Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Cubbaita or Giuggiulena: Sicily’s Crispy, Nutty Festive Treat
Uncover the delights of Cubbaita (also known as Giuggiulena), a traditional Sicilian Christmas sweet made with toasted almonds and sesame seeds. A simple, irresistible recipe to try at home!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 500g sesame seeds
- ✓ 300g runny honey
- ✓ 150g caster sugar
- ✓ 150g toasted almonds
📊 Nutritional Information
Cubbaita, or Giuggiulena as it's often called in Sicily, is a time-honoured Sicilian treat that truly captures the island’s authentic flavours. This crunchy sesame and almond nougat is a festive favourite, traditionally made over the Christmas season. The inviting scent of golden honey and toasted sesame instantly brings to mind cosy family gatherings and heartwarming celebrations. Perfect as a sweet nibble or dessert, cubbaita offers a lovely crisp contrast to richer, heavier winter flavours.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Gently warm the honey in a saucepan over a low heat until melted.
- 2
Stir in the sugar and keep stirring until the mixture starts to bubble.
- 3
Add the sesame seeds and roughly chopped toasted almonds once the mixture is boiling.
- 4
Continue to cook on low heat, stirring frequently, until the sesame seeds turn a rich amber colour and everything is well combined.
- 5
Pour the mixture onto a lightly oiled marble surface or a baking sheet lined with greaseproof paper, then quickly spread it out to about 5-10mm thickness.
- 6
Cut into rectangles or diamond shapes and leave to cool completely at room temperature.
💡 Tips and Variations
For a twist on tradition, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or some finely grated orange zest to the honey and sugar mixture for extra warmth and aroma.
📦 Storage
- • Keep your cubbaita stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- • Avoid moisture to maintain its delightful crunch.
- • It's best not to refrigerate, so it keeps its authentic texture and flavour.
🍷 Pairing
Serve this Sicilian sweet alongside a glass of Moscato Passito from Pantelleria – its luscious honeyed notes perfectly complement the rich, nutty flavours.
Why not bring a little Sicilian sunshine to your kitchen this winter with this simple, crunchy cubbaita? It’s a wonderful shareable treat that will warm hearts around the table, whether as a festive nibble or a special sweet moment. Do give it a go – your friends and family will be asking for more, and you’ll be transporting them straight to the sun-kissed shores of Sicily with every bite!
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