Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Crispy Prickly Pear Peel Cutlets - A True Sicilian Surprise
Discover this delightfully unexpected Sicilian antipasto where humble prickly pear peels are transformed into golden, crunchy cutlets.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 1 kg prickly pear peels
- ✓ 3 eggs
- ✓ plain flour
- ✓ breadcrumbs
- ✓ extra-virgin olive oil
- ✓ salt
📊 Nutritional Information
If you’ve ever wandered through a Sicilian market in late summer, you’ll know the sight of fichi d’India - prickly pears glowing in shades of ruby, gold and green. What you might not expect is that even their peels, often tossed aside without a second thought, can be turned into something wonderfully delicious.
These crisp prickly pear peel cutlets are one of those clever, old-school Sicilian recipes that celebrate thrift, flavour and a touch of culinary magic. Once cleaned and sliced, the peels take beautifully to a classic breadcrumb coating, emerging golden and irresistibly crunchy.
Perfect for warm evenings, outdoor lunches or simply as a show-stopping antipasto to spark conversation, this dish captures the playful, inventive spirit of Sicilian home cooking.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Wash the prickly pear peels thoroughly and carefully remove the outer spiny layer.
- 2
Slice the peels, dust them in flour, dip them in beaten eggs with a pinch of salt, and coat well in breadcrumbs.
- 3
Fry the peels in plenty of hot oil until golden. Drain excess oil and serve immediately.
💡 Tips and Variations
For a lighter version, bake the coated peels in the oven at 180°C for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through. You can also add spices such as black pepper or paprika to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.
📦 Storage
- • Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- • You can freeze the cooked cutlets for up to one month.
- • Reheat in the oven at 160°C for 10 minutes before serving.
🍷 Pairing
Pair these prickly pear peel cutlets with a glass of Cerasuolo di Vittoria - a fresh, fruity Sicilian red that complements their delicate sweetness and crunch.
I hope this curious and charming recipe has inspired you to look at Sicilian ingredients with fresh eyes. Give these crispy peel cutlets a try - they’re far more delicious than you’d ever imagine. Happy cooking!
Rate this recipe
Click or tap the stars to rate
Potrebbero interessarti anche:
-
Sicilian Batter-Fried Artichokes - A Crisp and Golden Festive Treat Starters Christmas Recipes Quick RecipesCrisp, golden and irresistibly light - discover these Sicilian batter-fried artichokes, perfect as a festive starter or an indulgent winter treat.
-
Sicilian Batter-Fried Cardoons - A Crisp and Comforting Winter Treat Starters Christmas Recipes Quick RecipesDiscover these wonderfully crisp Sicilian batter-fried cardoons - a festive winter classic with rustic charm and irresistible flavour.
-
Lobster Heart Bites: Elegant Little Croquettes for a Truly Luxurious Starter StartersDelicate, heart-shaped lobster croquettes coated in crisp golden breadcrumbs - an elegant Sicilian-inspired starter perfect for celebrations and refined dinners.
-
Fried Primo Sale with Anchovy: A Crispy Sicilian Antipasto Starters Quick RecipesDiscover how to prepare fried Primo Sale with anchovy - a delightful Sicilian starter that’s guaranteed to impress your guests.
-
Sicilian Tomato Bruschetta - A Bright, Summery Antipasto Starters Quick RecipesA vibrant Sicilian twist on classic tomato bruschetta: ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil and a touch of salted sardines for depth. Fresh, quick and irresistibly Mediterranean.