Like a stone being booted across the water from Calabria to Tunisia, Sicily sits almost in the center of the Mediterranean Sea. As a result, Sicily has had more than its share of contact with its neighbors over the centuries—the Phoenicians, Byzantines, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Spanish, and more all invaded or traded with Sicily. You’ll taste this deep, rich history in the food coming out of Sicilian kitchens. Here’s a collection of top-rated Sicilian-inspired recipes that honor this long tradition and showcase the finest Sicilian ingredients—tomatoes, eggplant, citrus, almonds, basil, anchovies, sardines, tuna, and much more.
01 of 21
Pasta alla Norma
Credit: barbara
Here’s a traditional Sicilian recipe from Catania, on Sicily’s east coast, that shows off the area’s fresh ingredients. You’ll toss pasta with a simple tomato sauce and top it with fried eggplant, ricotta salata, and hot peppers. “The cut of pasta is not too important; it is good even with spaghetti,” says Allrecipes Allstar Buckwheat Queen. “This is an original recipe given to me from Sicilian relatives.”
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02 of 21
Sweet and Sour Sicilian Tuna
Credit: Jose D
This recipe showcases the sweet-and-sour flavors of Sicilian cooking. Simply sear tuna steaks, and smother them in caramelized onions and a sweet-and-sour pan sauce. “My grandmother made this recipe every Christmas Eve as part of the Feast of the Seven Fishes,” says Allrecipes member JoAnna Porreca Schade. “We still make it today, and it is my all-time favorite!”
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03 of 21
Pasta alla Trapanese (Sicilian Tomato Pesto)
Credit: Chef John
“I’m excited to share my version of pasta alla Trapanese, featuring Sicily’s amazing tomato pesto,” says Chef John. “I love the green Genovese-style pesto, but when super-sweet cherry tomatoes are in season, I really believe this is the best pesto.”
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04 of 21
Sicilian-Style Broccoli Rabe
Credit: Buckwheat Queen
This simple but tasty Sicilian-style side dish is ready in minutes. You’ll sauté broccoli rabe in olive oil with garlic and red pepper flakes. “This is the way broccoli rabe was meant to be cooked,” says Allrecipes member iMakeItRainInTheKitchen. “This goes great with a nice steak or fish. Serve with crusty Italian bread and some good vino. The best part is dipping the crusty bread in those juices. Buon appetito!”
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05 of 21
Sicilian Homemade Ricotta Cheese
Credit: Buckwheat Queen
You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make fresh, creamy ricotta cheese at home. “This is a recipe for my Sicilian grandmother’s creamy homemade ricotta cheese,” says Allrecipes member Orcashottie. “Great as a spread on fresh bread, or add it as a topping to fresh pasta.” It’s also a great breakfast treat with fresh fruit.
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06 of 21
Sicilian Anchovy Pasta
Credit: Buckwheat Queen
Anchovies are sautéed with garlic in olive oil and served with cooked spaghetti topped with breadcrumbs and chopped parsley for a super simple, flavorful meal. “If you love anchovies and pasta, this recipe is for you,” says recipe reviewer DIGGER2640. “It’s quick, easy, and very tasty. Serve with crusty Italian bread, if desired.”
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07 of 21
Sicilian Grilled Vegetable Salad
Credit: Buckwheat Queen
This grilled vegetable antipasto features flavors of Sicily and is a great way to enjoy fresh summer vegetables at their peak. “Serve chilled as a summer salad or a side dish for steak,” says Allrecipes member impellizzeri kitchen. “Can be served on top of bread or on a bed of lettuce.”
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08 of 21
Chef John’s Pasta con le Sarde
Credit: Detroit_Rox
Here’s a simple Sicilian pasta with sardines and fennel (both the wispy green leaves and the bulb) in a saffron-infused white wine sauce. Chef John’s pasta of choice for this dish is bucatini, the thick, hollow spaghetti. Garnish with crispy fried bread crumbs and fresh fennel leaves.
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09 of 21
Melanzane alla Parmigiana (Eggplant Parmesan)
Credit: AndreaCiotti
“Melanzane alla parmigiana is a classic Italian dish from Sicily that’s often simply referred to as ‘parmigiana’ by Sicilian locals,” says Allrecipes member AndreaCiotti. “The richness and depth of flavor you get from this authentic version is well worth the extra effort. Serve eggplant Parmesan with nothing more than crusty bread and a green salad.”
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10 of 21
Scacce Ragusane (Sicilian Stuffed Flatbread)
Credit: Chef John
This delicious Sicilian-stuffed flatbread offers a familiar pizza-like flavor. “But the delivery system is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced,” says Chef John. “The outside edges are crispy and crunchy, while that saucy and cheesy center is much like a pasta in texture. So, while this is vaguely similar to a lot of things, it’s really unlike anything else.”
