Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Sicilian Amaretti - Soft Almond Biscuits from an Ancient Tradition
Discover these irresistible Sicilian amaretti, soft almond biscuits with a delicate fragrance and centuries of history.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 450 g peeled sweet almonds
- ✓ 50 g peeled bitter almonds
- ✓ 350 g caster sugar
- ✓ 5 egg whites
- ✓ Grated zest of 1 lemon
📊 Nutritional Information
There’s something wonderfully timeless about Sicilian amaretti. These soft, fragrant almond biscuits carry the whisper of Arab influence that shaped so much of Sicily’s culinary soul, arriving on the island centuries ago and becoming part of its sweetest traditions.
Made with a blend of sweet and bitter almonds, whipped egg whites and lemon zest, they offer a perfume that’s both comforting and evocative of sun-drenched orchards. Their tender, chewy centre and delicate citrus notes make them irresistible at any moment of the year.
Perfect alongside an espresso or served as a simple dessert after a meal, these amaretti are a reminder that the best Sicilian recipes are often the ones with the fewest ingredients - provided they’re used with care, love and a touch of island magic.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Finely grind both the sweet and bitter almonds.
- 2
Mix the ground almonds with the caster sugar and grated lemon zest.
- 3
Whisk the egg whites until stiff, then gently fold them into the almond mixture.
- 4
Use a teaspoon to scoop small portions of the dough and shape them into balls.
- 5
Arrange the biscuits on a baking tray lined with parchment, leaving space between each one.
- 6
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for around 20 minutes.
- 7
Allow the amaretti to cool completely before serving.
💡 Tips and Variations
If you can’t find bitter almonds, you can replace them with a few drops of bitter almond extract - it offers the same distinctive aroma and is easy to find in most shops.
📦 Storage
- • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- • Freeze for up to one month if you’d like to make them ahead.
- • Bring back to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavour.
🍷 Pairing
Pair your Sicilian amaretti with a glass of Moscato from Pantelleria - its fragrant sweetness and aromatic notes complement the almonds beautifully.
Thank you for joining me in rediscovering these traditional Sicilian amaretti. I hope they bring a little taste of the island into your kitchen. Enjoy every bite!
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