Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Boiled Sea Whelks: The Pure, Salty Taste of the Sicilian Coast
Savour boiled sea whelks - a simple, authentic Sicilian starter that captures the true fragrance of the Mediterranean.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ Sea whelks (murici), as many as you like
- ✓ Water, as needed
- ✓ Trapani sea salt, to taste
If you're longing for the true flavour of the sea, these boiled sea whelks - known in Sicilian as muccuna vugghiuti - are the perfect place to start. This simple, old-fashioned antipasto brings back memories of rocky shores, long summer afternoons and the unmistakable scent of the Mediterranean. With just a few ingredients, you’ll capture the freshness of Sicily’s coastal waters.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Rinse the sea whelks thoroughly under running water to remove any sand.
- 2
Place them in a large pot, cover with water and add a generous handful of Trapani sea salt.
- 3
Bring to the boil, then cook over medium heat for about 1 hour.
- 4
Turn off the heat and leave the whelks in their cooking liquid until ready to serve - this keeps them tender and full of flavour.
- 5
Lift them out with a skimmer, arrange on a serving plate and serve warm or slightly cooled with cocktail sticks or seafood forks.
💡 Tips and Variations
For a more aromatic broth, add a bay leaf or a few black peppercorns.
If you prefer a bolder flavour, drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and a squeeze of Sicilian lemon before serving.
📦 Storage
- • Store in the fridge for up to 1 day, well covered.
- • Do not reheat; enjoy at room temperature.
- • Freezing is not recommended as it alters texture.
- • Leftovers can be used to enrich a seafood pasta sauce.
🍷 Pairing
Pair with a chilled glass of Catarratto or Grillo - two fresh, mineral Sicilian whites that highlight the natural salinity of shellfish.
Boiled sea whelks are a dive into Sicily’s truest coastal flavours. Prepare them as a simple, nostalgic starter and share them with anyone who loves the sea as much as you do.
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