Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Palermitan Chickpea Pasta: A Traditional Sicilian Delight Bursting with Flavour
Explore the classic Sicilian recipe for chickpea pasta Palermitana, a hearty and flavourful dish that celebrates simple, rustic ingredients.
📖 What is it
Explore the classic Sicilian recipe for chickpea pasta Palermitana, a hearty and flavourful dish that celebrates simple, rustic ingredients.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 150 g dried chickpeas
- ✓ 350 g short pasta
- ✓ 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ 2 anchovy fillets
- ✓ 2 garlic cloves
- ✓ 1 sprig of rosemary
- ✓ 3 tbsp tomato purée
- ✓ 1 peeled tomato
- ✓ Salt, to taste
- ✓ Freshly ground black pepper
📊 Nutritional Information
Palermitan chickpea pasta is a wonderful hallmark of Sicilian home cooking, steeped in the aromas and tastes of the island’s rural heritage. This dish perfectly showcases how humble ingredients can be transformed into a memorable culinary experience. Creamy chickpeas and tangy tomato coat the pasta in a comforting, flavoursome hug, while a hint of anchovy adds a subtle savoury depth that rounds everything off beautifully. It's an ideal warming meal for those chilly winter days when all you need is something nourishing and satisfying.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Soak the chickpeas overnight for about 12 hours, then drain and cook them in plenty of salted water with a whole clove of garlic.
- 2
Take half of the cooked chickpeas and mash them gently with a fork to create a smooth puree.
- 3
Finely chop the garlic and rosemary separately.
- 4
In a pan, gently melt the anchovy fillets in the extra virgin olive oil until they dissolve.
- 5
Add the chopped garlic and sauté lightly until golden.
- 6
Stir in the chickpea puree, a ladle of the cooking broth, chopped rosemary, tomato purée, and the roughly chopped peeled tomato.
- 7
Simmer over a high heat for 10 minutes, then fold in the remaining whole chickpeas.
- 8
Cook the pasta in salted water until just al dente, drain, and transfer it into the pan with the sauce.
- 9
Finish cooking the pasta in the sauce, adding more broth if it starts to dry out.
- 10
Remove from the heat, season with freshly ground black pepper, and let it rest for a minute.
- 11
Serve piping hot for a truly comforting plate.
💡 Tips and Variations
For an extra kick, try adding finely chopped fresh chilli or sprinkle some freshly grated pecorino when serving. You can also swap the rosemary for thyme for a slightly different herbaceous twist.
📦 Storage
- • Keep refrigerated and consume within 2 days.
- • This dish freezes well and can be stored in the freezer for up to a month.
- • Reheat in the oven at 160°C for about 10 minutes before serving.
🍷 Pairing
Enjoy this with a glass of Contea di Sclafani Grillo, a Sicilian white wine known for its elegant aroma and crisp, dry palate.
Give this wonderful Sicilian classic a go at home—you’ll find how simply comforting it is, full of soul and hearty flavours. It’s the kind of dish perfect for sharing around the table with family and friends, bringing a little taste of Sicily to your everyday. Do have a go and make it your own; I promise it will warm both your heart and your tummy!
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