Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Crispy Fried Bread with Anchovies: A Sicilian Starter You’ll Adore
Dive into the flavours of Sicily with this classic fried bread and anchovy starter, featuring creamy tuma cheese and salty anchovies—perfect for sharing at any gathering!
📖 What is it
Dive into the flavours of Sicily with this classic fried bread and anchovy starter, featuring creamy tuma cheese and salty anchovies—perfect for sharing at any gathering!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 16 slices of stale bread
- ✓ 4 salted anchovies
- ✓ 250g tuma cheese, thinly sliced
- ✓ 4 eggs
- ✓ A handful of chopped parsley
- ✓ Extra virgin olive oil for frying
- ✓ Salt, to taste
- ✓ Freshly ground black pepper
📊 Nutritional Information
Let the scents of Sicily whisk you away with this rustic fried bread topped with anchovies. The golden crunch of the bread pairs beautifully with the briny intensity of the sea, softened by the delicate creaminess of tuma cheese. It’s a warm invitation to savour the island’s heritage in every bite, ideal for kicking off a cosy evening with friends and family.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Lightly dampen the stale bread slices with a little water to soften them.
- 2
On half of the slices, layer a slice of tuma cheese and a piece of anchovy, rinsed and deboned.
- 3
Top with the remaining slices to create small sandwiches.
- 4
Beat the eggs in a bowl with the chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
- 5
Dip each sandwich into the beaten eggs, ensuring they’re well coated.
- 6
Fry in plenty of hot extra virgin olive oil until golden and crisp on both sides.
- 7
Drain on kitchen paper to remove excess oil and serve the fried bread with anchovies piping hot.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a milder flavour, swap the tuma for a fresh cheese like primo sale or well-drained mozzarella.
- •
If you fancy an extra crunchy crust, dip the bread sandwiches in the beaten egg, then coat them in breadcrumbs before frying.
- •
For a lighter option, bake the bread in the oven with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil instead of frying.
- •
The key to a truly memorable dish is using high-quality fresh anchovies and a robust Sicilian olive oil.
📦 Storage
- • This fried bread with anchovies is best enjoyed straight away to keep its crispness and flavour.
- • If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day.
- • Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 180°C for a few minutes to restore its original texture before serving.
🍷 Pairing
To complement this bold starter, opt for a Sicilian white wine like Grillo or Catarratto, whose fresh citrus notes balance the saltiness of the anchovies. Alternatively, a domestic white such as Verdicchio or an international Sauvignon Blanc offers a delightful aromatic contrast.
Making this fried bread with anchovies is like inviting a slice of Sicilian tradition into your kitchen—a simple yet flavour-packed dish that’s sure to bring everyone together. Give it a go, share it with your loved ones, and spread the joy of this timeless classic far and wide.
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