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Ricette di Sicilia

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane


Facci di Vecchia: Palermo’s Soft-Hearted Focaccia Delight

Facci di Vecchia: Palermo’s Soft-Hearted Focaccia Delight

Discover Facci di Vecchia, a scrumptious focaccia from Torretta near Palermo, wonderfully soft and fragrant with caciocavallo cheese and oregano!

⏱️
Prep Time
About 1 hour
🔥
Cook Time
Around 30 minutes
👥
Serve
Serves 4
📊
Difficulty
Moderate
💰 Budget-friendly
🗓️ All year round
4.8/5

🛒 Ingredients

For the dough

  • 500 g plain flour
  • 25 g fresh yeast
  • 40 g lard
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Lukewarm water, as needed

For the topping

  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Dried oregano
  • Caciocavallo cheese, diced

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
390 kcal
Protein
11 g
Fat
15 g
Carbohydrates
50 g
Fiber
2 g
Sodium
480 mg

If you’re fond of rustic Sicilian focaccias, Facci di Vecchia is an absolute must-try. Originating from Torretta, just outside Palermo, this treat sits somewhere between a pizza and a sfincione – with a pillowy texture, aromatic lift, and a golden, bubbly crust. It’s a true traditional gem best enjoyed warm from the oven with a glass of local red wine.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Sift the flour onto a clean surface, then take 100 g and mix it with the yeast dissolved in half a glass of lukewarm water. Leave this starter to rise for about an hour.

  2. 2

    Add the lard, a pinch of salt, and enough water to the remaining flour to form a firm but elastic dough.

  3. 3

    Incorporate the risen starter and knead vigorously until the dough is smooth. Cover and leave to rise in a warm spot for another two and a half hours.

  4. 4

    Roll out the dough on an oiled baking tray to about 1 cm thick. Press your fingertips into the surface to create little dimples.

  5. 5

    Whisk together olive oil, salt, and pepper and brush this over the dough. Scatter with oregano and diced caciocavallo.

  6. 6

    Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C for 25 to 30 minutes, until the crust is golden and just turning crisp.

  7. 7

    Serve the Facci di Vecchia warm, ideally with a glass of Sicilian red wine.

💡 Tips and Variations

For a richer flavour, try adding sautéed onion or anchovies. If you’d prefer a lighter version, swap the lard for extra virgin olive oil.

📦 Storage

  • Keep Facci di Vecchia covered in cling film in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Warm it in the oven at 180°C for 10 minutes before serving to bring back its lovely texture.

🍷 Pairing

Pair this focaccia with a glass of Contea di Sclafani Nerello Mascalese—a red wine known for its elegant aroma and dry finish that perfectly complements the focaccia’s crispness and savoury notes.

Give this beautiful Facci di Vecchia a try at home — it’s a wonderful way to bring a taste of Sicily to your table. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, it’s sure to become a favourite for those cosy evenings in. So roll up your sleeves, enjoy the process, and savour every delicious bite!

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