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Ricette di Sicilia

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane


Sicilian Spit-Roast Suckling Pig: A Feast of Authentic Flavours

Sicilian Spit-Roast Suckling Pig: A Feast of Authentic Flavours

📖 What is it

Delve into the art of Sicilian spit-roast suckling pig – a sumptuous dish to prepare with care and impress your guests!

⏱️
Prep Time
about 30 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
around 3 hours
👥
Serve
Serves 10
📊
Difficulty
Challenging
💰 On the pricier side
🗓️ Autumn
4.9/5

🛒 Ingredients

  • 1 whole suckling pig
  • 250g dried porcini mushrooms
  • 150g lard
  • Sage
  • Basil
  • Chilli pepper
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
500 kcal
Protein
40 g
Fat
35 g
Carbohydrates
5 g
Fiber
2 g
Sugars
1 g
Sodium
600 mg

Spit-roast suckling pig is a cherished gem of Sicilian culinary tradition, a true celebration of flavours rooted in the island’s rural heartlands. This dish isn’t just a feast for the palate; it’s a symbol of festive gatherings, often gracing weddings, christenings, and village celebrations. Slow-cooked on a spit, the pork develops a gorgeous golden crispness on the outside while remaining deliciously tender and juicy within, thanks to a fragrant blend of sage, basil, and porcini mushrooms. Autumn is the perfect season to enjoy this dish, when porcini mushrooms are at their peak and the cool days invite everyone to gather round the warm glow of the barbecue.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Make a finely chopped mixture using the pig’s liver, soaked porcini mushrooms, lard, sage, basil, salt and chilli pepper.

  2. 2

    Spread this mixture inside the pig, then tie it tightly with butcher’s string.

  3. 3

    Skewer the pig on a spit and cook it slowly over glowing embers for around three hours, turning regularly and basting with extra virgin olive oil.

  4. 4

    Serve your spit-roast suckling pig piping hot, accompanied by crispy roast potatoes.

💡 Tips and Variations

For a deeper aroma, try adding a few sprigs of rosemary to your herb mix. If you prefer a milder flavour, simply cut back on the chilli pepper.

📦 Storage

  • Keep any leftovers refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C for 15 minutes before serving.
  • It’s best to avoid freezing the cooked pig, as this can affect its texture.

🍷 Pairing

This dish pairs beautifully with a glass of Eloro Rosso, a Sicilian red boasting a ruby hue and tannic notes that perfectly complement the rich flavours of the pork.

If you’re looking to bring a taste of Sicily to your table, this spit-roast suckling pig recipe is a splendid choice. With its rustic charm and incredible depth of flavour, it’s bound to impress family and friends alike. So go on, give it a go — gather your nearest and dearest, light the embers, and create a truly memorable feast to savour together.

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