Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Sicilian Fried Macco: A Rustic Delight from Agrigento
Dive into the rich flavours and heritage of Sicilian fried macco, a classic dish from Agrigento that's bursting with traditional charm.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 600g dried peeled broad beans
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil, as needed
- ✓ salt, to taste
- ✓ freshly ground black pepper, to taste
📊 Nutritional Information
Sicilian fried macco is humble fare packed with depth and history, hailing from the province of Agrigento. Made by simmering dried broad beans until silky smooth, then cooling and frying them in golden olive oil, this dish stands as a proud emblem of Sicilian peasant cooking. Simple yet bursting with character, it’s a cracking starter to relish the island’s time-honoured tastes.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Soak the dried broad beans overnight in plenty of water.
- 2
Drain them and place into a tall pan, covering with lightly salted water.
- 3
Simmer over a moderate heat for about two hours, stirring regularly with a wooden spoon until the beans break down into a creamy puree.
- 4
Season with salt and pepper, then spread the mixture into a lightly oiled baking dish and smooth out with a spatula.
- 5
Leave to cool completely until set.
- 6
Turn the dish upside down onto a board and cut the macco into squares.
- 7
Heat the oil in a deep fryer or a deep pan and shallow fry the squares until they’re golden and crisp.
- 8
Drain on kitchen paper and serve while still warm.
💡 Tips and Variations
For an extra crunch, lightly dust the macco squares with semolina flour before frying. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of chilli flakes to give the dish a spicy kick.
📦 Storage
- • Store the fried macco in the fridge for up to 2 days, reheating in the oven at 180°C before serving to revive its crispness.
🍷 Pairing
Serve your Sicilian fried macco with a glass of Delia Nivolelli Damaschino, a dry and fruity Sicilian white wine, which perfectly balances the dish’s crispy and tender textures.
This fried macco is a genuine taste of Sicily’s rustic heart and a wonderful way to transport yourself to the sunny shores of Agrigento. It’s simple to make, deeply comforting, and ideal for sharing around the table with loved ones. Give it a go at home—you’ll soon see why this modest dish holds such a cherished place in Sicilian kitchens. Do share your efforts and enjoy the warm smiles that follow!
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