Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Ennese Fried Pizzas: Scrumptious Delights from the Heart of Sicily
Learn how to make Ennese fried pizzas: crisp, flavour-packed, and utterly irresistible—a Sicilian classic perfect for any occasion!
📖 What is it
Learn how to make Ennese fried pizzas: crisp, flavour-packed, and utterly irresistible—a Sicilian classic perfect for any occasion!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 600g risen bread dough
- ✓ 250g primo sale cheese, diced
- ✓ 150g pitted black olives
- ✓ 3 salt-cured anchovies, soaked and chopped
- ✓ Extra virgin olive oil, as needed
- ✓ Vegetable oil for frying
- ✓ Salt, to taste
📊 Nutritional Information
Dive into the aromas and tastes of Sicily with Ennese fried pizzas: a perfect harmony of soft dough and a savoury filling of primo sale cheese, anchovies, and olives, transporting you straight to the island’s most authentic traditions.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Roll out the bread dough on a floured surface and brush it lightly with extra virgin olive oil.
- 2
Fold the dough over itself and knead vigorously for a few minutes until it becomes elastic.
- 3
Roll out sheets about half a centimetre thick and cut into 10cm squares.
- 4
Place a few cubes of primo sale, some chopped olives, and pieces of anchovy on half of the squares.
- 5
Cover with the remaining squares and seal the edges firmly using your fingers or a fork.
- 6
Heat plenty of vegetable oil in a wide pan to around 170°C.
- 7
Fry the pizzas in batches until golden, turning them to cook evenly.
- 8
Drain on kitchen paper and serve hot, ideally with a good glass of Sicilian red wine.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For an even richer flavour, add sun-dried tomatoes or a few capers to the filling to enhance the Mediterranean character.
- •
If you fancy a sweet twist, try filling the pizzas with fresh ricotta and a drizzle of honey for a gentle, comforting contrast.
- •
Use an air fryer for a lighter version that keeps the outside crisp without sacrificing taste.
- •
Since gluten is key to this dough’s texture, try rice or chickpea flour for a gluten-free alternative.
- •
To boost the umami of the filling, lightly toast the anchovies before adding them to the mix to deepen their flavour.
- •
For a vegetarian option, swap the anchovies for grilled aubergines or sautéed mushrooms to keep the filling hearty.
- •
The secret lies in the double cooking: a quick fry for a crunchy exterior, followed by a brief oven finish to cook through.
📦 Storage
- • Store the fried pizzas in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy within 24 hours to keep them fresh.
- • To bring back their crispness, warm them in a preheated oven at 180°C for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- • You can freeze cooked pizzas individually wrapped in cling film and placed in a freezer bag; thaw and reheat in the oven when ready to eat.
🍷 Pairing
Serve Ennese fried pizzas with a glass of Sicilian Syrah, such as Delia Nivolelli, whose spicy notes and balanced body complement the salty filling beautifully. Alternatively, a young Nero d’Avola or a classic Chianti also make excellent companions.
Making Ennese fried pizzas is like bringing a genuine slice of Sicilian culture to your table, winning hearts with their crispness and rich flavour. Treat yourself to this culinary journey and don’t forget to share the recipe with friends and family—there’s nothing quite like spreading the joy of a traditional, utterly delicious dish.
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