10+ Sicilian Recipes to Savor and Celebrate

Sicilian recipes offer a delightful taste of Italy’s rich culinary traditions. These dishes combine fresh ingredients and bold flavors that create memorable meals for you and your family.

From savory pastas to sweet desserts, each recipe reflects the island’s unique culture and history.

Exploring Sicilian cuisine can open a world of delicious possibilities. You can enjoy meals that are not only satisfying but also connect you to the warmth and hospitality of Sicilian culture.

1) Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma is a classic Sicilian dish that perfectly combines eggplant and tomato sauce. The rich flavors come from sautéed eggplant, which is tender and delicious. You’ll find this dish topped with salty ricotta salata cheese, adding a wonderful finish.

This recipe highlights the best of fresh ingredients. Using ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil will make your pasta shine. The eggplant is often roasted or sautéed, giving it a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

To make Pasta alla Norma, gather your ingredients and follow the simple steps to create a delightful meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) of pasta (like rigatoni or spaghetti)
• 1 medium eggplant
• 2 cups (480ml) of marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup (70g) of ricotta salata cheese
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the eggplant into cubes and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
2. Rinse and pat dry the eggplant.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
4. Sauté the eggplant until golden brown. Remove from heat.
5. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
6. In a large pot, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and eggplant. Mix well.
7. Serve hot, topped with crumbled ricotta salata and fresh basil. Enjoy!

2) Arancini di Riso

Arancini di Riso are a classic Sicilian dish that you will love. These tasty rice balls are typically filled with a mix of meat sauce, peas, and cheese. They are then breaded and fried until golden and crispy.

To make them, you’ll start with risotto. Once it’s cool, you form it into balls and stuff them with your favorite filling. Then, roll them in breadcrumbs before frying. The outside gets crispy while the inside stays warm and melty.

This street food is perfect as a snack or appetizer. Each bite brings a blend of flavors and textures that are simply delightful.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked risotto
• 1 cup ground beef or sausage
• 1/2 cup peas
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pan, cook the ground beef with peas until done.
2. Allow the risotto to cool, then take a small amount and flatten it in your palm.
3. Add a spoonful of meat mixture and a cube of cheese.
4. Shape the rice around the filling into a ball.
5. Beat eggs in a bowl and dip the balls in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
6. Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C).
7. Fry the arancini until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
8. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

3) Caponata

Caponata is a delicious Sicilian dish that features eggplant, tomatoes, and other fresh ingredients. It has a unique sweet and sour flavor that makes it a wonderful side or appetizer.

To prepare caponata, you’ll need eggplant, celery, onions, olives, and capers. The dish often includes a bit of vinegar and sugar to enhance its tangy taste.

You can serve caponata warm or cold. It pairs well with bread, pasta, or as a topping for proteins.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and sliced
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Dice the eggplant and salt it. Let it drain for 30 minutes.
2. Rinse the eggplant and pat dry.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
4. Sauté onion and celery until soft.
5. Add the eggplant and tomatoes. Cook until tender.
6. Stir in olives, capers, vinegar, and sugar.
7. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot or cold.

4) Cassata Siciliana

Cassata Siciliana is a traditional Sicilian dessert that many people enjoy, especially during festive occasions. This cake combines sweet layers of sponge cake and a rich filling made from ricotta cheese, sugar, and chocolate.

The cake is often covered with green almond paste, giving it a unique look. You may also find it decorated with candied fruits, adding a colorful touch.

Making Cassata Siciliana at home can be a fun experience. You’ll appreciate the sweet and creamy flavors as you enjoy each slice.

Ingredients

• 1 sponge cake
• 23 ounces (650 grams) firm ricotta cheese (preferably sheep’s milk)
• 1 cup (220 grams) caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup (150 grams) dark chocolate drops
• Green almond paste
• Candied fruits for decoration

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you are baking the sponge cake.
2. Prepare the sponge cake according to your recipe.
3. In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, sugar, cinnamon, and chocolate drops.
4. Slice the sponge cake and layer with the ricotta mixture.
5. Cover the cake with green almond paste.
6. Decorate with candied fruits.
7. Chill before serving. Enjoy!

5) Pasta con le Sarde

Pasta con le Sarde is a classic Sicilian dish that brings together delicious flavors. It features sardines, which are packed with protein and have a rich taste. The addition of fennel, raisins, and pine nuts makes this dish both savory and slightly sweet.

