Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Lolli with Broad Beans: A Taste of Authentic Modica on Your Plate
Discover the recipe for lolli with broad beans, a delicious Sicilian first course from Modica, bursting with rich flavours and tradition.
📖 What is it
Discover the recipe for lolli with broad beans, a delicious Sicilian first course from Modica, bursting with rich flavours and tradition.
🛒 Ingredients
▸ For the lolli
- ✓ 400g semolina flour
- ✓ water, as needed
- ✓ salt, to taste
▸ For the sauce
- ✓ 400g dried broad beans from Modica, with skins
- ✓ 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- ✓ 1 bay leaf
- ✓ half a white onion
- ✓ 1 celery stalk
- ✓ 2 ripe tomatoes
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ salt, to taste
- ✓ freshly ground black pepper
- ✓ a pinch of chilli powder
📊 Nutritional Information
Immerse yourself in the true scents of Sicily with lolli and broad beans, a traditional Modican pasta dish that celebrates handmade pasta and the vibrant flavour of fresh broad beans. This rustic, wholesome plate will bring the warmth of the Sicilian countryside to every mouthful.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Soak the dried broad beans in cold water with a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda for 12 hours to soften them.
- 2
Drain the beans and boil them for 15 minutes, then carefully peel off the dark outer skins with a knife.
- 3
Return the peeled beans to a saucepan with plenty of water, bay leaf, onion, celery, and chopped tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer gently for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- 4
Meanwhile, prepare the lolli: heap the flour into a well on your work surface, add salt, and gradually mix in water, kneading until you have a firm, elastic dough.
- 5
Wrap the dough in cling film and leave it to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- 6
Roll the dough into thin breadstick-sized strips, cut into 5cm pieces, then shape each piece by rolling it between your fingers to create the characteristic hollow lolli. Leave them to dry on a floured cloth for 30 minutes.
- 7
Once the broad beans are tender, add boiling water or vegetable stock and bring back to the boil. Adjust seasoning, then add the lolli and cook just until they float to the surface.
- 8
Serve the lolli with broad beans piping hot, drizzled with a good Sicilian extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of chilli.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For an extra flavour boost, sprinkle the lolli with aged Sicilian pecorino cheese, which adds a lovely salty depth.
- •
For a lighter twist, swap half the broad beans for fresh seasonal peas, adding a touch of sweetness and colour.
- •
Use a thin but sturdy dough for the lolli to ensure they hold their shape perfectly after cooking.
- •
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving, ideally from a local Sicilian producer.
- •
For a vegan option, skip the cheese and brighten the dish with fresh wild fennel or other aromatic herbs.
- •
The secret to this dish lies in the simplicity of the ingredients combined with the care taken in making fresh pasta.
📦 Storage
- • Place the uncooked lolli on a floured tray, cover with a clean tea towel, and use within half a day to keep them fresh.
- • Leftover cooked pasta can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours; reheat gently with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
- • Avoid freezing the lolli, as fresh pasta tends to lose its delicate texture when frozen.
🍷 Pairing
Pair lolli with broad beans with a Sicilian red wine like Contea di Sclafani novello, whose fruity aroma and soft structure complement the rustic character of the dish. Alternatively, a young Nero d’Avola or a light Frappato are excellent regional choices. If you prefer wines from outside Sicily, a youthful Chianti or a fresh Pinot Noir will balance the flavours beautifully.
Making lolli with broad beans brings a slice of authentic Sicily to your table, steeped in rural traditions and honest flavours. It’s a wonderful dish to share with loved ones, celebrating the richness of Modican cooking. Do give it a go at home, and don’t forget to spread the joy of this recipe with friends and family – it’s sure to become a firm favourite!
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