Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Cuḍḍuruni di Lentini with Onions: A Rustic Sicilian Focaccia Bursting with Sweet and Savoury Flavours
Discover the cuḍḍuruni di Lentini with onions, a traditional Sicilian focaccia with a wonderfully rustic taste, a true emblem of Siracusa’s culinary heritage.
📖 What is it
Discover the cuḍḍuruni di Lentini with onions, a traditional Sicilian focaccia with a wonderfully rustic taste, a true emblem of Siracusa’s culinary heritage.
🛒 Ingredients
▸ For the dough
- ✓ 350g semolina flour
- ✓ 15g fresh yeast
- ✓ 2 teaspoons sugar
- ✓ water, as needed
- ✓ salt, to taste
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil, as needed
▸ For the filling
- ✓ 800g red onions
- ✓ 500ml tomato sauce
- ✓ capers, to taste
- ✓ 150g primo sale cheese
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil, as needed
- ✓ salt, to taste
📊 Nutritional Information
Step into the heart of Sicily with cuḍḍuruni di Lentini, a hearty focaccia that tells a story of tradition and passion. Its crisp, golden crust gives way to a soft, luscious filling of gently stewed sweet onions, fresh tomato, capers, and primo sale cheese — a perfect harmony that conjures the warm, welcoming spirit of our beloved island.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Sift the semolina flour onto a clean work surface, then sprinkle over the sugar and crumble in the fresh yeast.
- 2
Gradually add water, mixing as you go, then incorporate the olive oil and salt until you have a smooth, firm dough.
- 3
Cover with a clean tea towel and leave to rise in a warm spot for at least an hour.
- 4
Meanwhile, prepare the filling: gently stew the onions in a little water until soft, then add the olive oil and tomato sauce.
- 5
Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens, season with salt, and set aside to cool.
- 6
Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a thin, round sheet. Spread the filling over half the surface, layering with slices of primo sale and a scattering of capers.
- 7
Fold the other half over to enclose the filling and pinch the edges together to seal, creating a neat corded border.
- 8
Brush the top with extra virgin olive oil and leave to rest for 10 minutes.
- 9
Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 20 minutes, until beautifully golden.
- 10
Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve your cuḍḍuruni di Lentini with a generous glass of red wine.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a bolder flavour, add pitted black olives or anchovy fillets to the filling for extra depth.
- •
If you prefer a lighter version, swap some of the onions for leeks to keep the sweetness but lighten the dish.
- •
Using a baking stone in your oven can help achieve an even bake and a wonderfully crisp base, just like the traditional method.
- •
To enhance the umami, sprinkle a pinch of dried oregano or drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the focaccia just before serving.
- •
For a vegan twist, omit the cheese and replace it with a creamy spread made from toasted almonds or a plant-based cheese alternative.
📦 Storage
- • Keep the cuḍḍuruni at room temperature, covered with a clean cloth, and enjoy within 24 hours.
- • For longer storage, wrap it tightly in cling film and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- • Reheat gently in the oven or on a griddle to revive its original aroma and texture before serving again.
- • You can also freeze cooked cuḍḍuruni, wrapped individually, and thaw slowly before reheating to preserve its flavour and consistency.
🍷 Pairing
Pair your cuḍḍuruni di Lentini with a Sicilian red wine such as a Syrah from the Sclafani region, whose structure and intensity beautifully complement the sweetness of the onions and the saltiness of the cheese. Alternatively, a young Nero d’Avola or a fresh Frappato offers an equally harmonious match. For a wine from outside Sicily, a Chianti Classico or a light Pinot Noir will also work wonderfully with this rustic dish.
Making cuḍḍuruni di Lentini with onions is like bringing a slice of authentic Sicily right into your kitchen — full of honest flavours and cherished traditions. I warmly encourage you to give this recipe a go, share it with your nearest and dearest, and let the comforting aroma fill your home. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate good food and great company, so don’t forget to spread the joy by sharing this Sicilian delight with friends and family!
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