Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Palermitan Crostini: A Crispy Sicilian Treat
Dive into the delightful Palermitan crostini, a beloved Sicilian snack that's delightfully simple and utterly moreish.
📖 What is it
Dive into the delightful Palermitan crostini, a beloved Sicilian snack that's delightfully simple and utterly moreish.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 8 slices of sandwich bread
- ✓ béchamel sauce
- ✓ 100g cooked ham, sliced to medium thickness
- ✓ 200ml milk
- ✓ 4 eggs
- ✓ breadcrumbs
- ✓ 100g plain flour
- ✓ sunflower oil for frying
📊 Nutritional Information
Palermitan crostini are a cherished gem of Sicilian street food, popular throughout Palermo and the entire island. This humble yet scrumptious fried snack features soft slices of sandwich bread generously filled with creamy béchamel and slices of cooked ham, all wrapped in a golden, crunchy breadcrumb and flour coating. The gentle aroma and satisfying crunch on the outside, combined with that luscious, creamy centre, make these crostini utterly irresistible. Perfect for a cosy evening supper or a lively aperitif, they bring the vibrant flavours of Palermo’s streets straight to your table.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Cut the cooked ham into thin strips.
- 2
Soak two slices of sandwich bread briefly in the milk. Place one slice on a flat plate and spread with béchamel sauce, then layer the ham strips on top, leaving about a 2cm border around the edges.
- 3
Brush the edges with beaten egg, then cover with the second slice of bread.
- 4
Repeat this process with the remaining bread slices.
- 5
Dip each crostini into the beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb dipping twice for an extra-crispy crust.
- 6
Heat sunflower oil in a deep pan and shallow-fry the crostini until beautifully golden.
- 7
Drain on kitchen paper to remove excess oil and serve warm.
💡 Tips and Variations
For an even richer filling, tuck in a slice of tuma cheese between the ham and béchamel. If you prefer a lighter twist, pop the crostini in a preheated oven at 180°C until they're golden and crisp.
📦 Storage
- • Keep any leftover crostini in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- • Reheat them in the oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes to bring back their crunch.
- • Avoid freezing, as it can affect the texture.
🍷 Pairing
These Palermitan crostini pair wonderfully with a chilled glass of Grillo, a fresh and fruity Sicilian white wine that complements their flavours beautifully.
Give these Palermitan crostini a go – they’re a joyous bite of Sicily that easily brings people together. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones at a relaxed supper or serving them as a cheerful starter, their creamy, crunchy charm never fails to impress. Do try making them at home and let their warm, vibrant flavours brighten your gatherings – it’s a little taste of Palermo you won’t want to miss!
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