Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Sicilian Cartocci (Macallè): Traditional Fried Ricotta Treats
Whip up these fluffy Sicilian cartocci, golden fried pastries filled with creamy ricotta and chocolate – a true gem of Sicilian patisserie!
📖 What is it
Whip up these fluffy Sicilian cartocci, golden fried pastries filled with creamy ricotta and chocolate – a true gem of Sicilian patisserie!
🛒 Ingredients
▸ For the dough
- ✓ 500g strong white bread flour
- ✓ 250ml milk
- ✓ 50g lard
- ✓ 50g caster sugar
- ✓ 25g fresh yeast
- ✓ 1 egg
- ✓ A pinch of salt
- ✓ Water as needed
- ✓ Vegetable oil for frying
▸ For the ricotta filling
- ✓ 400g sheep’s ricotta
- ✓ 200g granulated sugar
- ✓ 100g dark chocolate chips
- ✓ Half a sachet of vanilla sugar
▸ To decorate
- ✓ Granulated sugar
📊 Nutritional Information
Step into the vibrant world of Sicilian flavours with these cartocci, also known as macallè. These light, fried dough parcels cradle a luscious ricotta filling studded with dark chocolate chips, capturing the lively spirit of Palermo’s pastry shops. Making them at home connects you to a rich tradition that celebrates the island’s genuine sweetness and warmth.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Begin by preparing the ricotta filling: drain the ricotta in the fridge for a few hours, then sieve it.
- 2
Mix the ricotta with the sugar and vanilla sugar until you have a smooth, fragrant cream.
- 3
Fold in the dark chocolate chips and set aside in the fridge.
- 4
For the dough, sift the flour into a bowl and combine with the sugar, salt, and softened lard.
- 5
Dissolve the fresh yeast in a little lukewarm water and add it to the flour mixture, gradually pouring in the milk.
- 6
Add the lightly beaten egg and knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic.
- 7
Cover with a cloth and leave to prove for about 2 hours, until doubled in size.
- 8
Divide the dough into portions, roll into sticks and wrap them around lightly buttered metal cylinders.
- 9
Place them on a baking tray, cover, and let them prove for another hour.
- 10
Heat plenty of vegetable oil and fry a few cartocci at a time until golden and puffed up.
- 11
Drain on kitchen paper, let cool slightly, then carefully slide off the metal cylinders.
- 12
Fill with the ricotta cream and roll the cartocci in granulated sugar.
- 13
Serve these Sicilian delights warm and crisp.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For an even richer filling, try adding some candied orange peel or a pinch of cinnamon to the ricotta cream.
- •
If you prefer a lighter option, bake the cartocci in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 20 minutes until golden, skipping the frying.
- •
Using a stand mixer can help achieve a more elastic dough, which is key for a great result.
- •
For a vegan twist, swap the ricotta for a smooth tofu cream flavoured with vanilla and sweetened with agave syrup.
- •
To deepen the flavour, stir in a teaspoon of orange blossom honey into the filling, enhancing the typical Sicilian aromatic complexity.
- •
The secret to perfect cartocci lies in gentle frying: keep the oil at a steady temperature to get a crisp crust without burning the dough.
📦 Storage
- • Store the cartocci in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days to keep them fresh and soft.
- • Before serving, bring them back to room temperature to enjoy the creamy filling at its best.
- • You can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it, thawing slowly before the final shaping and proving.
🍷 Pairing
Pair these cartocci with a sweet, aromatic wine like Malvasia from the Aeolian Islands, whose floral and fruity notes beautifully complement the ricotta and chocolate. Alternatively, a passito from Pantelleria or a Moscato d’Asti offers delightful contrasts. For a non-alcoholic option, fresh mint tea or a Sicilian blood orange juice make perfect companions.
There you have it – a truly authentic Sicilian treat that tells a story with every bite. These cartocci, or macallè, with their tender dough and indulgent ricotta filling, are sure to win hearts. Why not bring a slice of Sicily into your home kitchen? They’re perfect for family gatherings or a special afternoon tea. Do give them a go, and don’t forget to share the joy (and the recipe!) with your nearest and dearest.
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