Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Sicilian Baked Rice: The Ultimate Sunday Timballo
Discover the rich and fragrant Sicilian baked rice, a timballo bursting with ragù, aubergines and the island’s finest cheeses!
📖 What is it
Discover the rich and fragrant Sicilian baked rice, a timballo bursting with ragù, aubergines and the island’s finest cheeses!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 1 onion
- ✓ 1 carrot
- ✓ 1 celery stalk
- ✓ 500 g mixed minced meat (pork and veal)
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ 1 glass of red wine
- ✓ 1 clove of garlic
- ✓ a small bunch of parsley
- ✓ 1.5 litres of tomato sauce
- ✓ 100 g peas
- ✓ salt
- ✓ freshly ground black pepper
- ✓ a few basil leaves
- ✓ 600 g rice
- ✓ 100 g Sicilian caciocavallo cheese
- ✓ 4 hard-boiled eggs
- ✓ 150 g cooked ham
- ✓ 1 aubergine
- ✓ 150 g aged Sicilian pecorino, grated
📊 Nutritional Information
Dive into the scents of Sicily with this hearty baked rice dish, a comforting classic that tells tales of family Sundays, golden aubergines, savoury ragù and traditional cheeses all melting together in a delicious embrace.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Finely chop the onion, carrot, celery, basil, garlic and parsley.
- 2
Gently fry the chopped vegetables in a pan with extra virgin olive oil, then add the minced meat and brown it well.
- 3
Pour in the red wine and let it evaporate. Add the tomato sauce, season with salt and pepper, then stir in the peas. Let the ragù simmer gently for about 45 minutes.
- 4
Meanwhile, boil the eggs until hard, cool them under running water and slice.
- 5
Slice the aubergine, sprinkle with salt and leave to drain for 30 minutes. Fry in hot oil until golden, then drain on kitchen paper.
- 6
Cook the rice in plenty of salted water until just al dente, drain and mix in a large bowl with some of the ragù and pecorino.
- 7
In an oiled baking dish, spread a layer of rice, then add aubergines, sliced eggs, cooked ham and grated caciocavallo.
- 8
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with ragù and a sprinkle of pecorino on top.
- 9
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25 minutes or until a golden, crispy crust forms.
- 10
Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving your Sicilian baked rice.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a bolder flavour, swap the mixed meat for crumbled fresh sausage, which adds a spicier, richer note to the ragù.
- •
Add cubes of melting mozzarella inside the rice before baking for a soft, creamy centre that will delight at first bite.
- •
If you prefer a lighter version, reduce the cheese and grill the aubergines instead of frying, while still keeping the dish’s character.
- •
To boost the umami, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan into the ragù or béchamel, enriching the flavour without weighing it down.
- •
For a vegetarian twist, replace the meat with a well-seasoned mix of legumes and add seasonal vegetables for a tasty, wholesome result.
- •
The secret to perfect baked rice? Patience in preparation and slow cooking, allowing the flavours to meld beautifully.
📦 Storage
- • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days to keep the freshness and flavour.
- • You can freeze cooked portions: when ready to enjoy, warm them gently in the oven at a moderate temperature for about 20 minutes until piping hot and crisp.
- • For a quick reheat, use the microwave for 2-3 minutes, covering the dish to prevent it drying out.
- • Avoid leaving the dish at room temperature for more than four hours to ensure food safety.
🍷 Pairing
To complement this rich and layered dish, opt for a Sicilian red wine like Nero d’Avola — a Cerasuolo di Vittoria is perfect, with its fresh acidity and soft tannins balancing the complexity of the baked rice. Alternatively, a fruity, lively Etna Rosso will highlight the Mediterranean notes. If you fancy something from further afield, a classic Tuscan Chianti pairs wonderfully with the ragù and cheeses.
Making this Sicilian baked rice is like inviting a little slice of the island’s warmth and tradition into your home. It’s a dish that brings people together, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Give it a go, and don’t forget to spread the joy by sharing your creation — after all, good food tastes even better when enjoyed together.
Rate this recipe
Click or tap the stars to rate