Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Marsala’s Sciovate Cunzate: A Sicilian Tradition You Simply Must Try
Discover the delightful Marsala sciovate cunzate: rustic flattened loaves topped with fresh tomato, melting cheese and savoury sardines. A true taste of Sicily’s vibrant flavours!
📖 What is it
Discover the delightful Marsala sciovate cunzate: rustic flattened loaves topped with fresh tomato, melting cheese and savoury sardines. A true taste of Sicily’s vibrant flavours!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 600 g ready-risen rustic bread dough
- ✓ 500 g ripe tomatoes
- ✓ 200 g primo sale cheese
- ✓ 2 salted sardines
- ✓ Fresh basil
- ✓ Extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ Oregano
- ✓ Black pepper
📊 Nutritional Information
Step into the heart of western Sicily with sciovate cunzate, the beloved flattened bread rolls from Marsala. These little baking gems are dressed with ripe tomatoes, creamy cheese and flavour-packed sardines, conjuring up warm spring evenings and the rich culinary heritage of this sun-kissed land. Perfect for a relaxed supper with friends, they capture the very essence of Marsala’s kitchen in every bite.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Gently work the bread dough with oiled hands and shape into four slightly flattened loaves.
- 2
Mix equal parts water and extra virgin olive oil to create a light glaze, then brush it over the loaves.
- 3
Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C for 25 to 30 minutes.
- 4
Once baked, slice the sciovate in half and fill with desalted, deboned sardines, torn basil leaves, sliced tomatoes and thin slices of primo sale cheese.
- 5
Sprinkle with oregano and a drizzle of olive oil, then serve warm.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a bolder flavour, add some Sicilian black olives to the topping for a rich, Mediterranean twist.
- •
If you prefer something milder, swap the sardines for anchovies in oil, keeping that lovely seaside character.
- •
Use a non-stick baking tray or a baking stone to achieve a beautifully crisp and golden base, enhancing the bread’s texture.
- •
For a vegetarian option, leave out the fish and add grilled aubergines or marinated courgettes for a tasty, lighter alternative.
- •
The secret to this dish lies in the quality of your ingredients: ripe tomatoes, fresh cheese and good-quality fish make all the difference.
📦 Storage
- • Store the sciovate in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours to keep them fresh and flavoursome.
- • Reheat in the oven at 180°C for about 5 minutes before serving to restore their crispness and inviting aroma.
- • For longer storage, freeze the filled sciovate individually wrapped in cling film for up to a month.
🍷 Pairing
To complement the rich flavours of the sciovate cunzate, try a Cerasuolo di Vittoria – a smooth, structured Sicilian red that pairs beautifully with the sardines’ punch. Alternatively, a fresh, fragrant Grillo white wine balances the dish’s saltiness, while a classic Chianti offers a refined Italian option from beyond Sicily.
Making sciovate cunzate at home is a wonderful way to bring a slice of Sicily’s rich tradition and vibrant flavours to your table. I warmly encourage you to give this recipe a go, make it your own, and share it with friends and family – after all, the true joy of cooking lies in creating stories and memorable moments together.
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