Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Guastédda Ennese: Rustic Sicilian Focaccia from the Heart of Enna
Discover the Guastédda Ennese, a traditional Sicilian focaccia filled with cured meats and pecorino cheese. Crispy on the outside, soft and bursting with flavour inside!
📖 What is it
Discover the Guastédda Ennese, a traditional Sicilian focaccia filled with cured meats and pecorino cheese. Crispy on the outside, soft and bursting with flavour inside!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 600 g focaccia dough
- ✓ 150 g pancetta
- ✓ 150 g salami
- ✓ 300 g fresh pecorino cheese
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ salt
- ✓ freshly ground black pepper
📊 Nutritional Information
Dive into the authentic flavours of Sicily with Guastédda Ennese, a rustic, fragrant focaccia that tells tales of tradition and togetherness. Its rich filling of cured meats and fresh pecorino cheese releases enticing aromas that will transport you to the gentle hills of Sicily’s inland, perfect for sharing special moments with family and friends.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Prepare the focaccia dough following your favourite basic recipe and leave it to prove until it has doubled in size.
- 2
Chop the pancetta and salami into small pieces, cut the pecorino into cubes, and combine everything in a bowl.
- 3
Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, mixing well to blend the flavours.
- 4
Divide the dough into two portions and roll each out into a round or rectangular shape, depending on your baking tray.
- 5
Grease the tray lightly with olive oil and lay the first dough sheet on the base.
- 6
Evenly spread the cured meat and cheese filling over the base, then cover with the second dough sheet.
- 7
Seal the edges firmly and brush the surface with a mixture of equal parts olive oil and water.
- 8
Leave to rest for 30 minutes, then prick the surface gently with a fork.
- 9
Bake in a preheated static oven at 220°C for about 45 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- 10
Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then slice the Guastédda Ennese into wedges and serve.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a bolder flavour, add pitted black olives or gently sautéed onions to the filling for an extra depth of character.
- •
If you prefer a milder taste, swap the fresh pecorino for tuma cheese, which is softer and less intense.
- •
To make it heartier, include slices of spicy salami or a generous sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
- •
Using a tin-lined copper baking tray helps achieve an even bake and a beautifully crisp crust.
- •
The star of this recipe is the pecorino cheese, lending a lovely saltiness and structure to the focaccia.
- •
For a vegetarian twist, omit the cured meats and replace them with grilled vegetables like aubergines and peppers.
- •
To enhance the umami, try adding a pinch of nutritional yeast flakes into the filling.
- •
For a gluten-free version, use a dedicated gluten-free bread flour and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- •
The secret to this focaccia lies in a slow proving process and choosing simple, quality ingredients.
📦 Storage
- • Keep the Guastédda at room temperature, covered with a cotton cloth, to maintain its crispness for up to a day.
- • Warm it in the oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes before serving to restore its original aroma and texture.
- • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days to preserve freshness and flavour.
- • For longer storage, freeze the cooked focaccia and reheat it straight from frozen in the oven when needed.
🍷 Pairing
To accompany Guastédda Ennese, opt for a Sicilian red wine such as Contessa Entellina Merlot Riserva, whose full body and smoothness beautifully complement the focaccia’s rich flavours. Alternatively, a young Nero d’Avola or a light Frappato can perfectly balance the saltiness of the cheese and cured meats. If you fancy something from further afield, a Chianti Classico or an Italian Pinot Noir are excellent choices for a harmonious pairing.
Now that you’ve crafted your own Guastédda Ennese, let its inviting aroma and irresistible texture wrap you up in a true Sicilian embrace. This dish is a wonderful journey into the heart of Sicily, a celebration of tradition and flavour to enjoy with those you hold dear. Don’t forget to share this delightful experience with friends and family — after all, good food is best when shared.
Rate this recipe
Click or tap the stars to rate