Ricette di Sicilia

Name: Sicilian Delight: Sfincione Giuliana-Style
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 250 g of 00 flour; 250 g of water; 5 eggs; 50 g of butter; 5 g of salt; a pinch of baking soda; sunflower oil for frying; 750 g of sheep’s milk ricotta; 250 g of sugar; 50 g of ground cinnamon; 150 g of dark chocolate chips

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane

Sicilian Delight: Sfincione Giuliana-Style

Taste Sicily’s soul with Sfincione Giuliana-Style – a heavenly dessert where ricotta meets chocolate in a timeless embrace.

Author: Nino Messina • Published on: September 1, 2023

Categories: Desserts

Tags: butter cinnamon flour 00 flour chocolate chips seed oil palermo salt eggs sugar

⏱️

Prep Time

1 hour

🔥

Cook Time

20 minutes

👥

Servings

8 people

📊

Difficulty

Intermediate

💰 Moderate

🗓️ All year

⭐ 4.8/5

🛒 Ingredients

✓ 250 g of 00 flour

✓ 250 g of water

✓ 5 eggs

✓ 50 g of butter

✓ 5 g of salt

✓ a pinch of baking soda

✓ sunflower oil for frying

✓ 750 g of sheep’s milk ricotta

✓ 250 g of sugar

✓ 50 g of ground cinnamon

✓ 150 g of dark chocolate chips

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories

400-450 kcal

Protein

10-12 g

Fat

18-20 g

Carbohydrates

50-60 g

Sugars

30-35 g

Sfincione Giuliana-Style is a traditional dessert originating from the Sicani Mountains in Sicily, known for its heartwarming combination of soft dough and a rich ricotta and chocolate cream.
Its history is deeply rooted in the charitable efforts of a nun at an 'Opera Pia' in the village of Giuliana, where it was first created to bring joy to the elderly and orphans.
The dessert, with its creamy sweetness, aromatic cinnamon, and indulgent chocolate, embodies the spirit of Sicilian hospitality and creativity.
Ideal for festive occasions or a delightful treat, this dessert is best enjoyed with family and friends, perhaps accompanied by a glass of Sicilian wine.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

1

First, drain the sheep’s milk ricotta using a fine-mesh sieve and refrigerate until it has lost excess whey. Sieve and transfer to a bowl, then add sugar, cinnamon, and chocolate chips. Mix thoroughly to blend into a sweet cream.
2

Melt the butter with water in a pan and bring to a boil. Gradually add the flour, stirring for about 10 minutes until the mixture is smooth and pulls away from the pan.
3

Let the dough cool slightly before incorporating the eggs one at a time. Add baking soda and knead until smooth and creamy.
4

Heat sunflower oil in a frying pan. Fry the dough in small portions, about 3-4 tablespoons each, until golden and puffy.
5

Place the fried sfincione on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Fill generously with the prepared ricotta cream and serve.

💡 Tips and Variations

For a twist, try adding a hint of orange zest to the ricotta cream for a refreshing citrus note. Alternatively, use mascarpone in place of ricotta for a creamier texture.

📦 Storage

• Store sfincioni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Consume within the first two days for optimal taste and texture.
• Freeze in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers, and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

🍷 Pairing

Pair with Moscato di Pantelleria Naturale, a Sicilian dessert wine that complements the sweetness and cinnamon of the sfincione with its aromatic and floral notes.

Thank you for exploring the rich tradition of Sicilian cuisine with Sfincione Giuliana-Style. We hope this recipe brings warmth and joy to your table, creating sweet memories with every bite. Enjoy and share this delightful treat with your loved ones!

Rate this recipe

Click or tap the stars to rate

Ricette di Sicilia

Sicilian Delight: Sfincione Giuliana-Style