When people think about Italian food, there are probably a few highlights that come to mind. For example, many people associate Italy with wine, cheese, pizza, and pasta. Italy itself is a very large country, which means there are some significant regional variations from top to bottom. For example, the island of Sicily certainly has its own cuisine. What are some of the defining features of Sicilian cuisine?
The Starters
A traditional Sicilian meal is going to start with an appetizer. Even the starters in Sicily can be incredibly rich and robust, so some people eat them as main courses. For example, lots of people love Caponata, which is a traditional eggplant dish from Sicily. Vegetables are combined with a variety of sauces to create unique appetizers that define Sicilian cuisine.
The Main Courses
The main courses in Sicily are absolute masterpieces when it comes to cooking. Meat and seafood are usually at the center, and some of the defining features of Italian cuisines, such as Pasta alla Norma, actually come from Sicily. Some of the most popular fishes used in Sicilian cuisine include swordfish and tuna. Given that Sicily is an island, it should come as no surprise that seafood is one of the most popular ingredients in Sicilian cooking. Olive oil and fish oil are closely associated with Sicilian cooking as well.
The Dessert
It isn’t a Sicilian meal unless a dessert is served at the end. There are plenty of desserts that are closely associated with Sicily, including cannolis and cassata. Fresh fruit is frequently incorporated as a dessert option in Sicily, and marzipan is another popular ingredient. Many Sicilian desserts are versatile enough to be customized in a variety of ways, so there should be plenty of options on the menu for people of all backgrounds.
Fall In Love With Sicilian Cuisine
Sicilian heritage is inextricably tied to its cooking, and Sicilian cooking has been exported all over the world. There is a chance that you have had a Sicilian meal already and simply didn’t know it! If you want to truly appreciate the richness and flavor of Sicilian cuisine, you need to go to a traditional Italian restaurant and send your taste buds on a journey!