Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Hearty Sicilian Broth with Pasta and Broccoli: A True Comfort Classic
Learn how to make this traditional Sicilian pasta and broccoli soup—a warming, comforting dish perfect for chilly days.
📖 What is it
Learn how to make this traditional Sicilian pasta and broccoli soup—a warming, comforting dish perfect for chilly days.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 400g short pasta (small ditalini or ridged)
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ 150g pork rind
- ✓ 50g cooked ham, diced
- ✓ 2 cloves of garlic
- ✓ half a tablespoon of lard
- ✓ 1 broccoli head
- ✓ 1 tablespoon tomato purée
- ✓ toasted breadcrumbs
- ✓ aged Sicilian pecorino cheese, grated
- ✓ salt
- ✓ freshly ground black pepper
📊 Nutritional Information
This pasta and broccoli soup in a rich broth is a beloved Sicilian classic that warms both body and soul. Ideal for cold winter days, it combines simple ingredients with a depth of flavour that evokes cherished family memories and age-old traditions. The scent of the steaming broth, enriched with fresh broccoli and fragrant spices, fills your kitchen, promising a nutritious and satisfying meal. Thanks to the year-round availability of broccoli, this soup can be enjoyed throughout the seasons and offers a wholesome treat for any day.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Chop the pork rind into small pieces, rinse well and simmer in salted water until tender.
- 2
Gently fry the diced ham with garlic in the lard and extra virgin olive oil.
- 3
Add the trimmed and chopped broccoli, the tomato purée, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, along with the pork rind and its cooking broth.
- 4
Once the broccoli is cooked, stir in the pasta cooked al dente and drain.
- 5
Serve the soup piping hot, removing any excess broth, and sprinkle generously with grated pecorino and toasted breadcrumbs.
💡 Tips and Variations
For an extra kick, add a dash of fresh chilli. To make this dish vegetarian, swap the pork rind for white beans and omit the ham.
📦 Storage
- • Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- • The soup freezes well for up to a month.
- • Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
🍷 Pairing
Enjoy this rustic soup with a glass of Nero d’Avola, whose rich character perfectly complements the hearty flavours.
Why not cosy up and give this lovely Sicilian soup a go at home? It’s simple to prepare, wonderfully comforting, and a great way to bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your table. Share it with family or friends and savour those warm moments together—there’s nothing quite like a home-cooked bowl to brighten the day.
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