Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Bolognesi: Sicilian Pastry Delights with a Savoury Twist
Discover the charm of Bolognesi, the beloved Sicilian pastries from Catania, filled with surprising flavours and wrapped in an irresistible dough. A true taste of tradition!
📖 What is it
Discover the charm of Bolognesi, the beloved Sicilian pastries from Catania, filled with surprising flavours and wrapped in an irresistible dough. A true taste of tradition!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 500g plain flour
- ✓ 500g semolina flour
- ✓ 700ml water
- ✓ 100g lard
- ✓ 50g caster sugar
- ✓ 30g salt
- ✓ half a sachet of dried yeast
- ✓ 3 sheets of puff pastry
- ✓ 400g cooked ham
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ 500g chopped tomatoes
- ✓ 500g tuma cheese or a mild stretched-curd cheese
- ✓ 1 egg
📊 Nutritional Information
Bolognesi are a true gem of Catania’s bakery scene, a dish steeped in Sicilian heritage and convivial spirit. Picture wandering the streets of Catania, where the air is rich with the scent of these golden, crisp-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside pastries, generously filled with a delicious mix of tomato, cooked ham, and tuma cheese. Perfect for festive occasions or a relaxed picnic, they whisk your taste buds straight to the heart of Sicily, where authentic flavours and warm, welcoming atmospheres abound.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Tip the flours into a large bowl, make a well in the centre and sprinkle in the yeast.
- 2
Add a little water to dissolve the yeast, then mix in the remaining ingredients and knead for about 10 minutes.
- 3
Leave the dough to rest for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for another 10 minutes until smooth.
- 4
Place the dough in a floured bowl, cover and leave to rise in a warm spot for around 2 hours.
- 5
Divide the dough into 100g portions and let them rise while you prepare the filling.
- 6
Heat some olive oil in a pan, add the chopped tomatoes, salt and sugar, and cook until the sauce thickens.
- 7
Roll out the dough portions into discs and fill them with the tomato sauce, cooked ham and tuma cheese.
- 8
Cut puff pastry discs slightly smaller than the dough discs and use them to cover the filled pastries.
- 9
Brush the edges with beaten egg, seal with the puff pastry discs and make a small slit in the centre.
- 10
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15 minutes, then leave to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a richer flavour, swap the tuma for smoked scamorza or buffalo mozzarella, which add a lovely creamy texture to the filling.
- •
If you enjoy a bit of heat, toss in a pinch of fresh or dried chilli to the filling for a spicy kick.
- •
Using a non-stick baking tray or a baking stone can help achieve an even crispier, golden crust.
- •
For a vegetarian option, leave out the ham and bulk up the filling with grilled aubergines or sautéed mushrooms, keeping the tuma for that perfect creaminess.
- •
To boost the umami, stir in a teaspoon of tomato purée into the filling — it deepens the flavour without weighing it down.
- •
If you need a gluten-free version, use a specialist gluten-free bread or pizza flour, keeping an eye on the dough’s consistency.
- •
The secret to this recipe lies in the perfect balance between the crisp outer shell and the soft, flavourful filling — every bite is simply unforgettable.
📦 Storage
- • Store the bolognesi in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy within two days to keep their fresh aroma.
- • For longer storage, wrap each pastry individually in cling film and freeze them in a freezer bag for up to a month.
- • When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and warm in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 5 minutes to restore their crispness.
🍷 Pairing
To complement the flavours of the bolognesi, try a Sicilian white wine like Grillo from Contea di Sclafani — fresh and aromatic, it beautifully balances the richness of the filling. Alternatively, a light Catarratto or a coastal Vermentino would also make a splendid match. If you prefer wines from outside Sicily, a Friulian Pinot Grigio or an Alto Adige Sauvignon Blanc offer a delightful freshness and mineral edge.
Making bolognesi is like bringing a slice of Sicily right into your kitchen — a dish bursting with authentic, homely flavours. I warmly encourage you to give this recipe a go, share the joy of this hearty treat with your loved ones, and spread the delight of Sicilian cooking through your stories and social circles. Happy baking and bon appétit!
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