Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Messina Piparelli: The Spiced Sicilian Biscuit Tradition
Discover Messina's piparelli, traditional almond biscuits bursting with aromatic spice, lovingly made for All Souls’ Day. A distinctive flavour not to be missed!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 1 kg plain flour
- ✓ 300 g caster sugar
- ✓ 300 g almonds
- ✓ 200 g honey
- ✓ 100 g lard
- ✓ 20 g baking soda
- ✓ 2 tsp ground black pepper
- ✓ 1 tbsp grated orange zest
- ✓ ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ✓ 2 ground cloves
- ✓ 1 egg
- ✓ water
📊 Nutritional Information
Messina’s piparelli are crunchy, aromatic biscuits deeply rooted in Sicilian culinary heritage. Crafted with almonds and a blend of warming spices like black pepper and cloves, they’re traditionally enjoyed on 2nd November to honour departed loved ones. Their crisp texture and comforting scent make them perfect for chilly autumn days, whether paired with a cosy cup of tea or a glass of sweet wine.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Sift the flour and mix it with the sugar, diced lard, honey, spices, orange zest, black pepper, and baking soda.
- 2
Knead the dough, adding water little by little if it feels too stiff, until you have a smooth, pliable mixture.
- 3
Fold in the whole almonds, kneading until fully incorporated.
- 4
Shape the dough into elongated loaves about 5cm wide, place them on a baking tray lined with baking parchment and brush with beaten egg.
- 5
Bake at 180°C for around 30 minutes until golden.
- 6
Remove the tray from the oven, let the loaves cool slightly, then slice into 6-8mm thick pieces.
- 7
Lay the slices back onto the tray and return to the oven at 150°C, turning halfway through, for 10-15 minutes.
- 8
Allow the piparelli to cool completely before serving.
💡 Tips and Variations
For a finishing touch, dust with a light sprinkle of icing sugar before serving. If you prefer a milder spice, simply reduce the amount of black pepper.
📦 Storage
- • Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- • The baked slices freeze well for up to a month.
- • Warm gently in the oven before serving to refresh their aroma.
🍷 Pairing
Messina piparelli pair beautifully with a glass of Cerasuolo di Vittoria, a rich and rounded Sicilian wine that perfectly complements the biscuits’ spicy notes.
I warmly encourage you to bring a touch of Sicilian autumn to your kitchen by making these delightful piparelli. Their unique blend of spices and almonds fills the home with comforting aromas that are simply irresistible. Perfect for sharing with family and friends over a cuppa or a glass of wine, these biscuits carry a story and warmth that truly make any gathering special. Do give them a go – you might just discover your new seasonal favourite!
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