Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Sant’Agata’s Olivette: Catania’s Little Almond Miracles
Uncover the authentic recipe for Sant’Agata’s olivette — delicate green almond sweets from Catania, treasured as a symbol of the city’s patron saint celebrations.
📖 What is it
Uncover the authentic recipe for Sant’Agata’s olivette — delicate green almond sweets from Catania, treasured as a symbol of the city’s patron saint celebrations.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 500g ground almonds
- ✓ 500g caster sugar
- ✓ Half a glass of water
- ✓ 2 tablespoons sweet liqueur (such as Maraschino or Aniseed)
- ✓ 2 tablespoons green food colouring
- ✓ Caster sugar for rolling
📊 Nutritional Information
Bring a dash of Catania’s magic to your kitchen with these charming olivette: almond treats shaped like little olives, coloured a striking green and gently infused with liqueur. A heartfelt symbol of devotion and the Feast of Saint Agatha, these delights tell a uniquely Sicilian tale of faith and flavour. With just a handful of ingredients, you can craft a sweet that captures tradition with elegance and simplicity.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
In a saucepan, combine the ground almonds, caster sugar, and green food colouring.
- 2
Gradually add the water, stirring until you have a smooth, soft mixture.
- 3
Cook gently over a low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring constantly.
- 4
Remove from the heat, stir in the liqueur, and mix thoroughly. Allow it to cool slightly.
- 5
When the mixture is warm but manageable, take small portions and shape them by hand into olive forms.
- 6
Roll the olivette in caster sugar and leave to dry for 3 to 4 hours before serving.
💡 Tips and Variations
For an even richer aroma, add a few drops of bitter almond essence. If you prefer a more natural hue, swap out the food colouring for edible chlorophyll or matcha powder.
📦 Storage
- • Store the Sant’Agata olivette in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days.
- • Keep away from moisture, which can affect their texture.
- • They’re best made ahead of time as the flavours improve after a few hours of resting.
🍷 Pairing
Enjoy your olivette alongside a glass of Moscato di Pantelleria, a sweet and fragrant wine that beautifully complements the almond fragrance and delicate liqueur notes.
Why not whisk up a batch of these delightful Sant’Agata olivette to share with your nearest and dearest? They’re a lovely way to bring a little Sicilian sunshine to your teatime, perfect for filling your home with warmth and tradition. Give them a go — I promise they’ll charm everyone at the table!
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