Scaccia Ragusana: A Sicilian Culinary Heritage

Scaccia Ragusana is a traditional Sicilian tomato and cheese pie, hailing from Ragusa and Syracuse.
Its history dates back to the 17th century when it was a rustic peasant dish, made from leftover meals and baked in stone wood-fired ovens in the countryside of Ragusa.
Originally, it consisted of bread, vegetables and meat.
What makes nowadays Scaccia Ragusana so special?
Firstly, its dough is meticulously crafted using durum wheat semolina flour, granting it a unique texture and an authentic, rich flavor.
Equally crucial is the filling, often featuring fresh ingredients such as Pachino tomatoes, fragrant basil, and the renowned Ragusano DOP cheese. This blend of flavors captures the essence of Sicilian cuisine.
In the past, Scaccia Ragusana was a Christmas holiday treat, thanks to Prince Paternò Moncada, who turned it into a tradition. Today, it can be savored year-round but remains a symbol of Sicilian festivities, especially during Christmas.
One of the wonderful aspects of Scaccia Ragusana is its versatility. Ragusa‘s bakers love to create seasonal variations, with fillings like ricotta and sausage, eggplant and mozzarella, broccoli and sausage, spinach and ricotta, potatoes and onions, and more.
There’s even a sweet version, filled with ricotta and chocolate chips, dusted with powdered sugar.

Yields and Prep Times

• Serves: 6 people
• Prep Time: 30 minutes plus the dough rising time, which is approximately 3 hours
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Nutritional values per serving of Scaccia Ragusana

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Proteins: 5-8 g
• Fats: 5-8 g
• Carbohydrates: 45-50 g
• Fiber: 3-4 g
• Sugars: 2-3 g

Ingredients

• 500 g of durum wheat semolina flour
• 3 dl of water
• 5 g of brewer’s yeast
• 2 onions
• 500 g of tomato sauce
• 250 g of Ragusano DOP cheese
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt

Directions

1. Begin by making the dough: Start by forming a well with the flour and pour the dissolved brewer’s yeast in warm water into the center, add a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Knead until you achieve a smooth and elastic consistency, then let it rise in a warm place for about three hours.
2. While the dough is rising, you can prepare the sauce: Sauté finely chopped onions in a saucepan, then add the tomato sauce and adjust the seasoning. Allow it to cool.
3. Divide the dough into two parts and roll out each with a rolling pin until you have a thin rectangular sheet. Now, pour some of the sauce with onions onto the central part of the dough, away from the edges. Then add the Ragusano cheese sliced into thin slices.
4. Fold the edges towards the center to create a smaller rectangle, then spread more sauce on the folded edges.
5. Fold the last two edges of the rectangle inwards, sealing the Scaccia like a book, and pierce the dough with a fork.
6. Now, place the Scaccia on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 200°C (390°F) for 25-30 minutes.
7. Once done baking, let it cool for five minutes, then serve the Scaccia Ragusana and enjoy.

Wine Pairing

To complement the delicious Scaccia Ragusana, we recommend a pairing that will fully enhance its unique flavors: Contea di Sclafani Sangiovese.
This red wine is an excellent choice to accompany Scaccia Ragusana, thanks to its round, harmonious, and dry taste profile.
Contea di Sclafani Sangiovese offers a pleasant roundness that pairs perfectly with the richness of Scaccia Ragusana. Its harmonious flavor completes the combination of flavors, providing a delightful mouthfeel.
To fully appreciate the experience of this pairing, we suggest serving Contea di Sclafani Sangiovese at a temperature between 16°C and 18°C (65°F). This temperature range allows the wine to fully express its taste profile, making the meal even more enjoyable.

How to Store Scaccia Ragusana

1. Room temperature storage: Scaccia Ragusana can be stored at room temperature for a short period, usually up to 24 hours from preparation. However, it’s advisable to cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out and protect it from external contaminants.
2. Refrigerator storage: If you want to store Scaccia Ragusana for a longer period, it’s best to keep it in the refrigerator. Place it in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. Ensure the container is well-sealed to prevent the refrigerator’s moisture from making it too soggy.
3. Storage duration: Scaccia Ragusana keeps well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. However, it’s best to consume it within the first two days of preparation to enjoy it at its freshest and crispiest.
4. Reheating before serving: If you wish to enjoy stored Scaccia Ragusana again, you can lightly reheat it before serving. Use a preheated oven at around 180°C for about 5-7 minutes or until the Scaccia is reheated and slightly crispy. Avoid reheating it in the microwave, as it may become too soft and lose its crispiness.

Your culinary adventure with Ricette di Sicilia: Scaccia Ragusana

Scaccia Ragusana is much more than just a dish. It’s a journey through Sicilian history and tradition, a way to savor the authentic flavors of this fascinating island.
Experiment with fillings, customize it to your liking, and enjoy every bite of this delicious culinary masterpiece. Buon appetito!

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