The main ingredients come together to create a fragrant sauce. You will also use saffron, which adds a lovely color and unique flavor. This dish is perfect for anyone looking to try authentic Sicilian cuisine.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) of pasta (like bucatini or spaghetti)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 fennel bulbs, chopped
• 4-6 anchovy fillets
• 1 can of sardines in oil
• 1/4 cup (40g) raisins
• 1/4 cup (40g) pine nuts
• Pinch of saffron
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the onion until soft.
3. Add fennel and anchovies; cook until fennel is tender.
4. Stir in sardines, raisins, pine nuts, and saffron.
5. Toss the pasta with the sauce and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

6) Cannoli

Cannoli is a classic Sicilian dessert that you can easily make at home. These delicious pastries have crunchy shells filled with creamy ricotta. The combination of textures and flavors makes them a favorite for many.

To make cannoli, you start with a sweet, flaky dough. After frying the shells, let them cool. The filling usually includes fresh ricotta, sugar, and sometimes chocolate chips.

You can also dust the finished cannoli with powdered sugar for a nice touch. This dessert is perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat after dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional)
• 1 tablespoon white wine or vinegar
• 1/4 cup lard or butter
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-4 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, lard, and wine in a bowl.
2. Roll it into a dough and rest for 30 minutes.
3. Roll out the dough thinly and cut into circles.
4. Wrap around cannoli tubes and fry in hot oil (375°F/190°C) until golden.
5. Cool and carefully remove from tubes.
6. Mix ricotta, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
7. Pipe the filling into the cooled shells.
8. Serve dusted with powdered sugar. Enjoy!

7) Involtini di Melanzane

Involtini di Melanzane are delicious eggplant rolls filled with rich cheeses and herbs. This Sicilian dish is perfect for a tasty appetizer or a main course.

To make these rolls, you slice the eggplant thin and grill or roast them until tender. Then, you fill them with a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Pecorino Romano cheese.

After rolling them up, place the involtini in marinara sauce and bake until bubbly. The result is a comforting and flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 Eggplant
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, chopped
• 1/3 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the eggplant and grill or roast until soft.
3. Mix the ricotta, egg, salt, mozzarella, and Pecorino Romano in a bowl.
4. Place a spoonful of the mixture on each slice of eggplant and roll it up.
5. Spread some marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
6. Place the rolls seam side down in the dish and cover with more sauce.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until heated through.

8) Sfincione

Sfincione is a delicious Sicilian pizza known for its thick crust and rich toppings. It’s a great dish to try when you want to enjoy authentic flavors from Sicily.

This pizza usually has a base of tomato sauce, along with onions and anchovies. Topped with crispy breadcrumbs and cheese, it offers a satisfying blend of textures and tastes.

To make sfincione, gather fresh ingredients and get ready for a flavorful cooking experience. You can enjoy it as a main dish or a tasty snack any time.

Ingredients

• 500g (4 cups) bread flour
• 500g (4 cups) durum wheat semolina
• 14g (1 tbsp) dry instant yeast
• 100ml (7 tbsp) extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 6 to 8 oil-packed anchovies
• 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
• Grated cheese (like caciocavallo)
• Breadcrumbs
• Oregano

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Mix the flours, yeast, and salt in a bowl.
3. Gradually add warm water and olive oil to form a dough.
4. Knead the dough until smooth. Then, let it rise for 1 hour.
5. Sauté onions and anchovies until soft.
6. Spread the dough base with sauce.
7. Add the onion mixture, cheese, and breadcrumbs on top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.

9) Panelle

Panelle are delicious Sicilian chickpea fritters. These crispy bites are made from chickpea flour and are a popular street food in Palermo. You can enjoy them in a panino with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

To make panelle, you will need just a few simple ingredients. They are easy to prepare and perfect as a snack or appetizer. Serve them hot for the best taste.

Ingredients

• 2 cups chickpea flour
• ½ tsp salt
• 3 ½ cups water
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 1 Tbsp curly parsley (optional)
• Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, mix chickpea flour, salt, and pepper.
2. Gradually add water, stirring until smooth.
3. Cook on medium heat, stirring until thick.
4. Spread the mixture on a flat surface to cool.
5. Cut into shapes and fry in hot oil (around 350°F/175°C) until golden.

10) Sicilian Orange Salad

Sicilian Orange Salad is a bright and refreshing dish that celebrates simple ingredients. With juicy oranges as the star, this salad is both delicious and easy to make.

You can pair the oranges with sliced fennel, red onion, and a few capers. A sprinkle of oregano and fresh mint adds a wonderful flavor. This balance of sweet and savory makes every bite enjoyable.

For a real taste of Sicily, drizzle olive oil and add a bit of vinegar. The combination is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish with your meal.

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and slice the oranges into rounds.
2. Thinly slice the fennel bulb and red onion.
3. Combine the oranges, fennel, onion, and capers in a bowl.
4. Drizzle olive oil and vinegar over the mixture.
5. Sprinkle oregano and mint, then toss gently to mix.