Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Catania Fried Bombs: The Most Indulgent Sicilian Street Food
Discover how to make Catania’s legendary fried bombs - soft, golden and filled with melting mozzarella and ham. A true classic of Sicilian tavola calda cuisine!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 600 g Manitoba flour
- ✓ 150 g plain flour
- ✓ 30 g caster sugar
- ✓ 250 ml milk
- ✓ Water, as needed
- ✓ 15 g fresh yeast
- ✓ 10 g salt
- ✓ 25 g lard
- ✓ 150 g cooked ham, sliced
- ✓ 200 g mozzarella
- ✓ Vegetable oil for frying
These Catania fried bombs are one of the icons of Sicilian street food: beautifully soft, golden and stuffed with a gloriously melty centre of mozzarella and ham. A staple of Catania’s beloved tavola calda, they’re perfect for an indulgent dinner or for treating friends to a true Sicilian delight born in the shadow of Mount Etna.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and add the plain flour, mixing until creamy. Leave to rest for 1 hour.
- 2
Add the Manitoba flour, a little water, sugar and salt. Knead vigorously until smooth and elastic.
- 3
Incorporate the lard, kneading until fully absorbed. Cover and leave to rise for about 2 hours in a warm place.
- 4
Once doubled in size, transfer the dough to a floured surface and divide into 100 g portions. Roll into balls and flatten with a rolling pin.
- 5
Fill each circle with a slice of ham and a piece of mozzarella, then seal by bringing the edges to the centre and pinching firmly.
- 6
Place the bombs on a lightly floured tray, cover with a cloth and leave to rise for another 40 minutes.
- 7
Heat plenty of vegetable oil in a deep pan and fry the bombs a few at a time, turning until evenly golden.
- 8
Drain on kitchen paper and serve hot, with the mozzarella perfectly melted.
💡 Tips and Variations
For a lighter version, bake the bombs at 180 °C for about 25 minutes after brushing with milk and beaten egg.
Or try filling them with salami and tuma for a stronger, rustic flavour.
📦 Storage
- • Store in the fridge for up to 1 day and reheat in the oven or air fryer before serving.
- • Freeze the raw dough, thaw at room temperature and leave to rise before use.
🍷 Pairing
Enjoy with a glass of Contea di Sclafani Grillo - a fresh, aromatic Sicilian white that balances the richness of the filling.
Catania’s fried bombs are the ultimate Sicilian comfort food: soft, melty and irresistibly golden. A traditional recipe filled with warmth, generosity and the unmistakable charm of Catanian cuisine.
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