Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Sicilian Pizzette: The Classic Snack from the Sicilian Street Food Scene
Dive into the delicious world of Sicilian pizzette, a beloved treat from Sicily’s vibrant street food culture. Discover the recipe, ingredients, and how to make them at home!
📖 What is it
Dive into the delicious world of Sicilian pizzette, a beloved treat from Sicily’s vibrant street food culture. Discover the recipe, ingredients, and how to make them at home!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 500 g plain flour
- ✓ 500 g durum wheat semolina
- ✓ 700 ml water
- ✓ 100 g lard
- ✓ 50 g caster sugar
- ✓ 30 g salt
- ✓ half a sachet of dried yeast
- ✓ tomato sauce
- ✓ black olives (passuluna)
- ✓ oregano
- ✓ 300 g mozzarella
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil
📊 Nutritional Information
Pizzette are a true emblem of Sicilian culinary tradition, cherished across the island—from cosy local cafés to village bakeries. Their soft base, enriched with lard, offers a tender, pillowy texture that’s quite distinct from your typical pizza. Thick and generous, they’re topped with fresh tomato, gooey mozzarella, fragrant oregano, and black olives, capturing the intense aromas of the Mediterranean. Enjoying them is like stepping into the warm, welcoming spirit of Sicily—perfect for a quick bite or a lively gathering.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Combine the two flours in a large bowl, make a well in the centre and add the yeast.
- 2
Pour in a little water to dissolve the yeast, then add the remaining ingredients and knead for about 10 minutes until you have a smooth, even dough.
- 3
Let the dough rest for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for another 10 minutes until silky.
- 4
Divide the dough into balls of roughly 100 g each, place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, cover, and leave to rise in a warm spot until doubled in size.
- 5
Gently press each risen ball with your fingers to form discs, then leave to rest for another 30 minutes.
- 6
In a bowl, mix the tomato sauce with a pinch of salt, oregano, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- 7
Cut the mozzarella into small pieces and drain well.
- 8
Spread a spoonful of tomato sauce over each dough disc and bake in a preheated oven at 190°C for about 15 minutes.
- 9
Add the mozzarella and a black olive to each pizzetta, then bake until the cheese melts.
- 10
Serve drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a heartier version, try adding slices of cooked ham, spicy salami, or fried aubergines for an extra flavour boost.
- •
If you enjoy a bit of heat, stir a pinch of chilli into the tomato sauce for a gentle kick.
- •
Use a non-stick baking tray or a pizza stone to achieve a crispier, golden base.
- •
For a vegetarian twist, swap the cured meats for grilled courgettes or peppers, keeping the original charm intact.
- •
To enhance the aromatic complexity, sprinkle a little dried oregano over the mozzarella before baking.
- •
For a gluten-free option, use a suitable gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- •
The secret to these pizzette lies in the slow proving and moderate oven temperature, which deliver that soft texture and authentic flavour.
📦 Storage
- • Store the pizzette in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days to keep them fresh and flavoursome.
- • For longer storage, freeze them once cooked, wrapping each one individually in cling film; they’ll keep for up to a month.
- • To enjoy again, warm them in the oven at 160°C for about 5 minutes to restore their crispness and aroma.
🍷 Pairing
To complement these pizzette, opt for a Sicilian white wine like Grillo from the Contea di Sclafani, whose fresh, aromatic notes beautifully highlight the Mediterranean flavours. Alternatively, a young Catarratto or a Ligurian Vermentino offer delightful contrasts. For an international touch, an Italian Prosecco or a French Sauvignon Blanc are excellent choices to balance the dish’s richness.
Making pizzette at home is a wonderful way to bring a slice of authentic Sicily to your table. I warmly encourage you to give this recipe a go, share the joy of these flavours with your loved ones, and spread the magic of Sicilian cooking through your stories and social circles. Happy baking and bon appétit!
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