Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Mutton in White Sauce: A Gentle, Comforting Sicilian Classic
Discover this slow-cooked Sicilian mutton in white sauce - tender, aromatic and perfect for cosy suppers and special occasions.
📖 What is it
Discover this slow-cooked Sicilian mutton in white sauce - tender, aromatic and perfect for cosy suppers and special occasions.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 1 kg mutton
- ✓ 1 onion
- ✓ 10 baby onions
- ✓ 2 bay leaves
- ✓ 1 celery stick
- ✓ 2 carrots
- ✓ 250 g oyster mushrooms
- ✓ 1 tablespoon tomato purée
- ✓ Fresh chives
- ✓ 30 g butter
- ✓ Extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ Salt
- ✓ Freshly ground black pepper
- ✓ 30 g plain flour
📊 Nutritional Information
This mutton in white sauce is a dish that speaks softly yet carries the full warmth of Sicilian cooking.
Prepared throughout the island - especially as the days grow cooler - it brings together tender pieces of castrato (meat from a castrated ram) with sweet onions, mushrooms and a delicate, creamy broth enriched with vegetables.
It’s the kind of comforting, slow-cooked recipe perfect for autumn evenings, when you want something both gentle in flavour and deeply satisfying. A true Sicilian classic, refined yet rustic, and always welcome at the table.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Cut the mutton into pieces and brown it in a casserole with butter and olive oil, turning frequently.
- 2
Add the flour, a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- 3
Slice the onion and add it to the pot along with the bay leaves, chopped celery, baby onions and carrots cut into chunks.
- 4
Add the mushrooms, a ladle of stock or water, and the tomato purée.
- 5
Cover and cook gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- 6
Finish with finely chopped chives and serve hot.
💡 Tips and Variations
Add a splash of white wine during cooking for extra depth.
For an even more autumnal version, replace the oyster mushrooms with porcini.
📦 Storage
- • Refrigerate 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
Pair with a glass of Cerasuolo di Vittoria - a Sicilian red whose fruity, spicy notes complement the dish beautifully.
Thank you for exploring this comforting Sicilian recipe. I hope it brings a touch of southern warmth to your table. Enjoy every spoonful!
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