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Ricette di Sicilia

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane


Pitirri: A Rustic Sicilian Vegetable Classic

Pitirri: A Rustic Sicilian Vegetable Classic

Discover the delightful pitirri, a traditional Sicilian dish bursting with authentic flavours and fresh seasonal vegetables. A truly unique taste of Sicily!

⏱️
Prep Time
about 45 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
around 25 minutes
👥
Serve
Serves 6
📊
Difficulty
Moderate
💰 Budget-friendly
🗓️ Autumn
4.9/5

🛒 Ingredients

For the pasta

  • 1 kg durum wheat semolina
  • Water

For the mix

  • 5 eggs
  • Salt

For the vegetables

  • 1 large onion
  • 2 carrots
  • 1 celery stalk
  • 300 g wild fennel
  • 500 g seasonal vegetables
  • Extra virgin olive oil (optional)

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
350 kcal
Protein
10 g
Fat
5 g
Carbohydrates
65 g
Fiber
8 g
Sugars
4 g
Sodium
400 mg

Pitirri is a time-honoured dish rooted deep in Sicilian heritage, especially cherished in the provinces of Agrigento and Caltanissetta. Passed down through generations, this recipe carries the true essence of the Monti Sicani hills. The unmistakable fragrance of wild fennel — a key ingredient — fills the kitchen as the dish cooks, warming your home with its unique aroma. Perfect for a family dinner, particularly in the cooler months, this comforting vegetarian dish combines hearty flavours with rustic simplicity to soothe and satisfy.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    On a clean surface, mix the durum wheat semolina with water to create the dough.

  2. 2

    Make a well in the centre and add the eggs one at a time, kneading until you form large, coarse lumps.

  3. 3

    Push the dough through a sieve to create small pasta grains and lay them out on a clean cloth.

  4. 4

    Allow the pasta grains to rest for about half an hour.

  5. 5

    Chop the vegetables into chunks and boil them in a large pot of salted water along with the celery, carrots, and onion. Alternatively, simply boil the wild fennel in salted water.

  6. 6

    Once the vegetables are cooked, gradually add the pasta grains to the broth, stirring continuously until they are cooked through.

  7. 7

    Keep stirring until you achieve the desired consistency. When cooked, pitirri can be enjoyed as a warming soup or gently tossed in a pan with sautéed onion for a richer flavour.

💡 Tips and Variations

For a richer taste, gently fry some onions in olive oil and stir them through the cooked pitirri. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in a pinch of chilli flakes for a subtle kick.

📦 Storage

  • Store leftover pitirri in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water to loosen the texture.
  • Avoid freezing as it may change the dish’s lovely consistency.

🍷 Pairing

Pitirri pairs beautifully with a glass of Contea di Sclafani Grillo, a refined Sicilian white wine with elegant aromas and a dry, structured palate.

Give this heartwarming Sicilian staple a go in your own kitchen — its earthy aromas and simple, honest flavours make it a brilliant meal for family and friends. Whether as a cozy supper or an impressive veggie centrepiece, I promise it’s worth every spoonful. Do share this recipe and the experience with those you love; good food always tastes better when together.

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