Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Messina-Style Focaccia: A Timeless Classic with Tuma Cheese, Tomatoes & Chicory
Discover the Messina focaccia, a delightful baked treat filled with tuma cheese, ripe tomatoes and fresh chicory. Savour the authentic taste of Messina’s culinary heritage!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 300g plain flour
- ✓ 200g durum wheat semolina
- ✓ 300ml water
- ✓ 3g fresh yeast
- ✓ 5g caster sugar
- ✓ 20g lard
- ✓ 250g chicory (scarola)
- ✓ 300g tuma cheese
- ✓ 6 salted anchovy fillets
- ✓ 200g tomatoes
- ✓ Oregano
- ✓ Extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ Salt
- ✓ Freshly ground black pepper
📊 Nutritional Information
Messina focaccia is a true homage to the rich culinary traditions of this Sicilian city, tracing its origins back to the early 1900s. Initially devised as a practical meal using simple, humble ingredients, it has since become a beloved street food staple known for its distinctive and comforting flavour. The irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread mingles with the creamy tuma cheese, juicy tomatoes, and slightly bitter chicory, resulting in an unforgettable sensory experience. Perfect to enjoy on a leisurely stroll through Messina’s historic streets or as a handy lunch break treat, this focaccia shines all year round. Its simplicity and authentic taste beautifully marry tradition with modern convenience, bringing the warmth and soul of Sicily right to your table.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Combine the plain flour and semolina with the fresh yeast, caster sugar and softened lard.
- 2
Gradually pour in the water and knead until you have a smooth, even dough.
- 3
Add the salt and continue kneading until silky and elastic.
- 4
Leave the dough to rise for about an hour in a bowl lightly brushed with olive oil.
- 5
Roll out the dough onto a greased baking tray and let it rest for 20 minutes.
- 6
Wash and dry the chicory, then roughly chop it.
- 7
Prepare the anchovies by rinsing and chopping them into small pieces.
- 8
Slice the tomatoes, removing the seeds for a cleaner finish.
- 9
Cut the tuma cheese into small cubes.
- 10
Evenly scatter the anchovies over the stretched dough.
- 11
Add the tuma cubes followed by the chopped chicory.
- 12
Top with the tomato slices, then season with salt and drizzle generously with olive oil.
- 13
Bake in the lower third of a preheated oven at 250°C (fan 230°C) for 15 minutes.
- 14
Move the tray to the middle rack and bake for another 10 minutes.
- 15
Finish with a drizzle of oil and a grind of black pepper before serving warm.
💡 Tips and Variations
For a heartier twist, try adding sliced black olives or rinsed capers. If you prefer a softer focaccia, leave the dough to proof slowly in the fridge overnight (about 12 hours).
📦 Storage
- • Store covered in cling film in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- • You can freeze cooked focaccia for up to a month.
- • Reheat in the oven at 160°C for 10 minutes before serving to restore that fresh-baked taste.
🍷 Pairing
Enjoy your Messina focaccia alongside a glass of Cerasuolo di Vittoria, a luscious Sicilian red wine with a rich and rounded flavour.
Give this classic Messina focaccia a go at home and bring a slice of Sicilian tradition straight to your kitchen. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family, whether you’re gathering for a casual lunch or a leisurely weekend treat. With its warm, comforting flavours and simple ingredients, it’s sure to become a firm favourite – so don’t be shy, roll up your sleeves and bake away!
Rate this recipe
Click or tap the stars to rate
Potrebbero interessarti anche:
-
Courgette and Cherry Tomato Faggottini: A Delicious Slice of Sicilian Tradition Other Recipes Street foodDive into these charming Sicilian courgette and cherry tomato faggottini — a delightful treat perfect for sharing at any cosy gathering.
-
Catania-Style Stuffed Onion Pastries Other Recipes Street FoodSoft, golden Sicilian pastries filled with sweet stewed onions, melting cheese and ham - a beloved Catania street-food classic.
-
Homemade Piruna Niscemi-Style: Sicilian Flavors Bread, pizzas, and focaccias Street foodDiscover the rich culinary heritage of Sicily with Homemade Piruna Niscemi-Style: Sicilian Flavors, featuring delightful spinach turnovers!
-
Favazza Termitana: A Taste of Christmas from Termini Imerese Bread, pizzas, and focaccias Christmas RecipesBake the Favazza Termitana, the festive focaccia from Termini Imerese, studded with onions, anchovies, olives and caciocavallo cheese. A true whiff of authentic Sicilian spirit!
-
Rustic Scicli ‘Cucciḍḍatu Scaniatu’ with Sausage: A Hearty Ragusano Focaccia Other Recipes Street foodExplore the rustic charm of Scicli’s ‘Cucciḍḍatu Scaniatu’ loaded with sausage — a fragrant, reworked focaccia from Ragusa, bursting with flavour and perfect for sharing.