Sicily is an island that is strategically located in the Mediterranean between Europe (Italy) and Africa. It’s that triangle-shaped island at the toe of the boot of Italy. The island has been conquered by the Moors, The Greeks, The Romans, Normans, and many others. Greek influence does figure heavily.
The foods, like the culture, take the influence of the many civilizations that have inhabited or controlled the island and varies from one region to another. It can seem like a hodge-podge, but the Sicilians make it uniquely their own. Near Messina, the food has a European influence while the other side takes on a more African spin.
Lunch, not unlike Italy, is the big meal. If you go to a restaurant, be prepared for multiple courses. Antipasti (or appetizers) can be nibbles of everything from grilled vegetables to shrimp, and olives. The Antipasti course can be just a one-dish appetizer or multiple dishes. This is frequently followed by a pasta course, then the fish or meat. Now, you know the reason for the siesta time. After all that pasta, you need a nap. This is the tradition that is still followed today. School is out around 1 pm, Parents leave work and make lunch for the kids and then return to work. I fully embrace the Siesta!! Such an amazing concept!!
Here are some typical Sicilian delicacies you must experience.
First off, there are a few ingredients that are found everywhere, in everything. Lemon (not lime, lemon), Pistachio, Anchovies.
Sicilian Pizza
This is a thick, doughy, pan-style pizza. With tomato sauce and anchovies. Anchovies are everywhere. Salty. Not as salty as the version in the US for some reason.
Pasta
What post about Sicily or Italy is complete without pasta. The variety of shapes is truly amazing. Noodles are thicker and doughier than found stateside. Served usually with seafood: shrimp and clams. A vegetarian option is Pasta Alla Norma, Pasta with Eggplant in a tomato sauce with Ricotta Salata. Delicious!!
Italians and Sicilians love their pasta. Pasta in all shapes and sizes. Served with everything from simple, think olive oil, garlic, lemon, and parsley or marinara to pistachio cream sauce or any of the above with seafood. In all incarnations, it is delicious.
Octopus
Really a must-try. A dramatic, if not freaky presentation when served whole. The octopus is steamed and served straight up with legs splayed out, in all its purple majesty.
It is delicious with olive oil, lemon, and parsley. As for taste, at its best it is surprisingly sweet and tender, melts in your mouth in an exotic kind of way. I loved the dish below. It was scrumptious!
Fish
It’s no surprise that fish is served primarily on the island. Many varieties exist…mainly seabass and snapper. Prepared rather simply. baked or grilled. Olive oil, lemon, garlic round out the flavors. Typically, after you order the fish, the waiter will come out with the raw fish for you to inspect and approve that fish. Hint: look at the eyes! Then they will go to work and prepare it for you. Be prepared for it to be served whole (head and all), you may have to fillet it yourself. Luckily, we were with some experts on this trip that knew how to do this. Oh, don’t forget those cheeks! These are the most tender and best parts!
Seabass
This particular restaurant filleted the fish for us and served with a potato soup (broth-based not creamy) that the fish was actually marinated in. The soup was then ladled over the fish.
Gelato!!
It goes without saying, you must have Gelato. Gelaterias abound everywhere. You cannot escape. The kiddos had gelato just about every day.
The flavors are amazing. You will typically see Chocolate, Mint, Pistachio, and fruity flavors such as strawberry, mango, lemon, or mixed berry.
In the heat, after much sampling, we found the fruity flavors to be the most refreshing.
And a bonus, Sicilian Cannoli. The traditional cannoli we see is actually Sicilian. Who knew. It can be with the regular ricotta and chocolate chips, or with pistachio cream. Pistachios are everywhere.
There you are. 5 must-try foods and a couple of bonuses!!