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Ricette di Sicilia

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane


Quarume: The Authentic Flavour of Palermo’s Beloved Street Food

Quarume: The Authentic Flavour of Palermo’s Beloved Street Food

Dive into quarume, Palermo’s famous street food — a warming bowl of veal offal simmered to perfection, best enjoyed in the city’s historic markets!

⏱️
Prep Time
around 15 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
about 2 and a half hours
👥
Serve
Serves 4
📊
Difficulty
Moderate
💰 Budget-friendly
🗓️ All year round
4.8/5

🛒 Ingredients

  • 2 kg of veal offal (including sweetbreads, thymus gland, honeycomb tripe, and stomach lining)
  • 2 onions
  • 2 carrots
  • 2 large tomatoes
  • 1 celery stalk
  • Parsley
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 lemons

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
350 kcal
Protein
25 g
Fat
15 g
Carbohydrates
20 g
Fiber
5 g
Sugars
3 g
Sodium
600 mg

Quarume is a traditional Palermitan dish with roots stretching back to the ancient Greek colony days of Sicily. The name, which translates to 'hot stuff', refers to a hearty stew of veal offal slowly boiled with fresh vegetables and served in a fragrant broth. Its comforting aroma and robust flavours make it a perfect winter warmer, yet it’s a beloved street snack savoured all year round at Palermo’s iconic markets. This dish is more than just food — it’s a celebration of community, history, and Sicilian soul, offering a truly unique culinary experience to savour at least once in your life.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    Rinse the veal offal thoroughly with water and a pinch of salt.

  2. 2

    Place the offal in a large pan, cover with salted water and simmer for about an hour.

  3. 3

    Remove the meat from the pot, allow it to cool, then give it another good wash.

  4. 4

    Return the offal to the pot with fresh cold water, seasoning with salt to taste.

  5. 5

    Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and tomatoes into the pot.

  6. 6

    Throw in some parsley and cook gently until the offal is tender.

  7. 7

    Serve the quarume piping hot with a ladle of the rich broth, seasoning with salt, pepper, a drizzle of olive oil, and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

💡 Tips and Variations

For a deeper flavour, add a bay leaf and a few black peppercorns while it simmers. If you fancy a bit of heat, a touch of dried red chilli works wonders.

📦 Storage

  • Keep refrigerated and consume within 2 days.
  • Cooked quarume can be frozen for up to a month.
  • Reheat gently in a pan over a low heat before serving.

🍷 Pairing

Pair this hearty dish with a glass of Nero d’Avola, a full-bodied Sicilian red wine that beautifully complements the richness of the meat.

Why not bring a taste of Palermo right into your own kitchen with this warming quarume recipe? It’s a wonderful way to connect with Sicilian heritage and share a truly comforting meal with your nearest and dearest. Whether it’s for a cosy evening or a adventurous supper, this dish promises plenty of soul and flavour — do give it a go and let the magic of Sicily brighten your table!

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