10+ Sicilian Recipes for a Taste of the Mediterranean

Sicilian cuisine is known for its bold flavors and fresh ingredients, reflecting the island’s rich history and diverse cultural influences. Sicilian recipes offer a delightful way to explore the tastes of Italy. From pasta to desserts, the variety of dishes will inspire you in the kitchen.

As you venture into Sicilian cooking, you’ll find many iconic recipes that highlight the region’s vibrant ingredients. These recipes are not just about food; they are about sharing and enjoying moments with family and friends.

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma is a classic Sicilian dish with rich flavors. It originates from Catania and features eggplant, tomato sauce, and aromatic herbs. This dish is named after the famous opera “Norma” by composer Vincenzo Bellini.

To make Pasta alla Norma, you’ll need some simple ingredients to create a delicious and hearty meal. The eggplant is typically fried until it’s soft and tender. The tomato sauce is infused with garlic and basil for extra flavor.

Many people enjoy this dish as a vegetarian option. It’s satisfying and can please even those who usually prefer meat. A sprinkle of ricotta salata cheese on top adds a lovely, salty finish.

Ingredients

• 320 g (11.3 oz) macaroni
• 300 g (10.6 oz) tomato sauce
• 60 g (2.1 oz) grated salty ricotta cheese
• 2 medium eggplants
• 1 clove of garlic
• Fresh basil
• Flour
• Peanut oil
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice and dice the eggplants.
2. Coat them lightly in flour and fry in peanut oil until golden.
3. In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Add the tomato sauce and basil. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
6. Combine pasta, eggplant, and sauce. Mix well.
7. Serve topped with ricotta salata. Enjoy!

2) Arancini

Arancini are delicious Sicilian rice balls filled with a variety of ingredients. They are often made from leftover risotto, which you shape into balls, coat in breadcrumbs, and then fry until golden brown.

You can fill arancini with many options, like ragù, mozzarella, or spinach and cheese. Each bite is crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, making them a favorite street food in Sicily.

Making arancini at home is fun and rewarding. The process allows you to enjoy authentic Sicilian flavors in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked risotto
• 1 cup filling (ragù, mozzarella, or spinach)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• Oil for frying
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Let the risotto cool before handling.
2. Take a small amount of risotto and make a ball.
3. Insert your chosen filling and shape the rice around it.
4. Dip each ball in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
5. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
6. Fry the arancini until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

3) Caponata

Caponata is a classic Sicilian dish that highlights eggplant and other fresh vegetables. It’s often served as a side or a flavorful appetizer. This dish features a mix of sweet, sour, and salty flavors.

To make caponata, you’ll need eggplants, tomatoes, olives, and capers. These ingredients come together to create a delicious relish that you can enjoy in many ways.

Let the caponata rest at room temperature for a while to enhance the flavors. This dish is perfect for crostini or as a side for grilled fish.

Ingredients

• 3 large eggplants
• 1 large white onion
• 2 celery stalks
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup olives, pitted and chopped
• 1/4 cup capers
• 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Dice the eggplants and sprinkle with salt. Let them sweat for about 20 minutes.
2. Rinse and dry the eggplants.
3. In a pan, sauté the onions and celery until soft.
4. Add the eggplants and cook until golden.
5. Stir in tomatoes, olives, capers, vinegar, and sugar.
6. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Remove from heat and let cool before serving.

4) Sicilian Cannoli

Sicilian cannoli are a delightful treat known for their crispy shells and sweet ricotta filling. Enjoying these perfect pastries brings a taste of Italy right to your home.

To make the shells, you’ll need a simple mix of flour, cocoa powder, and a bit of fat like lard or butter. Roll out the dough and shape it around metal tubes to fry until golden brown.

The filling is usually made with ricotta cheese, sugar, and hints of cinnamon for flavor. You can also add chocolate chips or candied fruit for extra sweetness.

When you’re ready, fill the cooled shells just before serving to keep them crisp. Enjoy your homemade Sicilian cannoli!

Ingredients:

• For the shells:

  • 200 g (about 1 ⅓ cups) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
  • 20 g (about 1 ½ tablespoons) softened lard or butter

• For the filling:

  • Ricotta cheese
  • Sugar
  • Cinnamon (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Mix flour, cocoa powder, and cinnamon.
2. Add lard or butter and blend until crumbly.
3. Roll out the dough and cut into circles.
4. Wrap around metal tubes and fry until golden.
5. In a bowl, combine ricotta, sugar, and cinnamon.
6. Fill the cooled shells with the ricotta mixture.
7. Serve immediately.

5) Pasta con le Sarde

Pasta con le sarde is a classic Sicilian dish that brings together the flavors of the sea and the countryside. This recipe features pasta, usually spaghetti or bucatini, combined with tasty sardines.

You’ll love how this dish uses simple ingredients, including wild fennel, raisins, and pine nuts. The sweetness of raisins balances the savory sardines, creating a unique flavor.

