Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Fried Bread with Sugar and Cinnamon: A Truly Authentic Sicilian Treat
Discover how to make fried bread dusted with sugar and cinnamon – a nostalgic Sicilian sweet that captures the heart!
📖 What is it
Discover how to make fried bread dusted with sugar and cinnamon – a nostalgic Sicilian sweet that captures the heart!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 100 g Manitoba flour
- ✓ 150 g plain flour
- ✓ 150 ml water at room temperature
- ✓ 5 g fine salt
- ✓ 2 g fresh brewer’s yeast
- ✓ vegetable oil for frying
- ✓ caster sugar
- ✓ ground cinnamon
📊 Nutritional Information
Fried bread sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon is a little gem from Sicilian tradition, evoking warm family moments and rich, inviting aromas. This simple yet irresistible treat will whisk you away to the heart of authentic Sicily, where the comforting warmth of frying meets the sweet, spicy notes of cinnamon, offering a moment of pure nostalgia and delight. Perfect for a cosy afternoon snack or a sweet finish to a dinner with friends, it’s a lovely way to reconnect with the honest flavours of the island using just a handful of ingredients and plenty of love.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Begin by mixing the dough either by hand or with a stand mixer on a medium-low speed.
- 2
In a bowl, combine the flours and fresh yeast, adding some water at about 25°C.
- 3
Stir with a wooden spoon, adding half the water and the salt.
- 4
Gradually add the remaining water until you have a smooth, even dough.
- 5
Knead the dough on a floured surface until it’s firm and uniform.
- 6
Cover and leave to rest for 10 minutes.
- 7
Shape into a ball and let it prove in a warm spot for two hours.
- 8
Roll out the risen dough on a floured surface and cut into pieces.
- 9
Mix caster sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish.
- 10
Fry the dough pieces in plenty of hot oil until golden and crisp.
- 11
Drain on kitchen paper and toss them in the sugar and cinnamon mix.
- 12
Serve the fried bread warm on a platter.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For an extra indulgent twist, try adding a pinch of unsweetened cocoa powder to the sugar and cinnamon mix – it adds a lovely depth and a subtle bittersweet note.
- •
Swap the vegetable oil for a good-quality extra virgin olive oil to give the fried bread a richer, more characterful flavour typical of Sicily.
- •
If you prefer a lighter version, bake the bread pieces in the oven at 180°C until golden, keeping that lovely crunch without the oil.
- •
To enhance the savoury balance, add a pinch of aromatic salt to the sugar and cinnamon blend, cutting through the sweetness with a gentle savoury touch.
- •
Use slightly stale homemade bread for the perfect texture, making the most of simple ingredients and reducing waste.
- •
The secret to this dish lies in frying at a steady temperature: a moderate heat ensures an even golden crust and irresistible crunch.
📦 Storage
- • Store the fried bread in an airtight container at room temperature to keep its freshness for up to 2-3 days.
- • Keep it away from damp areas to preserve its signature crispness.
- • Avoid placing it near heat sources or humid spots like sinks or ovens to maintain the best quality.
🍷 Pairing
To accompany this fried bread with sugar and cinnamon, opt for a natural Moscato di Pantelleria, served chilled between 8 and 10°C, which beautifully highlights the sweet and spicy notes. Alternatively, a passito from Noto or a Malvasia from the Lipari Islands offers an equally harmonious match. If you fancy a wine from outside Sicily, a lightly sparkling Moscato d’Asti is a splendid choice to balance the dessert’s sweetness.
Making fried bread with sugar and cinnamon is like stepping into a warm Sicilian kitchen, filled with authentic flavours and simple pleasures. I warmly encourage you to bring this delightful treat to your own table, sharing moments of sweetness and togetherness with your loved ones. Do give it a go, and don’t forget to spread the joy of this timeless classic – it’s a little piece of Sicily that’s sure to brighten any day.
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