicately melted, refreshing, yet sweet, fruity sorbet. Interestingly, granita served with brioche, i.e. granita e brioche, is a typical Sicilian breakfast! We tear off pieces of bread, dip them in granite and eat them - delicious!
- Canollo siciliano – a classic among Sicilian classics! This cake baked in deep oil, filled with pistachio/chocolate cream/fluffy ricotta cheese, sprinkled with roasted pistachios/candied fruit can be found in every confectionery shop and cafeteria.
Enjoy your meal!
