Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Pantelleria Cassatelle: A Sweet Taste of the Island
Discover Pantelleria’s beloved cassatelle - delicate Sicilian pastries filled with ricotta and chocolate, as irresistible and sun-kissed as the island itself.
🛒 Ingredients
▸ For the pastry
- ✓ 250 g plain flour
- ✓ 60 g lard
- ✓ 125 g light brown sugar
- ✓ ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ✓ 1 egg yolk
- ✓ 100 ml water
▸ For the filling
- ✓ 250 g sheep’s ricotta
- ✓ 50 g chocolate chips
- ✓ A pinch of ground cinnamon
📊 Nutritional Information
Pantelleria has a magic all its own - a landscape shaped by wind, sun and the sea. Its cassatelle capture that same spirit in the form of delicate, lightly sweet pastries with a soft heart of ricotta and chocolate. They are simple, honest and deeply comforting; the sort of treat that feels as if it has been passed down through generations of island kitchens.
With a crumbly, tender pastry and a filling scented with cinnamon, these little parcels offer a gentle sweetness that never overwhelms. They’re perfect for sharing after a long lunch, adding to a dessert table, or enjoying with a glass of something aromatic as the evening cools.
Whether you know Pantelleria already or are just discovering it through its flavours, these cassatelle bring a little of the island’s warmth straight to your table.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Drain the ricotta in the fridge to remove excess whey and make it firmer.
- 2
Mix the ricotta with sugar, cinnamon and chocolate chips until smooth and creamy.
- 3
In a separate bowl, combine the flour with the lard and sugar. Gradually add the water, then incorporate the baking powder and egg yolk.
- 4
Knead into a smooth dough, cover and leave to rest for at least 3 hours.
- 5
Roll the dough to about 5 mm thick and cut out 10 cm discs with a round cutter.
- 6
Place a spoonful of ricotta filling in the centre of each disc, top with another disc and seal the edges well.
- 7
Brush the tops with egg yolk for a golden finish.
- 8
Bake at 180°C for 30 minutes, until beautifully golden.
- 9
Leave to cool on a rack and dust with icing sugar if you like.
💡 Tips and Variations
Add a teaspoon of grated orange zest for a brighter, citrusy note, or replace the chocolate chips with candied fruit for a more traditional version.
📦 Storage
- • Keep the cassatelle in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
- • They will keep in the fridge for up to 7 days if well covered.
- • You can freeze them for 2–3 months, then warm gently in the oven at 150°C to restore their crispness.
🍷 Pairing
Enjoy these cassatelle with a glass of Moscato di Pantelleria. Its fragrant sweetness highlights both the creamy ricotta and the gentle notes of cinnamon and chocolate.
Pantelleria cassatelle are more than just a dessert - they are a warm embrace from Sicilian tradition, bringing together simple flavours in a way that feels both comforting and elegant. Perfect for celebrations or quiet evenings at home, they fill the kitchen with the scent of ricotta and spice and the promise of something truly special.
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