Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Sicilian Pasta and Potatoes: A Hug in a Bowl with Authentic Flavours
Dive into the creamy, fragrant Sicilian pasta and potatoes, crafted from simple, wholesome ingredients straight from the island’s heart.
📖 What is it
Dive into the creamy, fragrant Sicilian pasta and potatoes, crafted from simple, wholesome ingredients straight from the island’s heart.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 320 g short pasta (ditalini or small tubes)
- ✓ 600 g potatoes
- ✓ 1 Giarratana onion
- ✓ 1 carrot
- ✓ 1 celery stalk
- ✓ 150 g Pachino cherry tomatoes
- ✓ 50 g grated ragusano caciocavallo cheese
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil from the Monti Iblei
- ✓ salt and black pepper, to taste
- ✓ fresh basil leaves
📊 Nutritional Information
Picture the cosy aroma of a warming dish that fills your kitchen, where the Sicilian sunshine mingles with the earthy scents of the land. Sicilian pasta and potatoes is a beloved comfort classic – a hearty first course brimming with honest, rustic flavours that gently warm you up on chilly winter days. With its silky texture and the fresh fragrance of basil paired with nutty caciocavallo cheese, every mouthful tells a tale of sun-drenched fields and time-honoured culinary traditions.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Peel and dice the potatoes into even cubes, then finely chop the onion, celery, and carrot.
- 2
In a large saucepan, warm a splash of olive oil and gently fry the chopped vegetables until they turn a lovely golden colour.
- 3
Add the halved cherry tomatoes and allow them to soften for a few minutes.
- 4
Stir in the potatoes, cover with hot water, and let everything simmer gently over a moderate heat for about 20 minutes.
- 5
Once the potatoes are tender, pour the pasta straight into the pot, adding more water if needed.
- 6
Keep stirring frequently to stop the pasta sticking, cooking until the pasta is tender and the dish achieves a creamy consistency.
- 7
Season with salt and pepper, then stir through the grated caciocavallo and a few fresh basil leaves.
- 8
Serve piping hot with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top and, if you like, a little extra sprinkle of cheese.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
To elevate this dish, try adding small cubes of tuma cheese or some crispy fried pancetta for a richer, more indulgent flavour.
- •
If you prefer to keep it lighter, simply reduce the grated cheese and swap it for a drizzle of rosemary-infused extra virgin olive oil, which adds lovely aroma without the extra richness.
- •
Use a heavy-based pan to prevent the mixture from sticking and to ensure even cooking throughout.
- •
Potatoes are the star of the show here; for a fully vegetarian twist, enrich the dish with some chickpeas or white beans.
- •
For an added depth of flavour, sprinkle in a pinch of nutritional yeast flakes to boost that savoury richness.
- •
For a vegan take, replace the caciocavallo with a creamy blend of cashew nuts and nutritional yeast, keeping the luscious texture without dairy.
- •
Patience and gentle stirring are key – slow cooking and constant mixing yield that wonderfully creamy, comforting finish.
📦 Storage
- • Pop any leftovers in a well-sealed container and keep in the fridge, ideally eaten within two days to enjoy fresh flavours and texture.
- • To reheat, warm gently in a pan with a splash of water or broth to bring back the original softness, stirring gently over a low heat.
- • Avoid freezing this dish as the potatoes tend to lose their creamy texture and can become dry and grainy.
🍷 Pairing
- •
Opt for a young, fruity Nero d’Avola, whose soft structure and bright berry notes beautifully complement the sweetness of the vegetables and the cheese’s character.
- •
A lightly fresh Frappato rosé with delicate floral notes pairs wonderfully with this creamy dish, enhancing its subtle flavours and balancing the palate.
- •
Alternatively, a crisp Sicilian Vermentino with lively citrus aromas offers a refreshing contrast that lifts the dish.
Give this Sicilian pasta and potatoes recipe a go at home – it’s a wonderful way to bring a bit of Mediterranean sunshine to your table. Perfect for cosy evenings or sharing with loved ones, it’s a dish that warms both heart and home. Don’t be shy to experiment with the tips and send your taste buds on a genuine island adventure. Happy cooking, and do invite family and friends to savour this comforting classic with you!
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