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11 of 21
Sicilian Christmas Pizza (Sfincione)
Credit: Chef John
“Topping a thick-crust pizza with bread crumbs might sound like a strange idea, but it really is the crispy, cheesy secret sauce behind this Sicilian Christmas Pizza,” says Chef John. “Well, that and the actual sauce of onion and anchovies — ingredients you might want to keep secret from guests. Also key is the extremely sticky dough, which bakes into a feather-light, spongy crust that contrasts perfectly with the crumbly topping. Garnish with the customary dried oregano if desired.”
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12 of 21
My Sicilian Ex-Mother-in-Law’s Peperonata
Credit: Buckwheat Queen
“Camilla’s version of a Sicilian contorno (meatless side dish) made with bell peppers, onion, garlic, and fresh herbs,” says Allrecipew Allstar Buckwheat Queen. “It’s usually made in large quantities, so there will be leftovers to toss with either pasta or rice the next day. It can be made either in the oven or on the stovetop. This is the stovetop version. This is even better the next day!”
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13 of 21
Sicilian Lemon Chicken with Raisin-Tomato Sauce
Credit: Trusted Brands
Chicken breasts are seared and served over angel hair pasta with a sweet and tangy sauce that features some of Sicily’s finest ingredients—plump raisins, tomatoes, lemon juice and zest, garlic, pine nuts, and olives. “A garnish of lemon zest, shaved Parmesan cheese, and a basil sprig lends this dish a professional look,” says Allrecipes Allstar Larry Elder.
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14 of 21
Homemade Chicken Cacciatore, Sicilian-Style
Credit: Bobbo177
“This recipe was shown to me by my Sicilian employer years ago in Lynchburg, VA,” says Allrecipes member Kim Shepheard. “It is made from scratch with tomatoes, onions, peppers, wine, and seasonings.”
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15 of 21
Swordfish a la Siciliana
Credit: cookin’mama
Sweet raisins, savory olives, and flavor-packed capers stand out in this swordfish recipe. Recipe reviewer SARAHJE rates it 5 stars: “Baking the sauce on top of the swordfish makes it extra tender. The capers and olives are yummy. I also added a couple [of] anchovies, which adds to the complexity of flavor.”
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16 of 21
Escarole Siciliano
Credit: Buckwheat Queen
This Sicilian recipe shows off escarole, Kalamata olives, lemon juice, and capers. It’s a great side dish or topping for a baked potato. “This lemony salad is served hot from the wok,” says Allrecipes member Charlie. “Escarole is a bitter green, but can be less so when grown shielded from the sun. In general, lighter green leaves indicate a milder flavor. Thinly sliced tomatoes are a great accompaniment. This recipe can be doubled. For a larger party, cook in batches.”
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17 of 21
Olive Oil-Poached Tuna
Credit: John Mitzewich
“By gently poaching fresh ahi tuna in olive oil, you can create a tuna fish of exceptional quality,” says Chef John. “The taste and texture are amazing, and you can adapt this in many ways. Besides switching up herbs and seasonings, you can cook the fish to a wide range of doneness.”
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18 of 21
Sicilian Eggplant Caponata
Credit: Photographer: Alison Miksch / Food Styling: Melissa Gray / Prop Styling: Josh Hoggle
This flavorful Sicilian caponata, featuring eggplant, tomatoes, olives, and capers, makes a delicious hot relish or cold appetizer. “Oh, this is a keeper! Reminds me of my grandma and aunts cooking in the kitchen, lovely,” says recipe reviewer pauline. “Hot or cold on breads, on pasta, as a side with steak or chicken … this relish kills it. Family and friends loved it.”
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19 of 21
Easy Caponata
Credit: Buckwheat Queen
“Caponata is a Sicilian dish with eggplant, zucchini, tomato, and peppers traditionally cooked in oil and vinegar and flavored with sugar, raisins, capers, olives, and pine nuts,” says Allrecipes member Carmencita. “It’s tangy, sweet, crunchy, and salty all at the same time. Serve at room temperature as a side dish to grilled fish or as a starter on toasted bread. Store leftovers in [the] fridge and reheat gently. It will taste even better the next day!”
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20 of 21
Authentic Sicilian Granita al Limone
Credit: Buckwheat Queen
“Lemon granita is one of my favorite things about Sicily,” says Allrecipes member Buckwheat Queen. “It’s easy to make at home if a trip to the island isn’t possible. Using Meyer lemons, which tend to be sweeter than regular lemons, helps replicate the flavor of authentic Sicilian lemons. Serve as an after-dinner refresher or afternoon pick-me-up. And for a nice twist, add a small scoop to your iced tea, like they do in Sicily.”
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21 of 21
Sicilian Sunset
Credit: Photographer: Brie Goldman / Food Styling: Kelsey Moylan
“This colorful Sicilian-style drink will brighten up any party,” says Allrecipes member Shay. “You can also make it a non-Alcoholic delight—just replace prosecco with lemon-lime soda.”
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Dining and Cooking