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Ricette di Sicilia

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane


Traditional Scicli caturro served in a terracotta bowl with olive oil

Scicli Caturro: A Rustic Sicilian Staple Brought Back to Life

Discover Scicli’s traditional wholemeal caturro - a humble, comforting Sicilian classic with roots deep in rural history.

Author: Vito Costa Published on: April 28, 2022
⏱️
Prep Time
5 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
30 minutes
👥
Serve
Serves 4
📊
Difficulty
Easy
💰 Low
🗓️ Winter
4.9/5

🛒 Ingredients

  • 500 g wholemeal durum wheat flour
  • 3 litres water
  • Sea salt, to taste

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
310 kcal
Protein
10 g
Fat
3 g
Carbohydrates
62 g
Fiber
6 g

If you're in the mood for a taste of Sicily’s rural past, Scicli’s caturro is exactly the dish to bring to your table.
This old-fashioned wholemeal “polenta” was once a lifeline for farming families, prepared with little more than flour, water and patience. The result is a warm, nourishing bowlful that feels both rustic and deeply comforting - a reminder of when Sicilian cooking was all simplicity and substance.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Bring 3 litres of lightly salted water to the boil in a large pot.

  2. 2

    Sprinkle in the flour gradually, whisking firmly in the same direction to prevent lumps from forming.

  3. 3

    Add the remaining flour a little at a time, giving it a few minutes between additions so the mixture thickens evenly.

  4. 4

    Reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for about 30 minutes, stirring often, until you have a smooth, thick and creamy polenta.

  5. 5

    Ladle the caturro into bowls and finish with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. If you fancy, top with garlicky fried vegetables or simply cooked legumes with rosemary.

  6. 6

    For a heartier version, let the caturro cool, slice it, and fry the pieces until golden and crisp.

💡 Tips and Variations

For extra richness, top your caturro with fresh ricotta or a rustic tomato sauce.
If you enjoy bold flavours, add a pinch of chilli - or even a drizzle of honey for an unexpected sweet twist.

📦 Storage

  • Store in the fridge for 2–3 days, covered with cling film.
  • Reheat gently in a frying pan or in the oven with a little olive oil to revive the texture.
  • Leftovers are perfect for frying the next day.
  • Avoid freezing - wholemeal flour tends to separate once thawed.

🍷 Pairing

Serve Scicli caturro with a glass of Eloro Pignatello. Its dry, delicate profile complements the earthy simplicity of the dish beautifully.

With this Scicli caturro, you’ve brought a piece of Sicily’s culinary heritage into your kitchen.
Few ingredients, deep tradition, and a flavour that speaks of a time when food was humble, hearty and shared. Enjoy it warm, with a drizzle of good olive oil and a glass of robust Sicilian red - rural Sicily at its most authentic.

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