Sicilian cuisine is renowned for its rich and diverse flavours, influenced by its history and geographical location. There are several delicious dishes from the famous Sicilian food scene worth trying, but it's challenging to single out one as the absolute best, as personal preferences may vary. Nevertheless, here are some popular and beloved Sicilian dishes from a huge fan of Sicilian cooking and the taste of Southern Italy:
- Arancini: (plural form of arancino) These are deep-fried rice balls typically filled with ragù (meat tomato sauce), mozzarella cheese, and peas. They are often enjoyed as a snack or appetisers and are probably the most famous Sicilian food. They are often served with green olives and potato croquettes.
- Pasta alla Norma: This dish combines pasta, typically rigatoni, with a sauce made from tomatoes, olive oil, fried eggplant, basil, and ricotta salata (salted ricotta cheese). It is a typical dish of the East coast of Sicily.
- Etna Rosso: a delicious light to medium bodied red wine from the region of Mount Etna, which pairs well with grilled meat and pasta a la norma.
- Eggplant Parmigiana or aubergine Parmigiana (Parmigiana di Melanzane) introduced via Arab influence centuries ago it is the ultimate comfort food which I am happy to have as main meal.
- Caponata: Caponata is a sweet and sour sauce dish made with aubergine , tomatoes (the best summer fresh vegetable), onions, capers, olives, and vinegar. It's usually served as an antipasto or a side dish and can be found on most menus.
- Cannoli: Sicilian cannoli are iconic desserts consisting of fried pastry tubes filled with sweet ricotta cheese (and not whipped cream), often with additions such as chocolate chips, candied fruit, or pistachio cream and often with two flavors. Panelle: These are crispy chickpea fritters typically served in a sandwich known as "pani ca meusa" along with veal spleen and caciocavallo cheese. You will often find one small stands as you stroll through Palermo. It is a very typical Sicilian street food and a must try if you happened to have a sweet tooth. Together with candied oranges, ice cream and a walk in the old town of Palermo, Cannoli are the definition of a holiday on this beautiful Island.
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Sarde a Beccafico: this is very traditional Sicilian dish: fresh sardines stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, pine nuts, raisins, garlic, chopped parsley, and lemon juice, then baked or grilled. This dish offers a unique blend of sweet and savoury flavours.
- Sea urchins: from Trapani to Catania, they are enjoyed raw or with spaghetti as a main dish, and not one you would come across in Northern Italy
- Cassata Siciliana: A traditional Sicilian cake made with sponge cake layers soaked in liqueur or fruit juice, filled with sweetened ricotta cheese, and decorated with marzipan, candied fruit, and royal icing. A perfect summer dessert to remember your holiday in Sicily and one of my favourite Sicilian desserts. This is also a more rustic version called Cassata al Forno, without the marzipan and candied fruits, which you can find in Palermo.
- Panelle – Sicilian Fritters with chickpea flour and sesame seeds: it is served with a sesame seed bun (pane e panelle), often with a squeeze of lemon (or other citrus fruits).
These are just a few examples of the delicious Sicilian dishes available. Sicilian cuisine is incredibly diverse, and each region and town may have its own specialties, with many recipes going back to the middle ages or the time of the arab rule. Enjoy it with a generous drizzle of olive oil, fresh bread and a glass of frappato or marsala wine. Exploring the local cuisine while visiting Sicily will allow you to discover even more delightful dishes. Are you ready to discover your Sicilian side?