Trecastagni is a very fascinating location located in the territorial area of Etna, in a pleasant context where the raised position offers a unique view.
The environmental particularity translates into a strong typical imprint also with regards tofood and wine, with traditional dishes reinterpreted in a village style, which represent an excellence to be absolutely discovered. In the area there are numerous restaurants and bars but also pizzerias and pastry shops, with an infinite number of cuisine options, with sweet and savory delights to pleasantly whet the appetite of the curious, tourists and inhabitants.
Here are some mouth-watering preparations that best identify this enchanting place.
Typical dishes of Trecastagni: chestnut
In the list of the typical features of Trecastagni we cannot avoid mentioning the real protagonist: the chestnut. The Etna municipality is located in an area where numerous production companies are active that deal with the processing of wood but, within this supply chain, the excellence of the table such as chestnuts can also be identified.
The country dedicates a festival specific to this delicacy, during which tourists and inhabitants can taste other delicacies such as cured meats, cheeses and wines from Sicilian labels, together with rarities from smaller cellars.
Fried olives
In the Sicilian culinary tradition there are some recipes that are apparently easy and almost immediate to make but prove particularly inviting, capable of giving an interesting idea even to the most demanding. To prepare the fried olives it is sufficient to use extra virgin olive oil, garlic, vinegar and oregano.
The ingredients must be very first level, starting from black olives, choosing the fleshier ones, avoiding already seasoned products and opting only and exclusively for fresh olives. Simply drain them and remove the stone, fry them, pour in the vinegar and reduce it, then add the oregano. After a few minutes the delight is served, perhaps to be spread on homemade black bread from Castelvetrano or as an appetizer.
Typical dishes of Trecastagni: Sicilian taralli
Among the specialties dedicated to the greediest, in Trecastagni you can try the exquisite ones Sicilian taralli, easily available in the bars and pastry shops of the town. It is a round biscuit with a hole, which is prepared with shortcrust pastry and a dough that is very crumbly. The biscuit is then covered with a sugar glaze and presents itself with a very inviting appearance.
With processing you get a sort of loaf which is intertwined. To make taralli you need a fair amount of skill but you learn quite quickly. The typical loop is then wrapped as if it were a knot, continuing to twist the strands on themselves until the circumference is completed.
Cooking in the oven takes about 30 minutes, then lower the temperature and continue for another 15-20 minutes. Finally, proceed to brush with the sugar icing until it solidifies completely. It is not necessary to consume them immediately but you can easily keep for a long time, then eating them as a snack, for breakfast, for a snack or for a truly inimitable dessert.
Catanese-style peppers, among the typical dishes of Trecastagni
In dialect they are called pee ca muddica. The locals can also replace this expression with the word ammuddicati, which however indicates the sprinkling of breadcrumbs. The recipe is very easy to make and even beginners will be able to achieve excellent results, surprising their guests.
For the type of peppers you can use varieties greens, bitchy e Yellow, to give a touch of color to the dish and make it aesthetically appealing. Alternatively you can opt for what is on the market, preferring the freshest and locally sourced raw materials. After frying them in oil, the breadcrumbs are distributed, which gives them that delicious crunchiness, flavoring everything with a little freshly picked basil.
In the Trecastagni area it is not uncommon for them to be offered with some variations. For example, a great idea is to add some garlic and onion. In the Catania-style peppers You can also add sultanas, taking care to soak them beforehand, almonds, pine nuts and even anchovies.
Sicilian vermicelli
Among the list of typical dishes of Trecastagni we cannot avoid including Sicilian style vermicelli, which in the village are made scrupulously following the traditional recipe, with some differences based on tastes and the desire to experiment with innovations, without however distorting the history of the island's preparation.
The strong point of this first course is the right pasta shape: vermicelli. You need to buy quality anchovies, peeled tomatoes, capers, peppers, black olives, aubergines. You then need garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper and a lot of basil leaves. After preparing the gravy over low heat for about twenty minutes, you can drain the vermicelli and season it with this tasty delicacy.
The typical dishes of Trecastagni: the Catanese scacciata
Tourists who find themselves in Sicily have the privilege of experiencing the typical dishes of Trecastagni, among which it is worth mentioning drives away Catanese. The final product is a kind of stuffed pizza, characterized by a thin dough that can be filled in different ways.
Tradition would like the addition of tuma, olives and anchovies but you can vary by preferring cauliflower, spring onions, spinach, potatoes, sausage, aubergines and much more. The original preparation involves the use of lard but today oil is often used.
During local festivals, the scaccia absolutely cannot be missed and the best suggestion is to taste this culinary excellence by contacting the local restaurants, to be sure that the dictates are respected. In Trecastagni you can also eat San Giuseppe sfinci, cannoli and the famous cassata.
Come and discover the delicacies of Sicily by combining folklore with good cuisine!
