Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is one of the
most fascinating places in the world. Not only is Sicily topographically
fascinating - with its archipelagos, volcanoes, mountain ranges,
rivers, and beaches - it is also one of the most historically rich and
culturally diverse places on the planet, thanks to a history riddled
with conquerors and invaders that came and were seemingly assimilated
into the island's unique identity. Greek, Roman, Norman, Swabian,
Arabic, Phoenician, Spanish, Moorish - locals boast all these bloodlines
and more. From language, art, and architecture, from Agrigento's Valley
of the Temples to Stromboli's tiny charming villas, in Sicily, the
influence of these civilisations can be seen everywhere, but most
perhaps most strongly in its cuisine. In fact, many people contend that
the island's cuisine alone is worth the trip.
Healthy Never Tasted This Delicious
Your first impression of the island's cuisine may be that it resembles standard Italian cuisine - but look a little deeper and you can discover how unique it truly is. It uses local ingredients and follows the Italian tradition of simple, hearty fare focusing on the freshness and seasonality of ingredients, both from land and sea, but it also uses the methods of slow cooking, with the taste amped up by the addition of exotic foreign spices.
Fish and seafood are the main proteins used, although meats such as beef, lamb, and chicken are also common. The region is a heaven for vegetable lovers, as Sicilian cuisine features many vegetarian dishes. Caponata, a favourite antipasto made with eggplant and capers is hearty enough to be an entrée or light lunch, while insalata di mare, a tasty seafood salad of boiled squid, octopus, shrimp, and chopped fresh vegetables, is great for those in the mood for something slightly more substantial.
Pasta con le sarde (pasta with fresh sardines in tomato sauce with capers and pine nuts), and spaghetti alle vongole veraci (spaghetti with fresh clams steamed in wine with garlic, fresh parsley, and olive oil) are also traditional favourites. Notice that any of the ingredients predominant in Sicilian cuisine are heart-healthy and, in fact, the famously subscribed to Mediterranean Diet encourages their consumption.
Tip: If you're planning to a trip to the region, stay in one of the excellent villas; in Sicily, they are the best way to give you the freedom and independence to enjoy home cooked and authentic Sicilian cuisine - if you ask nicely, some places may even give you the recipe!
Sweet as Well as Savoury
One of the many advantages of staying in one of the villas in Sicily is that many of them are nestled within groves of citrus and other fruit trees, such as tangerines, lemons, and oranges. Imagine freshly squeezed juice for breakfast, along with fruit preserves - or even gelato, which Sicilians consider an acceptable breakfast food, and which comes in a hundred different flavours, both mundane and exotic.
If you love pastry, try the traditional cannoli: a crunchy roll stuffed with ricotta, candied fruits, pistachios, and, of course, chocolate! For the ultimate Sicilian pastry, however, head to Catania for a taste of their famous cassata Siciliana, a layered sponge cake sweetened with Marsala wine or orange liqueur and filled with ricotta, chocolate, and candied local fruits.
And Did We Mention the Wines?
Speaking of Marsala, another great advantage of a stay in one of the villas in Sicily is the range of fabulous wines you'll have the opportunity to sample as you linger over dinner or enjoy in the garden under the stars. The island is celebrated for its excellent wines. Marsala, which comes (naturally) from Marsala, is the region's most famous, but Moscata and Malvasia also come highly recommended.
Healthy Never Tasted This Delicious
Your first impression of the island's cuisine may be that it resembles standard Italian cuisine - but look a little deeper and you can discover how unique it truly is. It uses local ingredients and follows the Italian tradition of simple, hearty fare focusing on the freshness and seasonality of ingredients, both from land and sea, but it also uses the methods of slow cooking, with the taste amped up by the addition of exotic foreign spices.
Fish and seafood are the main proteins used, although meats such as beef, lamb, and chicken are also common. The region is a heaven for vegetable lovers, as Sicilian cuisine features many vegetarian dishes. Caponata, a favourite antipasto made with eggplant and capers is hearty enough to be an entrée or light lunch, while insalata di mare, a tasty seafood salad of boiled squid, octopus, shrimp, and chopped fresh vegetables, is great for those in the mood for something slightly more substantial.
Pasta con le sarde (pasta with fresh sardines in tomato sauce with capers and pine nuts), and spaghetti alle vongole veraci (spaghetti with fresh clams steamed in wine with garlic, fresh parsley, and olive oil) are also traditional favourites. Notice that any of the ingredients predominant in Sicilian cuisine are heart-healthy and, in fact, the famously subscribed to Mediterranean Diet encourages their consumption.
Tip: If you're planning to a trip to the region, stay in one of the excellent villas; in Sicily, they are the best way to give you the freedom and independence to enjoy home cooked and authentic Sicilian cuisine - if you ask nicely, some places may even give you the recipe!
Sweet as Well as Savoury
One of the many advantages of staying in one of the villas in Sicily is that many of them are nestled within groves of citrus and other fruit trees, such as tangerines, lemons, and oranges. Imagine freshly squeezed juice for breakfast, along with fruit preserves - or even gelato, which Sicilians consider an acceptable breakfast food, and which comes in a hundred different flavours, both mundane and exotic.
If you love pastry, try the traditional cannoli: a crunchy roll stuffed with ricotta, candied fruits, pistachios, and, of course, chocolate! For the ultimate Sicilian pastry, however, head to Catania for a taste of their famous cassata Siciliana, a layered sponge cake sweetened with Marsala wine or orange liqueur and filled with ricotta, chocolate, and candied local fruits.
And Did We Mention the Wines?
Speaking of Marsala, another great advantage of a stay in one of the villas in Sicily is the range of fabulous wines you'll have the opportunity to sample as you linger over dinner or enjoy in the garden under the stars. The island is celebrated for its excellent wines. Marsala, which comes (naturally) from Marsala, is the region's most famous, but Moscata and Malvasia also come highly recommended.
Jonathan Magoni is Senior Manager of Cottages to Castles, a
family owned company specialising in high quality holiday villas,
apartments and cottages in Italy. For spectacular villas in Sicily
or accommodation in the Italian lakes, ski resorts or city centres, we
offer only the very best. Discover Italy at your own pace and without
time restrictions in our hand picked villas and cottages.
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