When considering potential destinations for a journey that will allow visitors to sample the food of multiple regions, Italy is an obvious choice. Sicily has a unique and diverse culinary history that you might not expect. Chef Mithaecus of the fifth century BC is credited with penning the first cookbook.
One of the best ways to enjoy the native cuisine on the largest island in the Mediterranean is to stay in a beautiful cottage. The island of Sicily is filled with quaint cafes, rustic trattorias, and fine dining restaurants of all price ranges, so it's important to have the freedom to plan your own schedule. Guests staying in one of Sicily's beautiful villas can go out to restaurants, shop at local markets, or even try their hand at preparing a classic Sicilian dish in the comfort of their own rental kitchen.
Foods available for purchase on the sidewalk
Gourmets shouldn't miss out on the chance to try local fare like street meals and snacks. Any of Sicily's villas is within walking distance of roadside sellers and local restaurants serving up reasonably priced, authentic Sicilian cuisine. One delicious example is maccu soup, which features mashed wide beans with strong fennel undertones. Grab some Arancini, a popular Sicilian street food, from a vendor if you need a fast lunch on the road. You can put just about anything inside an arancini, which are fried rice balls. Chickpea fritters known as "pane e pannelle" eaten between bread are a major hit among locals, as is the local pizza substitute, a deep-dish focaccia with a broad range of toppings.
Provisions of Dairy, Meat, and Starch
Pasta in Italy, like Indian curries, differs from region to region and city to city. Pasta has long been a staple of Sicilian cuisine, with several regional varieties including the island's plentiful fish and the famed Pasta alla Norma's signature sauce of tomatoes, basil, and fried eggplant. There are various local delicacies to choose from, such as sardines and sea urchins.
Some of the best cheeses in the world come from this region, including Caciocavallo, Ragusano, and Canestrato. The firm, small cookies known as Biscotti Regina are sprinkled with sesame seeds and exist on a tantalising plane between Sweets sweet and savoury, making them an ideal dessert alternative.
Dishes and sweets will be on the menu.
The island's seafood is used in unconventional ways, such as boiling octopus and searing and then baking swordfish, and it is unrivalled in terms of freshness and quality. Because of the abundance of fresh seafood, it is common to find it on many menus. You have to experience Sicily's seafood to believe the hype. The fresh catch of the day can be purchased from any of the area's many fish markets and cooked in the privacy of your home.
Indulge your sweet tooth on the island, because it's heaven for dessert fanatics. Sponge cake enveloped in marzipan, drenched in liqueur, covered in sweetened ricotta, and dusted with almonds: what's not to like? Try the Pignolata, which consists of fried dough pieces topped with icing, or a dish of fried Cannoli, which are filled with sweetened ricotta and sprinkled with chocolate chips, for a sugary start to the day. To beat the heat of a summer day, locals recommend the refreshing dessert granite, which is created from ground ice, sugar, and fresh fruit.
Conclusion
Jonathan Magoni, the Senior Manager of Cottages to Castles, comes from a family business background. The company focuses on providing high-end vacation rentals in Italy, such as villas, flats, and cottages. Sicily is teeming with high-end villas. We also have hotel options throughout the country's major metropolises, ski resorts, and along the country's many picturesque lakes. Vacation in one of our carefully selected Italian rentals at your own pace and for as long as you wish.