Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Gelato di Campagna: A Traditional Sicilian Festive Sweet
Uncover the authentic Gelato di Campagna recipe — a colourful, nutty treat from Sicilian village fairs, packed with almonds, pistachios, and sweetened to perfection.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 1 kg caster sugar
- ✓ 50 g glucose syrup
- ✓ 100 g shelled pistachios
- ✓ 100 g peeled almonds
- ✓ 250 ml water
- ✓ natural plant-based colourings (red, green, yellow)
📊 Nutritional Information
Gelato di Campagna is a beloved Sicilian festival delicacy, a crunchy, colourful nougat that melts on your tongue like ice cream. Made from sugar, nuts, and natural colourings, it’s a cherished staple at local fairs and summer celebrations. Often found on market stalls during the Santa Rosalia feast or other summer festivals, it carries the warm scents of celebration and the sweetness of childhood memories.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Tip the sugar into a large saucepan, then add the glucose syrup and water.
- 2
Gently heat on a low setting, stirring with a wooden spoon until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture begins to thread slightly.
- 3
Skim off any foam with a slotted spoon and wipe the sides of the pan with a damp pastry brush.
- 4
When the mixture thickens, coating the spoon and forming a thread that breaks immediately, remove from the heat.
- 5
Pour the syrup onto a lightly oiled marble surface and fold it in with a spatula, folding the edges inward until it becomes soft and pale.
- 6
Stir in the almonds and pistachios, mix thoroughly, then divide into three portions.
- 7
Colour each portion with a different natural dye and layer them alternately in a lined rectangular tin.
- 8
Leave to cool and set for 24 hours, then slice to serve.
💡 Tips and Variations
For a fragrant twist, add vanilla extract or citrus zest to the mixture. For a more natural approach, swap artificial colours for beetroot juice, turmeric, and liquid chlorophyll.
📦 Storage
- • Wrap the Gelato di Campagna in baking paper and store it in an airtight container.
- • Keep it in a cool, dry place for up to 3 weeks.
🍷 Pairing
Serve alongside a small glass of Moscato di Pantelleria or a chilled Sicilian dessert wine.
This Gelato di Campagna is a wonderful slice of Sicilian festivity that’s as joyous to make as it is to share. I encourage you to give it a go at home — it's a lovely way to bring a bit of Italian sunshine into your kitchen. Slice it up, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the colourful crunch together. It’s the perfect sweet treat to brighten up any occasion!
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