If you’re looking for a foodie destination in Italy, look no further than Sicily! This beautiful island is home to some of the best Italian cuisine, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From traditional dishes like arancini and caponata to delicious desserts like cannoli and granita, here are 15 foods to try in Sicily!
1. Arancini
Arancini is one of Sicily’s most delicious and iconic dishes. These fried rice balls are usually stuffed with ragù, mozzarella, and peas, and they make an excellent appetizer or main course. Arancini are believed to have originated in the 10th century, during the Islamic occupation of Sicily.
It is said that the Arabs would fry leftover rice and spices in oil, forming them into small balls. The dish eventually made its way to Venice, where it became known as “arancine.” Today, arancini are popular street food in Sicily, and they can be found in most restaurants and cafes. If you’re ever in Sicily, be sure to try this delicious dish!
2. Caponata
Caponata is a traditional Sicilian dish that is typically made with eggplant. The eggplant is cooked in olive oil and vinegar, and then it is mixed with chopped tomatoes, celery, onions, and olives. Capers are also often added to the dish.
The result is a sweet and sour vegetable relish that can be eaten on its own or used as a condiment. Caponata is usually served at room temperature, and it gets even better as it sits. This dish is a wonderful example of the vibrant and flavorful cuisine of Sicily.
3. Cassata Siciliana
Cassata siciliana is a traditional Sicilian dessert that is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. The dish consists of a round sponge cake that is layered with sweetened ricotta cheese and then covered with a thin layer of green marzipan.
The entire cake is then decorated with candied fruit, making it truly a work of art. While cassata siciliana is usually enjoyed around Easter time, it can be enjoyed year-round. If you find yourself in Sicily, be sure to try this delicious treat!
4. Cannoli
Cannoli are a delicious treat that originated in Sicily, Italy. They are made by wrapping a sweet pastry dough around a hollow cylinder, and then deep-frying it until it is crispy. The pastry is then filled with a sweet Ricotta cheese filling and often flavored with chocolate or candied fruit.
Cannoli are traditionally served as part of a large feast, but they can also be enjoyed as a standalone dessert. Thanks to their amazing flavor and unique texture, cannoli are one of the most popular Italian desserts and can be found in many restaurants and cafes around the world.
5. Coppa Ham
Coppa ham is a type of dry-cured ham that originates from the mountainous regions of Sicily, Italy. The ham is made from the hind leg of a pig and is cured for a minimum of 12 months.
During this time, the ham is rubbed with a mixture of salt, pepper, and other spices. This curing process gives Coppa ham its characteristic flavor and aroma. The ham is then aged for an additional period of time, which can range from several months to several years.
This aging process helps to develop the ham’s flavor and texture. Coppa ham can be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of dishes. It is typically thinly sliced and served as an appetizer or main course. Coppa ham is a delicious way to experience the flavors of Sicily.
6. Gelo di Melone
If you’re looking for a delicious way to cool down on a hot summer day, Gelo di Melone is the perfect treat! This Sicilian specialty is made with ripe watermelons, sugar, and lime juice, and it’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Although it’s refreshingly sweet, gelo di melone also has a bit of a kick from the lime juice. It’s the perfect blend of flavors, and it’s sure to leave you wanting more. So next time you’re in Sicily, be sure to try this delicious dessert!
7. Granita
Granita is a refreshing Sicilian specialty that is perfect for a hot summer day. Made with fresh fruit, sugar, and water, granita is similar to sorbet but has a coarser, flakier texture. The most popular flavor is lemon, but you can also find granita made with orange, strawberry, or almond.
While it is typically served on its own, granita can also be enjoyed as a topping for gelato or pancakes. No matter how you enjoy it, one thing is for sure: Granita is the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day in Sicily!
8. Marsala Wine
Sicily’s Marsala wine is one of the world’s most unique and distinctive wines. Made from a blend of red and white grapes, Marsala is fortified with brandy and aged in barrels for years.
The result is a complex, richly-flavored wine with a deep amber color. Marsala is perfect for sipping on its own or pairing with food. When it comes to food pairing, Marsala’s versatility is unsurpassed. It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and even chocolate desserts.
