Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Messina-Style Roast Mutton: A Slow-Cooked Sicilian Celebration Dish
Discover how to prepare Messina-style roast mutton - a richly flavoured Sicilian classic perfect for festive tables and family gatherings.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 1.2 kg mutton
- ✓ 150 g lard
- ✓ 2 carrots
- ✓ 1 celery stalk
- ✓ Fresh rosemary
- ✓ Freshly ground black pepper
- ✓ 4 ripe tomatoes
- ✓ 2 large onions
- ✓ Salt
- ✓ Red wine vinegar
- ✓ Red wine
📊 Nutritional Information
Messina-style roast mutton is one of those dishes that carries the soul of Sicilian home cooking - bold, aromatic and deeply comforting.
Traditionally prepared during spring celebrations and family feasts, this recipe brings together wine, herbs and slow roasting to produce meat that is tender, fragrant and full of character.
The marinade - made with red wine, vinegar, celery, carrots, onion and rosemary - gently perfumes the mutton before it is roasted with tomatoes, more onions and a generous spoonful of lard for richness. The result is a dish that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and delivers the kind of flavour that lingers long after the last bite.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Prepare a marinade with red wine, red wine vinegar, rosemary, celery, carrots, one onion and black pepper.
- 2
Submerge the mutton in the marinade and leave it to rest for at least 2 hours.
- 3
Rinse and dry the meat, then place it in a roasting tin.
- 4
Add the lard, chopped onion, chopped tomatoes, rosemary, salt and freshly ground pepper.
- 5
Roast in a preheated oven at 200°C for 1 hour.
- 6
Serve hot, ideally with creamy mashed potatoes.
💡 Tips and Variations
Add a garlic clove to the marinade for an extra layer of aroma.
For a lighter version, replace the lard with olive oil.
📦 Storage
- • Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- • You can freeze the cooked dish for up to 1 month.
- • Reheat in the oven at 160°C for 10 minutes before serving.
🍷 Pairing
Enjoy this roast with a glass of Contea di Sclafani Rosso Riserva, served at 16–18°C in balloon glasses to enhance its structure and aromas.
Thank you for choosing this Messina-style roast mutton recipe. I hope its deep, traditional flavours delight both you and your guests. Buon appetito!
Rate this recipe
Click or tap the stars to rate
Potrebbero interessarti anche:
-
Mutton Stew with Potatoes: A Hearty Sicilian Comfort Dish Main Courses Meat Main CoursesA rich and warming Sicilian mutton stew with potatoes - rustic, flavourful and perfect for cold evenings.
-
Sicilian Sweet-and-Sour Rabbit – A Journey Through the Island’s Boldest Flavours Meat Main Courses Main CoursesDiscover the unique flavour of Sicilian sweet-and-sour rabbit – a tradition rich in aromas, contrasts and vibrant Mediterranean ingredients.
-
Mutton in White Sauce: A Gentle, Comforting Sicilian Classic Main Courses Meat Main CoursesDiscover this slow-cooked Sicilian mutton in white sauce - tender, aromatic and perfect for cosy suppers and special occasions.
-
Slow-Braised Sicilian Lamb with Potatoes Easter Recipes Main Courses Meat Main CoursesA comforting, slow-cooked Sicilian lamb dish gently braised with red wine, herbs and tender potatoes - perfect for a Sunday lunch or a special gathering.
-
Sicilian Hunter’s Rabbit – Rustic, Rich and Full of Tradition Meat Main Courses Main CoursesDiscover this deeply flavourful Sicilian hunter’s rabbit — a cosy, aromatic classic made with tender rabbit, herbs, wine and a slow-simmered tomato sauce.