Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Cuccìa with Cooked Wine: A Timeless Sicilian Treat for Santa Lucia
Delve into the rich heritage of cuccìa with cooked wine, a classic Sicilian dessert celebrated every Saint Lucy’s Day. A delightful must-try!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 300g whole wheat grains
- ✓ 150g chickpeas
- ✓ 1 bay leaf
- ✓ Cooked wine (vino cotto), to taste
- ✓ Caster sugar, to taste
📊 Nutritional Information
Cuccìa with cooked wine is a cherished Sicilian pudding traditionally enjoyed on 13th December, Saint Lucy’s Day. Its story dates back to 1646 when, during a terrible famine in Siracusa, a ship laden with wheat miraculously arrived on the very day of the feast. Since then, cuccìa has come to symbolise hope and plenty, warmly embraced in Sicilian households. The comforting aroma of cooked wine mingles beautifully with the gentle sweetness of caster sugar, perfectly complementing the tender texture of wheat grains and chickpeas. This dessert is just the ticket for chilly winter days, wrapping you in the warmth and history of Sicily.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Soak the wheat grains for 3 days, refreshing the water daily.
- 2
Soak the chickpeas in plenty of water with a pinch of bicarbonate of soda for 24 hours.
- 3
Drain the wheat and place it in a large pan with plenty of water and the bay leaf; simmer gently for 2 hours.
- 4
Add the chickpeas and continue cooking for another 3 hours, taking care not to overcook them.
- 5
Drain everything and let it cool. Then stir in the cooked wine and caster sugar to your liking using a wooden spoon.
- 6
Traditionally served on the morning of 13th December, cuccìa is best enjoyed fresh.
💡 Tips and Variations
For a lovely crunch, sprinkle in some toasted chopped almonds. If you like it sweeter, simply increase the sugar. Some versions swap cooked wine for must syrup, lending a slightly different, but equally delicious flavour.
📦 Storage
- • Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- • Freezes well for up to a month.
- • Warm gently in a bain-marie before serving.
🍷 Pairing
Serve alongside a glass of Passito di Pantelleria, a luscious Sicilian dessert wine that perfectly magnifies the rich flavours of the cooked wine.
Give this heartwarming Sicilian classic a go and bring a slice of southern Italy to your festive table. It's a brilliant way to celebrate tradition with loved ones, sharing not just a pudding, but a story steeped in history and hope. Do try it for Santa Lucia’s Day or whenever you fancy a comforting, soulful treat – it’s sure to become a firm favourite in your home too!
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