Ricette di Sicilia

Name: Fava and Ricotta Fritters in Tomato Sauce: A True Sicilian Classic
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: Serves 4
Cuisine: Sicilian
Ingredients: 200 g broad beans; 150 g fresh ricotta; 2 eggs; 100 g Sicilian pecorino, grated; 50 g breadcrumbs; 500 ml tomato sauce; 1 bunch fresh basil; salt; extra virgin olive oil; plain flour, enough for dusting; vegetable oil for frying

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane

Fava and Ricotta Fritters in Tomato Sauce: A True Sicilian Classic

Experience the rich flavours and heritage of Sicily with these fava and ricotta fritters in a comforting tomato sauce.

Author: Vito Costa • Published on: December 6, 2025

Categories: Main courses Vegetarian main courses

Tags: basil flour seed oil extra-virgin olive oil breadcrumbs pecorino cheese ricotta tomato sauce eggs

⏱️

Prep Time

around 30 minutes

🔥

Cook Time

about 25 minutes

👥

Serve

Serves 4

📊

Difficulty

Moderate

💰 Budget-friendly

🗓️ Spring

⭐ 4.5/5

🛒 Ingredients

✓ 200 g broad beans

✓ 150 g fresh ricotta

✓ 2 eggs

✓ 100 g Sicilian pecorino, grated

✓ 50 g breadcrumbs

✓ 500 ml tomato sauce

✓ 1 bunch fresh basil

✓ salt

✓ extra virgin olive oil

✓ plain flour, enough for dusting

✓ vegetable oil for frying

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories

350 kcal

Protein

15 g

Fat

20 g

Carbohydrates

25 g

Fiber

5 g

Fava and ricotta fritters in tomato sauce are a genuine taste of Sicilian culinary tradition, where simple ingredients meld into deep, heartwarming flavours. This dish conjures images of Sicilian grandmothers’ kitchens and is ideal for a spring or summer lunch when fresh broad beans are at their peak. The fragrant tomato sauce, enriched with fresh basil, fills the air, inviting you to sit down and savour a meal that feels like a warm, flavourful embrace. The natural sweetness of the fava beans and the creaminess of the ricotta blend perfectly, enhanced by the sharp, slightly peppery touch of Sicilian pecorino. It's a dish that calls to mind sun-soaked Sicilian days, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

1

Begin by boiling the broad beans in lightly salted water until tender. Drain and leave to cool slightly.
2

Mash them with a fork until smooth, then mix in the ricotta until you have a uniform mixture.
3

Stir in the eggs, grated pecorino, a pinch of salt, and combine everything thoroughly.
4

Shape the mixture into small balls, then dust them in flour followed by breadcrumbs, ensuring they’re well-coated.
5

Heat a generous amount of oil in a non-stick pan and fry the fritters until golden on all sides. Drain on kitchen paper to remove excess oil.
6

For the sauce, gently fry a mix of garlic and fresh basil in extra virgin olive oil, add the tomato sauce and simmer over a low heat for about 15 minutes, seasoning to taste.
7

Pop the fritters into the sauce and let them soak up the flavour for a few minutes before serving.

💡 Tips and Variations

For a vegan twist, swap the pecorino for a plant-based cheese. To make this gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. Add a bit of heat by stirring in fresh or dried chilli to the sauce.

📦 Storage

• Store the fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
• For longer keeping, freeze the fritters on a tray before transferring them to a freezer bag.
• Reheat gently in the oven or a pan before serving.

🍷 Pairing

These fava and ricotta fritters in tomato sauce pair beautifully with Nero d’Avola, one of Sicily’s finest red wines.

I hope this recipe brings a touch of Sicilian sunshine to your kitchen. There’s something truly special about sharing these rustic fritters with loved ones, whether at a laid-back lunch or cosy dinner. Do give them a go – I promise the rich flavours and comforting textures will win your heart. And don’t forget to tell me how you get on – good food tastes even better when it’s shared!