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Ricette di Sicilia

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane


Savoury Meat-Filled Panzerotti

Savoury Meat-Filled Panzerotti

📖 What is it

Discover the joy of homemade panzerotti stuffed with a rich meat filling – a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, bursting with authentic Sicilian flavour.

⏱️
Prep Time
about 1 hour and 10 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
around 20 minutes
👥
Serve
Serves 6
📊
Difficulty
Moderate
💰 Moderate
🗓️ All year round
4.50/5

🛒 Ingredients

  • 500g semolina flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 250g minced veal
  • half a cup of béchamel sauce
  • 50g salami
  • 100g tuma cheese (or young pecorino)
  • 30g butter
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • salt
  • freshly ground black pepper

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
450 kcal
Protein
20 g
Fat
30 g
Carbohydrates
35 g
Fiber
2 g
Sugars
1 g
Sodium
450 mg

Let the heady aromas of Sicily whisk you away with these meat-stuffed panzerotti, a timeless classic steeped in family tales and age-old traditions. Each bite brings to life warm summer evenings filled with laughter and good company, where crisp pastry envelopes a tender, flavoursome heart – ideal for sharing special moments with your nearest and dearest.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Sift the semolina flour and mix with two tablespoons of olive oil, the eggs, a pinch of salt, and warm water until you form a soft, smooth dough. Wrap in cling film and set aside.

  2. 2

    Fry the minced veal in butter until cooked through. Allow to cool slightly, then stir in the béchamel, diced salami, and small chunks of tuma cheese.

  3. 3

    Roll out the dough thinly and cut into discs about 10cm across.

  4. 4

    Spoon the filling onto each disc, fold over into a half-moon shape, and seal the edges by dampening them first.

  5. 5

    Deep-fry the panzerotti in plenty of extra virgin olive oil in a large, deep pan.

  6. 6

    Drain off any excess oil on kitchen paper and serve the panzerotti while still warm.

💡 Tips and Variations

  • For an extra Mediterranean twist, finely chop some black olives and mix them into the filling.

  • If you prefer a lighter option, bake the panzerotti until golden instead of frying.

  • Using durum wheat flour for the dough gives a more rustic, authentic texture.

  • Add a sprinkle of grated pecorino to the filling for an extra savoury depth.

  • For a vegetarian take, swap the meat for a mix of sautéed mushrooms and cheese, keeping the traditional flavours intact.

  • To keep the filling juicy, avoid overcooking the meat before stuffing – let it finish cooking during frying.

📦 Storage

  • Store the panzerotti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days to preserve their flavour and texture.
  • Reheat them in a moderate fan oven to bring back their crispness before serving.
  • Avoid freezing as it can affect the quality of the filling and the pastry’s delicate crunch.

🍷 Pairing

Pair these meat-filled panzerotti with a crisp Sicilian white wine like Grillo or Ansonica, which balance the richness with fresh, savoury notes. Alternatively, a young Nero d’Avola offers a lovely contrast to the meaty filling. If you fancy something from further afield, a Ligurian Vermentino or a classic Tuscan Chianti would also work beautifully.

Making these panzerotti is like inviting a slice of Sicily into your kitchen – a dish brimming with history and heart. Give it a go, and don’t forget to share this delicious treat with family and friends. It’s sure to bring a little sunshine and plenty of smiles to your table. Happy cooking and buon appetito!

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