Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Rustic Sicilian Focaccia from Scicli with Sausage: A Taste of Ragusa’s Countryside
Discover the rustic charm of Scicli’s cucciḍḍatu scaniatu, a reworked focaccia from Ragusa, fragrant and full of flavour — perfect for sharing around the table!
📖 What is it
Discover the rustic charm of Scicli’s cucciḍḍatu scaniatu, a reworked focaccia from Ragusa, fragrant and full of flavour — perfect for sharing around the table!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 250g semolina flour
- ✓ 6g fresh yeast
- ✓ 6g salt
- ✓ lard, as needed
- ✓ freshly ground black pepper
- ✓ 150g sausage
- ✓ 100g grated Ragusan PDO cheese
- ✓ 1 egg yolk
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil
📊 Nutritional Information
Let yourself be carried away by the authentic aromas of the Ragusa countryside with this rustic focaccia from Scicli. The dough, enriched with lard and freshly cracked black pepper, offers a delightful crunch, while the rich sausage and grated Ragusan PDO cheese bring a depth of flavour that’s truly Sicilian. Simple yet full of character, this dish celebrates Sicily’s roots and the joy of gathering together.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Tip the flour onto a clean work surface and dissolve the yeast in a little lukewarm water.
- 2
Begin to mix, adding water little by little until you have a soft, smooth dough.
- 3
Cover the dough with a cloth and leave it to prove in a warm spot for about 2 hours.
- 4
Once risen, knead in the lard gradually until fully absorbed.
- 5
Add the salt, a generous grind of black pepper, and the grated Ragusan PDO cheese.
- 6
Work the dough until it’s even and fragrant.
- 7
Shape it into a round and press your fingers into the surface to create little wells, filling these with pieces of sausage.
- 8
Leave to rest for 30 minutes, then brush the top with the egg yolk.
- 9
Place the focaccia on a baking tray greased with extra virgin olive oil and bake in a preheated oven at 250°C for about 20 minutes, until golden.
- 10
Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve your Scicli-style cucciḍḍatu warm.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For an extra creamy filling, stir a few spoonfuls of fresh ricotta into the sausage before spreading it over the dough.
- •
If you prefer a more crumbly and delicate texture, increase the amount of lard slightly in the dough.
- •
Try baking it on a terracotta tray to encourage even browning and keep the focaccia crisp for longer.
- •
The star of this recipe is the meat — the spiced, flavoursome sausage really shines through.
- •
For a vegetarian twist, swap the sausage for a mix of sautéed mushrooms and grated Ragusan cheese to maintain the dish’s richness.
- •
Follow these steps carefully: prepare the dough with care, spread the filling evenly, bake in a hot oven, and allow it to rest a few minutes before serving to bring out the flavours.
- •
Add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough to deepen the aromatic complexity and enhance the umami notes of the cheese and sausage.
- •
For a gluten-free version, use alternative flours like rice or corn, adjusting the liquids to keep the dough soft.
- •
The secret lies in the slow bake at a moderate temperature, which creates a crisp crust with a soft, flavourful centre.
📦 Storage
- • Store the focaccia in a paper bag or a breathable container to keep its aroma fresh until the next day at room temperature.
- • To revive its crispness, warm the focaccia in a preheated oven at 180°C for 5 to 7 minutes before serving.
- • For longer storage, freeze the cooked focaccia wrapped in cling film and foil; reheat straight from frozen in the oven to preserve flavour and texture.
🍷 Pairing
To complement the bold character of this cucciḍḍatu scaniatu, opt for a Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG — a full-bodied Sicilian red with soft tannins that marry beautifully with the sausage and cheese. Alternatively, a young Nero d’Avola offers fresh, fruity notes, while a Tuscan Chianti Classico provides a more structured, internationally loved pairing.
This rustic focaccia from Scicli is a heartfelt invitation to dive into Sicilian culinary tradition — a dish that tells stories of the land and its genuine flavours. Whether for a special occasion or a cosy supper, do give it a go at home. Share it with your loved ones and let them experience a little slice of Sicily’s warmth and hospitality.
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