Cooking this meal is straightforward. Start by making a sauce with sautéed onions and fennel. Then, cook the pasta and mix it all together. Top it with toasted breadcrumbs for a nice crunch.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti or bucatini
• 1 can of sardines (in olive oil)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) raisins
• 1/4 cup (40 grams) pine nuts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon wild fennel (or regular fennel)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Toasted breadcrumbs for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until soft.
3. Stir in wild fennel, raisins, and pine nuts. Cook for a few minutes.
4. Add the sardines, breaking them into pieces.
5. Mix in the cooked pasta. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve topped with toasted breadcrumbs. Enjoy!

6) Panelle

Panelle are delicious Sicilian chickpea fritters. They’re popular street food, especially in Palermo. You can enjoy them as a snack or in a sandwich known as “pane e panelle.”

These fritters are made from chickpea flour mixed with water and seasoned with salt and pepper. A hint of lemon juice adds a lovely flavor.

You will love how crispy and hot they are when served fresh. Fry them until golden brown for the best taste.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chickpea flour
• 3 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, mix the chickpea flour with water and stir until smooth.
2. Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
3. Heat the mixture on medium until it thickens, stirring constantly.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased dish and let it cool.
5. Cut into squares and fry in hot oil (350°F/180°C) until golden.

7) Involtini di Pesce Spada

Involtini di Pesce Spada are delicious Sicilian swordfish rolls. They are made by wrapping thin slices of swordfish around a tasty filling. You can find different variations depending on the region.

The filling often includes breadcrumbs, garlic, and capers for extra flavor. Some recipes add pine nuts and currants, giving a sweet twist. The rolls are usually grilled or lightly sautéed until cooked through.

You will love the combination of flavors, which capture the essence of Sicilian cuisine. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or a gathering with friends.

Ingredients

• Swordfish fillets (thinly sliced)
• Breadcrumbs
• Garlic (minced)
• Capers
• Pine nuts
• Currants
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic, capers, pine nuts, and currants.
3. Place a spoonful of the filling on each swordfish slice.
4. Roll the fish tightly and secure with a toothpick.
5. Brush the rolls with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
6. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

8) Sfincione

Sfincione is a delightful Sicilian pizza known for its thick, fluffy crust and savory toppings. It often features a rich tomato sauce, onions, and anchovies, giving it a unique flavor. You can enjoy this dish as a snack or a meal.

To make sfincione, you’ll start with a simple dough. After letting it rise, press it into a baking tray generously greased with olive oil. Next, spread the sauce over the dough and top it with breadcrumbs for a lovely crunch.

Bake the sfincione at 400°F (200°C) until the crust is golden brown and crispy. The aroma will fill your kitchen and make your mouth water!

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 cups warm water
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup anchovies (optional)
• 1 cup unseasoned breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Then, let it sit for 10 minutes.
2. Stir in flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead until smooth. After that, let it rise for 1 hour.
3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Press the dough into a greased baking tray.
5. Cook onions in a skillet until soft. Then, add tomatoes and season.
6. Spread the sauce over the dough. After that, top with anchovies and breadcrumbs.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden. Enjoy your sfincione!

9) Sardine Beccafico

Sardine Beccafico is a cherished Sicilian dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. It features sardines stuffed with a delightful filling of breadcrumbs, pine nuts, raisins, and parsley. This dish is both flavorful and easy to make.

To prepare, you’ll want to butterfly the sardines. Then, combine your filling ingredients. After that, roll the sardines with the stuffing inside and place them in a baking dish.

Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil and fresh orange juice over the top before baking. The result is a savory and slightly sweet treat that captures the essence of Sicilian cuisine.

Ingredients

• 1.2 lbs (600 g) sardines, cleaned and butterflied
• 3 oz (80 g) breadcrumbs
• 3.3 Tbsp (50 g) raisins
• 3 Tbsp pine nuts
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 orange
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain.
3. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, pine nuts, garlic, parsley, and seasonings.
4. Place a small amount of stuffing on each sardine and roll from head to tail.
5. Arrange sardines in a greased baking dish.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and orange juice.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

10) Cassata Siciliana

Cassata Siciliana is a delightful Italian dessert from Sicily. It features layers of ricotta cheese, candied fruit, and chocolate, all wrapped in a sweet sponge cake. This cake is often covered with a layer of marzipan and decorated with colorful icing.

The origins of cassata trace back to Arab influences in Sicily. The combination of ingredients reflects the rich history of the island. You can find this cake at many celebrations and special occasions in Italy.

Making Cassata Siciliana at home is easier than it sounds. You can enjoy its authentic taste and impress your friends and family with your baking skills.

Ingredients

• 3.3 lb (1.5 kg) sheep’s milk ricotta
• 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• Candied fruit (to taste), diced
• 1 pound sponge cake
• 1 cup marzipan

Cooking Instructions

1. Blend ricotta and sugar until smooth.
2. Fold in chocolate chips and diced candied fruit.
3. Cut sponge cake into layers.
4. Spread ricotta mixture between layers.
5. Cover the cake with marzipan.
6. Decorate as desired.
7. Chill before serving.