Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Ammarrapanza: Traditional Sicilian Treats with Dried Figs and Sultanas
Discover how to make ammarrapanza, classic Sicilian sweets bursting with the rich flavours of dried figs and sultanas. A delightful taste of the Mediterranean sunshine!
📖 What is it
Discover how to make ammarrapanza, classic Sicilian sweets bursting with the rich flavours of dried figs and sultanas. A delightful taste of the Mediterranean sunshine!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 1 kg plain flour
- ✓ 500 g caster sugar
- ✓ 150 g margarine
- ✓ 500 g chopped dried figs
- ✓ 200 g sultanas
- ✓ 100 ml dry white wine
- ✓ 100 ml extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ a pinch of salt
- ✓ a pinch of bicarbonate of soda
- ✓ 1 cup water
📊 Nutritional Information
Step into the fragrant world of Sicily with ammarrapanza, charming little cakes that marry the natural sweetness of dried figs and sultanas with a crisp, golden pastry. These treasured island treats carry stories of festive gatherings and warm hospitality, whisking you straight to the heart of Sicily’s timeless traditions.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
In a saucepan, bring a cup of water and 50 g of sugar to the boil.
- 2
Add the chopped dried figs and simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in the sultanas and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- 3
In a large bowl, sift the flour and mix with the remaining sugar, salt, margarine, olive oil, wine, and a pinch of bicarbonate of soda. Knead until you have a soft, smooth dough.
- 4
Roll the dough out thinly and cut into rectangles roughly 10 by 5 cm.
- 5
Place a spoonful of the fig and sultana filling in the centre of each rectangle, then roll up to form small cylinders.
- 6
Arrange the sweets on a baking tray lined with baking parchment and bake in a preheated oven at 250°C for about 20 minutes, until golden.
- 7
Allow to cool before serving, optionally dusted with icing sugar.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For an extra aromatic touch, add a pinch of cinnamon or some finely grated lemon zest to the filling.
- •
Try swapping the dried figs for chopped dates for a richer, more intense flavour.
- •
Use a thin, well-worked pastry to achieve the perfect crispness that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling.
- •
To enhance the depth of flavour, mix in a small handful of toasted chopped almonds into the filling.
- •
For a lighter version, reduce the sugar in the filling or use wholemeal shortcrust pastry.
- •
The magic of this treat lies in the perfect balance between the natural sweetness of the dried fruit and the fragrant pastry.
📦 Storage
- • Store ammarrapanza in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to keep their delicate aroma for up to 4-5 days.
- • For longer storage, freeze once cooled and gently warm before serving to retain their deliciousness.
- • Avoid moisture exposure to preserve the pastry’s crispness and the filling’s texture.
🍷 Pairing
To complement the rich flavours of ammarrapanza, a vintage Marsala Vergine Stravecchio is ideal, balancing sweetness with dry, aromatic notes. Alternatively, a passito from Pantelleria or a Moscato di Noto pairs beautifully. If you fancy something beyond Sicily, a Tuscan Vin Santo makes a splendid match.
Making ammarrapanza is like inviting a slice of authentic Sicily into your kitchen, filled with vibrant flavours and cherished traditions. Treat yourself to this delicious piece of history and share it with your loved ones — it’s the perfect way to bring a little warmth and genuine Sicilian spirit to your table.
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