And because Marsala comes in both dry and sweet styles, there’s a perfect match for every dish. Whether you’re enjoying a glass of Marsala on its own or using it to enhance your cooking, Sicily’s signature wine is sure to add flavor to your life.
9. Pasta alla Norma
Pasta alla Norma is a staple of Sicilian cuisine, and it is a dish that I always look forward to when I visit the island. The dish is named for the Italian opera singer, Norma, and it consists of pasta (typically rigatoni or penne) with a sauce made from tomatoes, eggplant, and ricotta.
The eggplant is cooked in olive oil until it is soft and then combined with the other ingredients to create a rich, flavorful sauce. It is a very simple dish, but it is absolutely delicious. I always make sure to order it when I am in Sicily, and I highly recommend it to anyone who visits the island.
10. Pesce Spada alla Griglia
There’s nothing quite like the taste of freshly caught fish grilled over an open flame. And in Sicily, pesce spada alla griglia is a dish that’s beloved by locals and visitors alike. Swordfish is the traditional choice for this recipe, but other firm-fleshed fish like tuna or halibut can also be used.
The fish is simply seasoned with salt and pepper, then grilled until it’s slightly charred on the outside and perfectly cooked through. Served with a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil, it’s a simple but incredibly flavorful dish that celebrates the best of Sicilian cuisine. So next time you’re in Sicily, be sure to try pesce spada alla griglia – you won’t be disappointed!
11. Pizzette
There’s nothing quite like a freshly-made pizzette from Sicily, Italy. The dough is thin and crispy, the sauce is perfectly seasoned, and the toppings are always fresh and delicious.
Whether you prefer a classic Margherita or a more unique topping combination, there’s sure to be a pizzette that will tantalize your taste buds. And if you’re lucky enough to visit Sicily, be sure to try one of the many authentic pizzerias in town. You won’t be disappointed!
12. Prosciutto di Parma
Prosciutto di Parma is a type of dry-cured ham that originates from the Parma region of Italy. It is made from the hind leg of a pig that has been carefully selected and raised according to strict guidelines.
The ham is then dry-cured for a minimum of 12 months, resulting in a complex flavor that is both salty and sweet. The unique taste of Prosciutto di Parma has made it one of the most popular types of ham in the world, and it can be enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in a variety of dishes.
If you’re looking for a truly authentic Italian experience, there’s no better way to enjoy Prosciutto di Parma than by visiting the region where it’s made.
13. Ravioli alla Norma
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty plate of ravioli alla norma on a cold winter day. This classic Italian dish originates from Sicily, and it is traditionally made with a generous stuffing of ricotta cheese and egg.
The ravioli are then smothered in a rich tomato sauce and topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The result is delicious comfort food that is sure to please even the most discerning palate. If you’re looking for a truly authentic experience, be sure to order your ravioli alla norma from a reputable Italian restaurant.
14. Sicilian Pizza
Sicilian pizza is a type of pizza that originates from Sicily, Italy. It is characterized by its thick crust, square shape, and use of fresh ingredients. Traditional toppings for Sicilian pizza include tomatoes, onions, olives, and Anchovies. However, there are many variations of this pizza, and toppings can vary depending on region and personal preference.
Sicilian pizza is often served as a main course, but it can also be found in smaller sizes as an appetizer or snack. No matter how it is served, Sicilian pizza is sure to satisfy any pizza lover’s cravings.
15. Spaghetti alla Carbonara
Spaghetti alla carbonara is a dish that originates in Rome, Italy. The dish consists of spaghetti pasta that is cooked with eggs, pancetta (or bacon), black pepper, and Parmesan cheese. In some variations of the dish, onion or garlic may be added.
Carbonara is typically made with spaghetti, but other types of pasta can be used as well. The dish gets its name from the Italian word for coal, “carbonaro”. Legend has it that the dish was created by Italian charcoal makers, who would cook pasta with bacon and eggs over a fire. Buon appetito!
In Conclusion
There’s no doubt that Italy is a food lover’s paradise. With so many delicious dishes to choose from, it can be hard to decide what to eat. But with this list of 15 foods to try in Sicily, Italy, you’ll be sure to find something to your taste. From traditional favorites like pizza and pasta to more unique dishes like ravioli alla norma, there’s something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Sicily today!
