Top 5 Sicilian Foods & Drinks You Need to Try

Planning a trip to Sicily? You see, if you are, getting a handle on what treats await your taste buds is really worthwhile. It’s almost like planning a treasure hunt, but instead of gold, you are after fantastic flavors. I am talking about an island bursting with eats and sips that pretty much scream “Italy,” just with a distinct Sicilian spin. Sicily has its own set of culinary traditions molded by time and, in a way, affected by the countless cultures that left their imprint there. With food, that alone makes discovering its best bites all the more thrilling, right?

1. Arancini: The Iconic Sicilian Snack

First, arancini – it might be the king of Sicilian street food. What these fried rice balls are, are seriously wonderful. Think about golden, crispy spheres filled with goodies that make you want to grab another. That might be the basic description; really, though, arancini are far from ordinary, alright? Their outside shell cracks so satisfyingly when you bite into them, offering up steaming rice loaded with different fillings. It depends on the particular type that we talk about, yet the most classic is “al ragù,” loaded with meaty, savory ragu. You see, there are versions that include mozzarella and ham, too, or even spinach and cheese, if you need a vegetarian twist. Find one you want because these humble snacks pack such a punch of taste and Sicilian soul that, well, you have not actually properly visited Sicily if you don’t give one of these a shot.

2. Pasta alla Norma: A Celebration of Eggplant

Moving from the street to the restaurant, the next thing to explore has to be Pasta alla Norma. That truly is one of the most cherished pasta meals, a real tribute to Sicily’s produce. Basically, imagine al dente pasta – frequently something that looks like rigatoni or macaroni–coated in an awesome tomato sauce made that much better by fried eggplant, salted ricotta, plus a drizzle of olive oil, so good, right? Very simple, but each ingredient brings a richness and depth, right? It delivers on an unbelievable harmony of tastes and textures. Very homey but also restaurant worthy: Pasta alla Norma tells a story of the island, about using effortless ingredients for fantastic effect. Finding this is hardly tough, so in case you have the chance to sample it – grab it.

3. Cannoli: The Sweet Symbol of Sicily

You might not be stunned that something is coming for sweet treats. Cannoli are the ultimate expression of Sicilian desserts. The iconic sweets have a crisp, tube shaped shell made of fried pastry, but then that’s really filled with a sweet ricotta cream, as well as little extras like chocolate chips or candied fruit. What’s excellent about cannoli, too, is that they must be filled pretty close to when serving to make sure the shell actually stays really crunchy and does not get soft, so good. Locals usually take them as a treat along with a coffee, but frankly there isn’t any bad way or place to like your cannoli. When in Sicily you will notice tons of various sorts of this sweet, yet attempting a traditional one first – say with ricotta and maybe some pistachio – will give a taste of why it’s very famous. Seriously though: expect to want much more when that’s done.

4. Nero d’Avola: Sicily’s Signature Wine

With the eats explored let’s not lose out on Sicilian drinks and beverages because there is truly much to talk about! So if someone asks what the red wine to try is, Nero d’Avola truly is the best answer. You find that the name usually means “Black of Avola”, referencing the city near Syracuse in southeast Sicily; you know it for the wine’s deep shade. This stuff is Sicilian sun bottled and you’ll taste it since this stuff will strike the proper balance of bold fruit and earthy notes, really right? Most locals suggest you have it in your pasta dinners or maybe along with roasted meats – however it’s fantastic just savored all alone as the sunlight falls behind you after a long day out exploring Sicily’s shores. To appreciate this beverage offers you understanding to the spirit that’s only Sicilian; I bet this is a very fantastic souvenir for yourself, too, right?

5. Granita: The Sicilian Breakfast (or Anytime) Treat

This is Granita which, well, it’s something which surprises visitors due to its part in meals. I mean – can you envision eating ice cream for breakfast? I bet, in Sicily, it is practically a normal practice, because it’s matched by a brioche that’s just fantastic, okay? You could look into it as an Italian cousin to sorbet, however with a coarser, icier feel. Very commonly granita arrives flavors, starting from the lemon plus the coffee – classics everyone likes; yet you will, in addition, find pistachio, almond, plus mulberry which I think are only Sicilian tastes as well. In order to like it like a local I ‘m thinking, buy some with brioche; soak the bread on the granita and consume both with satisfaction. Find this refreshment will renew and help you to feel energized when trekking around areas of Sicily, in the heat; do this, and that’s some fantastic taste for keeps.