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Ricette di Sicilia

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Stuffed Pizzas with Tuma: A Rustic Sicilian Starter You’ll Adore

Stuffed Pizzas with Tuma: A Rustic Sicilian Starter You’ll Adore

📖 What is it

Learn how to make these delightful stuffed pizzas filled with tuma cheese — a classic Sicilian starter that pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine!

⏱️
Prep Time
about 1 hour
🔥
Cook Time
around 5 minutes
👥
Serve
Serves 4
📊
Difficulty
Moderate
💰 Moderate
🗓️ All year round
4.70/5

🛒 Ingredients

For the dough

  • 500g semolina flour
  • 500g boiled potatoes
  • 35g fresh yeast
  • Warm milk, as needed
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • A pinch of salt

For the filling

  • 5 salted anchovies, soaked and deboned
  • 200g tuma cheese, cut into small pieces
  • 5 ripe peeled tomatoes, sliced into strips
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

For frying

  • Plenty of extra virgin olive oil

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
380 kcal
Protein
14 g
Fat
15 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fiber
3 g
Sugars
2 g
Sodium
420 mg

Dive into the rich aromas of Sicily with these stuffed pizzas brimming with tuma, anchovies, and ripe tomatoes — a true taste of island tradition in every bite.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Mash the boiled potatoes and mix them with the sifted semolina flour, yeast dissolved in warm milk, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt.

  2. 2

    Knead until you get a soft, smooth dough, then cover and leave it to rise for about 90 minutes.

  3. 3

    Once risen, give the dough a quick knead and roll it out thinly with a rolling pin.

  4. 4

    Use a cutter to cut out discs roughly 10cm across.

  5. 5

    Prepare the filling by combining the anchovies, tuma, tomatoes, and olive oil.

  6. 6

    Place a spoonful of the filling in the centre of each disc, then fold over into a half-moon shape, sealing the edges well.

  7. 7

    Let the stuffed pizzas rest for 10 minutes.

  8. 8

    Fry them in plenty of hot extra virgin olive oil until golden and crisp.

  9. 9

    Drain on kitchen paper and serve warm.

💡 Tips and Variations

  • For a little extra kick, add a pinch of freshly chopped chilli to the filling.

  • If you prefer a lighter option, bake the pizzas in a preheated oven at 190°C for about 20 minutes, brushing them with a little olive oil beforehand.

  • Choose a fresh, high-quality tuma cheese for a creamy, flavourful filling.

  • For a vegetarian twist, swap the anchovies for pitted black olives and capers.

  • Use a non-stick pan for frying and keep the oil at a steady temperature to ensure an even golden crust.

  • To deepen the flavours, let the filling rest in the fridge for a few hours before assembling the pizzas.

  • For a gluten-free version, select a suitable flour and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

  • The secret to this dish lies in the perfect balance between a crisp exterior and a soft, melting centre.

📦 Storage

  • Store the stuffed pizzas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
  • Reheat them in the oven at 160°C for about 10 minutes to bring back their original crispness.
  • For longer storage, freeze them raw and fry straight from frozen to preserve their deliciousness.
  • Avoid leaving them at room temperature for more than 12 hours to keep them fresh and safe to eat.

🍷 Pairing

These flavour-packed pizzas pair wonderfully with a Sicilian white wine like Catarratto Contea di Sclafani, whose fresh citrus notes beautifully complement the savoury filling. Alternatively, a Sicilian Grillo or a Ligurian Vermentino work brilliantly, while a crisp, aromatic Sauvignon Blanc makes a lovely international match.

Making these stuffed pizzas with tuma is like taking a little culinary trip to the heart of Sicily. Perfect for sharing with loved ones, these crispy, flavourful treats bring a touch of island magic straight to your table. Give them a go and watch them become a firm favourite among family and friends!

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