Ricette di Sicilia

Name: Catanese Sardine Fritters: A Scrumptious Dive into Sicilian Flavours
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: Serves 4
Cuisine: Sicilian
Ingredients: 500g fresh sardines; 150g stale bread crumb; 100ml milk; A handful of parsley; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 50g aged Sicilian pecorino, grated; 50g raisins; 2 eggs; Extra virgin olive oil for frying; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane

Catanese Sardine Fritters: A Scrumptious Dive into Sicilian Flavours

Meet the Catanese sardine fritters, a deliciously simple Sicilian classic that comes together quickly. Each bite bursts with rich tradition and authentic taste!

Author: Mario Greco • Published on: January 12, 2018

Categories: Quick Recipes Main courses Seafood Main Courses

Tags: Catania milk nutmeg extra-virgin olive oil breadcrumbs pecorino cheese black pepper parsley salt sardines eggs raisins

⏱️

Prep Time

about 30 minutes

🔥

Cook Time

around 10 minutes

👥

Serve

Serves 4

📊

Difficulty

Easy

💰 Budget-friendly

🗓️ Spring

⭐ 4.5/5

🛒 Ingredients

✓ 500g fresh sardines

✓ 150g stale bread crumb

✓ 100ml milk

✓ A handful of parsley

✓ ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

✓ 50g aged Sicilian pecorino, grated

✓ 50g raisins

✓ 2 eggs

✓ Extra virgin olive oil for frying

✓ Salt, to taste

✓ Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories

300 kcal

Protein

20 g

Fat

15 g

Carbohydrates

25 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugars

3 g

Sodium

500 mg

These sardine fritters from Catania are a brilliant showcase of Sicilian cooking — combining the freshness of the sea with trusty, humble ingredients. Hailing from the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, this dish is perfect for those who savour bold, genuine Sicilian flavours. Plump, fresh sardines blend beautifully with soaked stale bread, sharp pecorino, and sweet raisins, all lifted by a pinch of nutmeg and fresh parsley. Ideal for a summer supper on the terrace or as a sharing starter with friends, these fritters invite you to celebrate conviviality and culinary heritage. Let yourself be drawn in by their irresistible aroma, crisp exterior, and soft, flavour-packed centre.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

1

Clean, wash, and fillet the sardines.
2

Chop the sardines finely with a mezzaluna or knife, then mix with the bread crumbs soaked in milk and squeezed dry.
3

Add the finely chopped parsley, a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, nutmeg, grated pecorino, and the raisins.
4

Beat in the eggs and mix thoroughly until you have a smooth, combined mixture.
5

Shape the mixture into evenly sized fritters.
6

Fry the fritters in hot extra virgin olive oil until golden and crisp.
7

Drain any excess oil using kitchen paper.
8

Serve the fritters piping hot.

💡 Tips and Variations

For a more vibrant flavour, add a little grated lemon zest to the mix. If you prefer a lighter option, you can bake the fritters at 180°C for about 20 minutes instead of frying.

📦 Storage

• Keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.
• You can freeze the uncooked fritters for up to a month.
• Reheat in the oven at 160°C for 10 minutes before serving.

🍷 Pairing

These Catanese sardine fritters pair beautifully with a glass of Delia Nivolelli Grecanico — a delicate, fruity Sicilian white wine that really brings out the dish’s fresh flavours.

Give these delightful sardine fritters a go at home — they're a lovely way to bring a little bit of Sicilian sunshine to your table. Whether for a casual meal or a friendly get-together, they’re sure to spark conversation and smiles. Don’t forget to share this taste of Sicily with your nearest and dearest; it’s the perfect dish for creating happy, delicious memories.