Sicilians love coming together around a table laden with food, and this is especially true at Christmas time! Sicilian food really shines at this time of year, with a wide variety of dishes that will delight everybody’s tastebuds. From delicious starters, to rich secondi, and of course, delectable desserts and sweets, Sicilian food at Christmas is something to be savoured and enjoyed. There are so many dishes to choose from, and each area in Sicily has their own traditions, but here are some of the main players at a Christmas table. Maybe add a Sicilian dish or two to your Christmas celebrations.
Delicious Starters
Considered by many the best part of any meal, Sicilian starters are fantastic. There are so many to choose from, and it is easy to over-indulge in these tasty starters; but don’t forget there’s more to come! At Christmas there are often tempting small plates to pick from, including Sciacca Ragusana (dough filled with various delicious fillings like ham, olives, tomato, and onion), Sfincione, a doughy bread topped with tomato, anchovies, onion, and cacciocavallo cheese, or Crispelle stuffed with cheese and anchovies. These go perfectly with a traditional caponata with aubergines as the star of the show. If you loved cured meats and cheese, then the products from the Nebrodi mountains are a must. Pick from the hams and salami made from the Nero di Nebrodi pigs of the area. Don’t forget some fish! Baccalà fritto is a given at any Christmas meal and is wonderfully fragrant and crispy!
Unforgettable Primi
For many people, Sicilian food means delicious pasta. And this is no different at Christmas. A plate of pasta on Christmas day brings happiness to everyone around the table. The most famous pasta is Anelletti Palermitano. This is a baked pasta dish made using small rings of pasta, cooked in a rich meat sauce with additions such as ham, cheese, eggs, and peas; each family has their own recipe, and everyone is delicious! Pasticcio di Noto is another show-stopper! Pasta with a tasty sauce is wrapped in dough and baked, creating an unforgettable meal! If you prefer fish, then you won’t be disappointed. Pasta with Sardines and Wild Fennel is a firm favourite, as is Pasta alla Ghiotta which is served with swordfish, capers, olives, onions, and tomatoes.
Impressive Secondi
It’s difficult to not feel full by the time the secondi come along during a Chrsitmas meal in Sicily, but it is worth saving some space for these dishes! Falso magro, a meatball wrapped in a slice of meat and braised in a tomato sauce, is a meat-lover’s classic. As Sicily is an island, and Sicilian love eating fish, there are also many pescatarian options such as swordfish rolls, swordfish balls (with pine nuts and raisins, cooked in tomato sauce), and of course Beccafico sardines. These sardines are stuffed with a fragrant filling and then baked. They are an emblem of celebrations in Sicily. A Sicilian salad of seasonal oranges, fennel, and olives, or a delicious plate of broccoli that has been cooked with saffron and garlic are the best side options. Sicilian food doesn’t get much better than this!
Exceptional Desserts and Sweets
There are so many choices when it comes to desserts and sweets in Sicily. At Christmas time, Sicilians are on a sugar high thanks to the quantity of desserts enjoyed! Of course, cannoli, cassata, and panettone are all classics, with many boutique and artisanal versions available. Post-Christmas treats also include buccellati biscuits, filled with figs, almond, and chocolate, or any number of almond biscuits that vary from area to area. And of course, pistachios from Bronte and chocolate from Modica are always on the table, as well as mandarins to finish the meal off with a touch of vitamin C!
World-Class Wines
A glass of celebratory wine is a given at the Christmas table in Sicily, and luckily Sicily produces some amazing wines. There are many types of Sicilian sparkling wine. Toast to Christmas and your loved ones with a glass of bubbles! White wine-lovers will adore a glass of crisp Grillo, or Catarratto that are ideal with primi. If you prefer red wines, then a minerally Etna Rosso, or a cherry-red Cerasuolo di Vittoria are superb choices. There is also a huge choice of sweet wines that pair perfectly with Sicilian sweets and dessert. Choose world-famous Marsala, or a Malvasia di Lipari, or a Zibibbo for a sweet finale to your meal.
Sicilian Food – Find your Favourite
Visitors to Sicily love exploring all the Sicilian food during their holiday, whatever time of the year. Book a villa and treat yourself to a gastronomic holiday in Sicily. You can visit the local markets, or stop off at some fantastic restaurants and really enjoy the food on offer.
Discover more about Sicilian Food
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