If you love Sicilian cuisine and crave a dish that will captivate you with its authentic and tradition-rich flavor, then Sfincione Rosso is perfect for you.
This Sicilian street food masterpiece is a mouthwatering delight. In this guide, we’ll reveal all the secrets to prepare this delicious dish right in the comfort of your kitchen.
Sfincione Rosso is a typical dish of Altavilla Milicia, a village in the province of Palermo, and is similar to the famous Palermo Sfincione but with a unique twist.
The base, made with re-milled flour, is topped with anchovies and slices of “primo sale” pecorino cheese, giving it an irresistible taste.
The topping is enriched with tomato sauce cooked with onions and generously sprinkled with grated Sicilian pecorino cheese, breadcrumbs, oregano, black pepper, and exquisite Sicilian extra virgin olive oil.
If you happen to be passing through Altavilla Milicia, don’t hesitate to try this delicacy at the best local bakeries and bars. Otherwise, join us in creating this true masterpiece at home!
Yields and Prep Times
- Serves: 4 people
- Prep Time: 50 minutes plus the dough rising time
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1h 25m
Nutritional values per serving of Sfincione Rosso:
- Calories: 200 Kcal
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Proteins: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
Ingredients
- 500 g of semolina flour
- 20 g of fresh yeast
- 2 onions
- 200 g of pecorino cheese (primo sale)
- 100 g of anchovy fillets in oil
- 0.5 l of tomato sauce
- 150 g of grated Sicilian pecorino cheese
- Dried oregano
- 150 g of breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- Preparing the dough: Start by sifting the semolina flour into a bowl. Dissolve the fresh yeast in some lukewarm water, adding a pinch of sugar. Add the dissolved yeast to the flour and begin kneading the dough, gradually adding salted water until you achieve a soft dough. Transfer the dough to a floured bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rise for at least two hours.
- Preparing the topping: Finely slice the onions and sauté them in a pan with extra virgin olive oil and a bit of water. Add the tomato sauce, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Let it cook for about 20 minutes.
- Rolling out the dough: Take the risen dough and knead it again with extra virgin olive oil. Roll out the dough directly onto a greased baking sheet until it’s about two centimeters thick.
- Assembling the Sfincione: Evenly distribute the chopped anchovies over the dough. Add slices of primo sale cheese and cover everything with the previously prepared tomato sauce. Generously sprinkle with grated pecorino cheese, breadcrumbs, dried oregano, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
- Baking: Allow the assembled dish to rest for about ten minutes to let the flavors meld. Bake the sfincione at 220°C (430°F) for 35 minutes or until it’s fully cooked.
- Serving: Once ready, serve Sfincione Rosso piping hot at the table and let its authentic flavor captivate your senses.
Wine Pairing
The Sfincione Rosso, with its unique combination of flavors and ingredients, deserves an equally exceptional pairing.
We highly recommend savoring this Sicilian delicacy with a glass of Menfi Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine that can further enhance your gastronomic experience.
Menfi, in western Sicily, is renowned for producing high-quality wines, and Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most appreciated grape varieties in this region.
This red wine presents itself with an intense ruby color that echoes the reddish hues of the Sfincione.
Its ethereal and slightly herbaceous aroma pairs magnificently with the complex flavors of the sfincione’s condiments, creating a harmonious union.
The dry and full-bodied taste of Cabernet Sauvignon, with notes of ripe red fruits and a pleasant persistence, integrates perfectly with the soft texture and intense flavors of the sfincione.
Together, they create a complete and satisfying taste experience.
To fully enjoy this pairing, we recommend serving Menfi Cabernet Sauvignon at a temperature between 16°C and 18°C (60°F). Additionally, consider decanting the wine before serving. This process will allow the wine to breathe and reach its maximum expression, making the experience even more memorable.
How to Store Sfincione Rosso
- Fresh and Hot: To fully enjoy Sfincione Rosso, it is preferable to consume it freshly prepared when it is still warm and fragrant. This dish is particularly delicious when freshly baked.
- Refrigeration: If, for any reason, there are leftover portions of sfincione, you can store them in the refrigerator. Make sure to place them in an airtight food container or cover them carefully with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The refrigerator temperature will help slow down the growth of bacteria.
- Quick Consumption: However, keep in mind that even in the refrigerator, sfincione will gradually lose its crispness and freshness. It is advisable to consume refrigerated portions within 2-3 days to ensure the best quality.
- Freezing: If you wish to preserve the sfincione for a longer period, freezing is an option. You can freeze individual portions or the entire sfincione. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a sealed food bag. Freezing will extend the storage for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing and Reheating: When you are ready to enjoy the frozen sfincione, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Subsequently, you can reheat it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes or until it is fully heated. This will help maintain the crispness of the base.
Your culinary adventure with Ricette di Sicilia: Sfincione Rosso
With this recipe, you can savor an authentic Sicilian delicacy right in your own home.
This dish is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Sicily, and preparing it is a true tribute to the gastronomic tradition of this beautiful island.
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it on your social channels and leave a comment below!
