Picture this scene – a fragrant tomato sauce bubbles away on the stove, filling the air with its enticing aroma. On the windowsill, the scent of basil and mint transports you straight to the sunny climes of the Mediterranean, while on the table, a fruit bowl piled high with lemons and blood oranges adds a welcome splash of colour to the room.
How much do you know about Sicilian gastronomy? It could be that a recent holiday in Sicily has captured your culinary imagination, or you may just enjoy experimenting with cuisines from overseas and like the idea of introducing a hint of Sicily into your cooking. Start your journey into recreating Sicilian flavours at home with the ultimate Sicilian pick me up, a strong espresso with a soft amaretto biscuit, then get set to bring a taste of the island to your own table.
Why Bring Sicilian Flavours into Your Kitchen
In common with the rest of Italy, here in Sicily, we’re very proud of the culture that surrounds our food. Our regional version of the Mediterranean diet is still largely made up of olive oil, fruit, vegetables, seafood and whole grains, with limited amounts of dairy and meat, so it’s essentially a really healthy diet. Sicilian food is all about using seasonal ingredients that are grown locally, avoiding, where possible, ultra-processed foods.
We also see mealtimes as social occasions for adults and children, time to gather together to chat while we enjoy delicious food.
I’m sure many of us also find that challenging ourselves with new flavours and recipes from overseas can be enormously satisfying. And there are times when a traditional Sicilian dish is like enjoying a mini holiday in Sicily on a plate!
Food can provide a wonderful bridge between our everyday life and far-flung places, and using specific ingredients to make dishes that you’ve tasted abroad is a great way to recreate holiday memories or perhaps even a way to explore a particular cuisine before heading overseas. And best of all, when it comes to Sicilian food, it may be easier than you ever thought.
Sicilian Food vs. The Rest of Italy
So how does Sicilian food differ from the rest of Italy? Each region of Italy has its own recipes and traditions, often handed down over centuries, and the way that a particular dish is made can even vary from one village to another. But Sicilian food, in particular, is influenced by several factors.
Firstly, centuries of rule by others has resulted in a fusion of Mediterranean cultures, with elements of Arab, Norman, French, Spanish and Greek cuisine all present. Hence the combination of flavours in dishes such as ‘caponata’, a sweet and sour aubergine bake made with vinegar, sugar and pine nuts.
Or the widespread use of couscous in the Trapani area in the west of Sicily, reflecting the North African influence.
Secondly, an island setting means we have an abundance of seafood, and long, hot summers result in a profusion of basil, capers and mint.
We also have a long tradition of street food, with snacks such as ‘arancini’ (rice balls) and ‘panelle’ (chickpea fritters) playing a central role in daily life. Plus, widespread use of almonds mean more sweet things than elsewhere in Italy, with almond based biscuits and pastries appearing at every celebration – or frankly, at any time!
Key Sicilian Ingredients for Your Store Cupboard
One of the reasons that Sicilian food is so healthy is in its use of fresh seasonal items. However, you’ll still need some store cupboard items so if this has whetted your appetite, it’s worth first stocking up on some basic ingredients.
Start with some extra virgin olive oil, a selection of vinegars, salted capers, olives, sardines and anchovy fillets. Dried oregano, cinnamon, raisins, olives and pine nuts, and couscous, pasta and breadcrumbs will also all come in handy. Buy the fresh produce such as fish, fruit, vegetables and ricotta or pecorino cheese as and when you need it.
Simple Everyday Sicilian Cooking
The beauty of Sicilian cooking is in its simplicity. Check out recipes for Pasta alla Norma (with tomato sauce, eggplant, basil and ricotta salata) or Pasta alle Sarde (with canned rather than fresh sardines, fennel, pine nuts, raisins and breadcrumbs), two dishes that are simple to make, affordable and healthy. Or buy some fresh swordfish or tuna, and prepare it in the classic Sicilian way, with olive oil, tomatoes, capers and olives in a pan, served alongside a light fennel and orange salad.
What About Sicilian Desserts and Sweet Treats?
Most people are familiar with Sicilian cannoli and ‘cassata’, the elaborate multi-layered celebration cake. However, there are far simpler, and equally delicious, sweet treats to make which are classically Sicilian. Start with a batch of squidgy ‘Amaretti Siciliani’, Biscotti Regina (sesame almond cookie) or almond brittle. Common to all the biscuits is a heavy use of almonds, citrus, honey and spices.
Experience Sicily at Home… Then Experience It in Person
Once you’ve had a taste of Sicilian food, what could be better than visiting Sicily and sampling some of these dishes in situ? Once you get there, you’ll find ample opportunities to broaden your knowledge of Sicilian flavours and learn more about the prominent role food plays in daily life in Sicily. Explore local markets or the huge food markets in Palermo, Catania and Syracuse, book a wine tasting at a local vineyard and take a cooking class or two to perfect a couple of dishes to whip up in your own kitchen.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Are you interested in learning more about Sicilian food? Have you been to Sicily? Have you ever taken cooking classes on an overseas holiday?
