Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Sicilian Anchovy Fritters — A Classic from the Streets of Catania
Golden, crisp fritters with a savoury anchovy centre — a beloved Sicilian street-food classic that’s easy to prepare and unforgettable to taste.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 500 g semolina flour
- ✓ 25 g fresh yeast
- ✓ 5 salted anchovies
- ✓ extra-virgin olive oil, for frying
- ✓ salt
📊 Nutritional Information
Crispelle with anchovies are one of the great treasures of eastern Sicilian cooking — especially in and around Catania, where the scent of freshly fried fritters seems to drift through the historic streets all year round.
Bite through the crisp exterior and you’ll find a soft, airy dough hiding a punchy, salty heart of anchovy. It’s exactly the sort of snack you’d enjoy during village festivals, long evenings with friends or simply whenever you fancy something irresistibly savoury.
The method is simple, but like all good street food, the magic comes from patience, a proper rise and that unmistakable Sicilian touch.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Sift the flour into a large bowl, add the crumbled yeast and pour in 400 ml of warm water.
- 2
Mix until the dough is smooth and soft.
- 3
Add a pinch of salt, knead briefly, then cover with a clean towel and leave to rise for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- 4
Heat plenty of olive oil in a deep frying pan.
- 5
Take a spoonful of dough, place a small piece of anchovy in the centre and fold the dough over fully to enclose it.
- 6
Fry the fritters in hot oil until golden and crisp.
- 7
Drain on kitchen paper and serve piping hot.
💡 Tips and Variations
Add a little oregano or chopped parsley to the dough for an aromatic twist.
If you prefer a milder flavour, replace salted anchovies with fresh ones.
📦 Storage
- • Keep fritters in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- • Reheat gently in the oven to restore crispness.
- • Freezing is not recommended, as they lose their texture.
🍷 Pairing
Enjoy with a glass of Eloro Pachino — a Sicilian red with gentle tannins and a velvety finish that complements the savoury anchovy filling.
Thank you for discovering this traditional Sicilian recipe with us. Once you taste these anchovy fritters, they’re bound to become a favourite at your table. Buon appetito!
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