We are so excited to let you know that we are featuring two tours to Sicily in combination with Puglia in 2023! Come join ECA on such a memorable tour. Call or email us to request the full itinerary and details!
Sicily, is an island region in the South of Italy, full of panoramic views, shining sun, bright beaches, and most famously, delicious food. No matter where you end up, you’re sure to discover some scrumptious eats. The food and architecture shows traces of all cultures that have inhabited the island over the last two millennia. Sicilian food has Greek, Spanish, French and Arab influences that can be seen in many of its dishes. No matter what is on your to-do-list make sure you leave Sicily having tried these 5 most iconic dishes.
Pasta Alla Norma:
Head to the east coast of Sicily, Catania, and you’ll find one of the island’s most historic and iconic pasta dishes. Pasta alla Norma is one of the best representations of Sicilian cuisine, making the most of local ingredients such as: tomatoes, aubergines, garlic, fresh basil and ricotta salata (salted ricotta).
The name of the dish is said to originate from the exclamation by the Italian writer Nino Martoglio who, upon tasting the dish, exclaimed "This is a real 'Norma'!", comparing it to the famous Opera, “Norma”, Vincenzo Bellini.
Gambero Rosso (Red Prawns):
Being an island means fish and seafood is obviously integral to the Sicilian diet. Gambero Rosso, or red prawns, are caught by the local fishermen. Those from Mazara del Vallo on the western coast of the island are believed to be some of the best in the world. What makes them great is their simplicity, just dressed in a little local lemon juice and olive oil, eaten raw. This is a real experience for any foodie visiting Sicily.
Insalata di Arance (Sicilian Orange Salad):
Insalata di arance is a typical salad dish of the Spanish and Sicilian cuisine, which highlights fresh oranges. This dish is usually served at the beginning or at the end of a meal.
In its most basic form the salad consists of thin, tart orange slices served with olive oil, salt and black pepper. There are common variations of the orange slices with a few additional ingredients such as sliced fennel bulbs, onions and black olives. This refreshing salad does not require any vinaigrette as it receives its tartness from the fresh oranges.
Cassata (Traditional Cake):
Cassata is a traditional sweet cake that consists of round sponge cake moistened with fruit juices or liqueur. It is then layered with ricotta cheese and candied fruit. Ricotta cheese is also a popular ingredient in the famous Canola (cannoli is the plural). Cassata has a shell of marzipan, pink and green colored icing, and decorative designs. Cassata is believed to have originated in Palermo in the 10th century, when under Muslim rule, but is now a staple dessert in Sicilian cuisine.
Granita alla mandorla (“The Italian Sorbet”):
This refreshing blend of crushed ice, sugar, and flavors made from the freshest local fruits or nuts. Though found all throughout Italy, this dessert originated in Sicily. Traditional flavoring ingredients include lemon juice, mandarin oranges, jasmine, coffee, almonds, mint, and when in season wild strawberries and black mulberries. Chocolate granitas have a tradition in the city of Catania but are also available in other parts of Sicily.
There is nothing better than enjoying this cold dessert in the mid-summer heat while exploring Sicilian streets. Depending on where you try this dessert in the city, it’s texture can vary. It is said that the desired texture seems to vary from city to city on the island; on the west coast and in Palermo, it is at its chunkiest, and in the east it is nearly as smooth as sorbet. No matter where you try this dessert, it is sure to be delicious.
There are so many wonderful sights and dishes to highlight from Sicily and while there is not time to list them all, you will be able to sample them when you join ECA on our next adventure visiting this amazing island October 8 - 18, 2022.