Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
The Official Sandwich: Trapani’s Focaccia That Wins Hearts
Discover the irresistible Official Sandwich, a Trapani speciality bursting with authentic Mediterranean flavours.
📖 What is it
Discover the irresistible Official Sandwich, a Trapani speciality bursting with authentic Mediterranean flavours.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 250g finely ground durum wheat semolina
- ✓ 250g plain flour
- ✓ 275ml water
- ✓ 5g fresh brewer’s yeast
- ✓ 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ 10g salt
- ✓ Salami to taste (for filling)
- ✓ Tuma cheese or mozzarella to taste
📊 Nutritional Information
Dive into the true tastes of Trapani with the Official Sandwich, a crisp focaccia that marries the softness of a well-risen dough with classic Sicilian ingredients. Crunchy on the outside and pillowy within, it’s perfect for filling with local cured meats and fresh cheeses, offering a delicious journey through island tradition.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Tip the flours onto a clean surface, mix in the salt, then add the yeast dissolved in a little lukewarm water.
- 2
Gradually add the remaining water, kneading until you have a firm, smooth dough.
- 3
Shape into loaves of about 250g each and leave to prove for 3 hours in a warm, covered spot.
- 4
Once risen, gently knead the loaves again, flatten slightly, then prick the surface with a fork.
- 5
Brush with a drizzle of olive oil and dust lightly with flour.
- 6
Bake in a preheated oven at 250°C for about 10 minutes until golden.
- 7
Slice the focaccia in half and fill with salami and tuma or your favourite fillings.
- 8
Serve immediately, warm and fragrant.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a richer take, try filling your sandwich with pork capocollo and aged caciocavallo cheese, adding a drizzle of orange blossom honey for a sweet-savoury twist.
- •
Use a baking stone to achieve a crispier base and even cooking.
- •
The key to this recipe is the gluten in the dough, which gives it that lovely elasticity and softness.
- •
For a vegetarian option, swap the cured meats for grilled aubergines, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of fresh oregano.
- •
To boost umami, add a pinch of nutritional yeast flakes to the dough or a splash of anchovy sauce in the filling.
- •
For a gluten-free version, experiment with rice or maize flour, adjusting hydration and proving times accordingly.
- •
Patience is vital: a slow proving process delivers a soft texture and deep flavour.
📦 Storage
- • Store the sandwiches in a paper bag to keep the crust crisp for up to 24 hours.
- • To refresh, warm them in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 5 minutes before serving.
- • You can freeze cooked sandwiches wrapped individually in cling film and then placed in a freezer bag; reheat straight from frozen in the oven.
🍷 Pairing
Pair the Official Sandwich with a Sicilian red like Nero d’Avola DOC, whose fruity notes and balanced structure complement the saltiness of the salami and the creaminess of the tuma. Alternatively, a light, fresh Frappato offers a delightful contrast. If you fancy something from further afield, a young Chianti Classico also pairs beautifully with the sandwich’s bold flavours.
Making the Official Sandwich is like bringing a slice of Sicily right to your table, full of simple yet vibrant flavours. This crisp focaccia is perfect for sharing cosy, convivial moments steeped in tradition. Do give it a go and share its story with your loved ones – spread the genuine taste of our beautiful island far and wide.
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