Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Infasciatelli di Agira: Sicilian Christmas Treats Rich in Honey and Almonds
Delve into the authentic recipe for Infasciatelli di Agira, traditional Sicilian festive biscuits bursting with honey and almonds — perfectly crisp and wonderfully fragrant!
🛒 Ingredients
▸ For the pastry:
- ✓ 1 kg plain flour
- ✓ 400 g lard
- ✓ 250 g caster sugar
- ✓ 3 eggs
- ✓ water as needed
▸ For the filling:
- ✓ 500 g toasted, chopped almonds
- ✓ 500 g honey
- ✓ 120 g plain flour
- ✓ zest of 1 lemon, finely grated
▸ For decoration:
- ✓ icing sugar
- ✓ ground cinnamon
📊 Nutritional Information
Known locally in Sicilian dialect as '‘nfasciateddi', Infasciatelli di Agira are beloved Christmas biscuits hailing from the heart of Sicily’s Enna province. Made with luscious honey, crunchy almonds, and a delicate crumbly pastry crafted from plain flour and lard, these charming S-shaped treats capture the warmth and essence of Sicilian seasonal traditions.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Sift the flour onto a clean work surface, then combine with the sugar, lard cut into pieces, and eggs.
- 2
Gently knead the mixture by hand, adding small amounts of water as you go, until you achieve a soft, smooth dough.
- 3
Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly in cling film, and pop it in the fridge to rest for about 2 hours.
- 4
Meanwhile, prepare the filling: melt the honey gently over a low heat in a large pan, then stir in the chopped toasted almonds and lemon zest.
- 5
Gradually stir in the flour little by little, mixing until the mixture is thick and pulls away from the sides of the pan. Leave it to cool.
- 6
Roll the pastry out thinly, about 2mm thick, then cut into strips roughly 10 by 2 cm.
- 7
Place a spoonful of filling in the centre of each strip, then fold the pastry over itself, shaping it into a neat S.
- 8
Lay the infasciatelli on a baking tray lined with parchment and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan) for around 20 minutes, until golden.
- 9
Allow to cool before dusting with icing sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
💡 Tips and Variations
For a deeper, more warming flavour, add a pinch of ground cloves to the filling. If you prefer a nuttier bite, swap some of the almonds for toasted hazelnuts for a lovely rustic twist.
📦 Storage
- • Store infasciatelli in a tin, kept in a cool, dry place, where they’ll keep for up to a month.
- • They actually develop an even richer aroma over time thanks to the honey.
🍷 Pairing
Serve these delightful infasciatelli alongside a glass of Moscato di Pantelleria Liquoroso—a richly aromatic, sweet wine that perfectly complements the honeyed sweetness.
Why not bring a touch of Sicilian festive magic into your own kitchen with this wonderful infasciatelli recipe? These charming treats not only taste divine but are a joy to share with family and friends. So roll up your sleeves, have a go, and fill your home with the heartwarming scents of Sicily this Christmas season!
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