Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Fava and Ricotta Frittatine in Tomato Sauce: A True Taste of Sicilian Tradition
Dive into the rich flavours of Sicilian heritage with these fava and ricotta frittatine smothered in a hearty tomato sauce – a comforting dish full of history and soul.
📖 What is it
Dive into the rich flavours of Sicilian heritage with these fava and ricotta frittatine smothered in a hearty tomato sauce – a comforting dish full of history and soul.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 200g fresh fava beans
- ✓ 150g fresh ricotta cheese
- ✓ 2 large eggs
- ✓ 100g grated Sicilian pecorino
- ✓ 50g fresh breadcrumbs
- ✓ 500ml tomato sauce
- ✓ A small bunch of fresh basil
- ✓ Salt, to taste
- ✓ Extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ Plain flour, enough for dusting
- ✓ Vegetable oil, for frying
📊 Nutritional Information
These little frittatine, made from fresh fava beans and creamy ricotta, bathed in a robust tomato sauce, tell tales of Sicily’s authentic flavours and cherished traditions handed down through generations. Picture the scent of freshly picked basil wafting through a sunlit kitchen, while the comforting blend of sweet beans, luscious ricotta, and sharp pecorino wraps you in a warm, homely embrace. Perfect for a balmy spring Sunday or a friendly get-together, this dish invites you to reconnect with the simple joys of home cooking – the kind that feels like a celebration of the land and its bounty.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Begin by boiling the fava beans in lightly salted water until tender. Drain and let them cool slightly.
- 2
Mash the beans with a fork into a smooth purée and fold in the ricotta until well combined.
- 3
Add the eggs, grated pecorino, a pinch of salt, and mix everything thoroughly to form a cohesive mixture.
- 4
Shape the mixture into small patties, dust them lightly in plain flour, then coat in the fresh breadcrumbs, ensuring they’re well covered.
- 5
Heat plenty of vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan and fry the frittatine until golden all over. Drain on kitchen paper to remove excess oil.
- 6
For the sauce, gently sweat chopped garlic and basil in extra virgin olive oil, add the tomato sauce, season with salt, and simmer very gently for about 15 minutes.
- 7
Pop the fried frittatine into the sauce and let them soak up the flavours for a few minutes before serving.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For an even richer flavour, try stirring in a dollop of high-quality sheep’s ricotta and using Mediterranean herb-infused breadcrumbs – think oregano and wild fennel.
- •
Fancy a lighter twist? Shape the frittatine slightly flatter and bake them in the oven instead of frying – just as delicious but less indulgent.
- •
To keep it vegetarian and dairy-free, swap ricotta for a creamy tofu and replace pecorino with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly take.
- •
To get that perfectly smooth texture, sieve the fava bean purée after cooking. Also, make sure your frying pan is hot enough to crisp the frittatine quickly without soaking up too much oil.
- •
A little secret to enrich the flavour? Adding a splash of the cooking water from the fava beans to the purée keeps it moist and adds a subtle, natural seasoning.
- •
If gluten’s a concern, simply substitute the plain flour and breadcrumbs with rice or corn flour, and use a good non-stick pan to prevent sticking.
- •
The key to the most wonderful tomato sauce is slow, gentle simmering with fresh basil – that’s what deepens and brings all the flavours beautifully together.
📦 Storage
- • To keep the frittatine tasting fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Place a sheet of kitchen paper inside to absorb any excess moisture.
- • If you'd like to keep them longer, arrange the frittatine on a tray separated well apart and freeze. Once firm, transfer them to freezer bags to preserve their shape.
- • When ready to enjoy again, warm them gently in the oven at a low temperature or in a frying pan with a drizzle of oil to maintain that lovely crisp exterior and soft centre.
🍷 Pairing
To complement the fresh, rustic character of these frittatine, I’d recommend a Sicilian red wine such as Cerasuolo di Vittoria, whose balanced notes enhance the sweetness of the fava beans and the richness of the sauce.
Alternatively, a light, fruity Frappato pairs beautifully with the dish’s delicate flavours.
If you’re after something beyond Sicily, a young Chianti with its charming aromatic qualities is a splendid match.
Why not bring a slice of Sicilian sunshine to your table by trying this comforting dish at home? These frittatine are perfect for sharing with loved ones, sparking conversation over good food and laughter. Whether for a leisurely weekend lunch or a cosy evening in, they remind us that the best meals are those that come from the heart and are enjoyed together. Give it a go, and don’t forget to pass on the warmth by sharing the recipe with friends and family!
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