Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Eolian Gigi: Traditional Sicilian Carnival Treats
Learn to make Eolian Gigi, the delightful fried sweets from the Aeolian Islands, perfect for Carnival celebrations. A true taste sensation!
🛒 Ingredients
▸ For the dough
- ✓ 500 g plain flour
- ✓ 100 g lard
- ✓ 75 g caster sugar
- ✓ 2 egg yolks
- ✓ A pinch of salt
- ✓ Half a glass of Malvasia wine
▸ For the glaze
- ✓ 300 ml white cooked wine
▸ For frying and finishing
- ✓ Vegetable oil for frying
- ✓ Icing sugar
- ✓ Ground cinnamon
📊 Nutritional Information
Eolian Gigi are classic fried pastries from the Aeolian Islands, enjoyed especially during Carnival season. Similar to Palermo’s pignoccata, they stand out thanks to a glaze made from white cooked wine instead of honey, lending them a rich, subtly caramelised aroma. Golden and fragrant with cinnamon, these treats are wonderfully convivial and utterly irresistible — ideal for sharing with family and friends.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Sift the flour into your stand mixer bowl, then add the sugar, salt, lard cut into pieces, and egg yolks.
- 2
Start the mixer on a low speed, gradually adding the Malvasia wine until the dough is smooth and pliable.
- 3
Cover the dough with a tea towel and leave it to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- 4
Once rested, shape the dough into sticks about 1 cm thick, then cut into 2 cm pieces.
- 5
Fry the gigi a few at a time in hot oil (about 170°C) until evenly golden. Drain on kitchen paper to remove excess oil.
- 6
Warm the cooked wine in a small pan, then toss in the pastries, stirring gently to coat them evenly with the glaze.
- 7
Arrange the glazed gigi on a serving tray, dust lightly with icing sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Serve warm or at room temperature.
💡 Tips and Variations
Try swapping the cooked wine for Marsala or Malvasia for a more aromatic twist. For a lighter take, cook them in an air fryer to cut down on fat while keeping the crunch.
📦 Storage
- • Store the gigi in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days.
- • You can also freeze them unglazed and reheat in the oven or air fryer before glazing and serving.
🍷 Pairing
Serve these Eolian gigi alongside a glass of Marsala Fine Ambra Secco DOC, chilled to 8-10°C. Its warm, aromatic notes beautifully complement the cooked wine glaze.
Give these charming Eolian gigi a go at home – they bring a lovely slice of Sicilian Carnival cheer to any table. Whether enjoyed with family or shared among friends, they’re sure to create joyful moments and lingering flavours. Do have fun making them, and don’t forget to share your culinary success stories – it’s a wonderful way to spread a little Sicilian sunshine across your kitchen!
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