A collection of delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes inspired by the flavours of Sicily.
Sicilian food is closely connected to the seasons. This is apparent in the abundance of fresh ingredients and in how many of the ingredients are local to the region. So why am I talking about Sicily? Well I am actually in Sicily as we speak so what better excuse to share with you a selection of beautiful meat-free Sicilian dishes I have spotted around the internet.
Sicilian Cauliflower Salad
Fragrant and fresh, this vegan Sicilian Cauliflower Salad from Petit World Citizen is the definition of summer eating. Lemon and mint bring the earthy flavours from the almond and raisins to life. The beautiful purple cauliflower she uses is called a Sicilian Violet.
Sicilian Rice Balls
Better known as arancini, these are balls of risotto coated in crispy breadcrumbs. Briefly deep-fried then baked, the contrasting texture between the crisp outer and melting middle is divine. This Sicilian Rice Balls recipe comes from Being Vegan Eats packs the classic dish full of vegetables.
Sicilian Pasta alla Norma
What round-up of food from Sicily would be complete without pasta? Aubergine, tomatoes and basil make this the quintessential pasta dish. Large tubes of rigatoni create a truly satisfying dish that can be served with or without cheese. See the full pasta alla Norma recipe over at The Petite Cook.
I hope to return from Sicily with plenty more recipe inspiration of my own!
Have you tried Sicilian food before? What is your favourite recipe?
Hi Natalie, thank you for including my Sicilian Cauliflower Salad in your list of Sicilian inspired dishes and thank you for sharing it with your readers. I’m so glad you liked the combination of flavors. My family and I enjoyed it too! Happy Summer!
You’re very welcome! I’ve unfortunately yet to find a Sicilian Violet cauliflower in the UK or over in Sicily though – keeping my eyes peeled ;)
So sorry, not even at your local farmers markets? I hope you find it! I recently came across orange cauliflower. Also lovely, like the purple variety. Later today I plan to post the recipe I came up with to use it. I truly wish you the best in finding at least one Sicilian Violet!!! I saw some at my local market yesterday. Truly beautiful!
I haven’t had chance to look too far and wide yet, but will keep trying. An orange cauliflower!? How fascinating, never knew there was such variety! I’ll look forward to seeing your recipe :)
Yes, orange. So pretty, like the purple variety. I just posted the recipe. I hope you like it too! :-)
I do! The orange cauliflower looks beautiful… plus lime and coconut together is one of my favourite flavours. Now I have another vegetable to hunt down ;)
delicious!
Thanks, let me know if you try any of them out :)
The Sicilian Rice Balls look yummy as does the cauliflower salad it is a shame that purple ones are difficult to find Lucy
It is, I’m decidedly on the lookout for a purple one now!
ALL VERY TASTY DISHES, I see! I love freshly grilled sardines with olive oil & Lemon with a Nice mixed green salad & some oven baked potato wedjes. Mmmmmmm! 😀
Something I saw a lot on menus in Sicily! Sounds like a dish that perfectly shows off how fresh Sicilian food is :)
I love this round-up. Sicily makes me think of my marathons of the Godfather with my mom. I’m a big fan of this (and the Godfather).
Funnily enough, the first thing I did after getting back from Sicily was re-watch the Godfather ;)
I’ve never had Sicilian food before. That Cauliflower Salad looks gorgeous!
Doesn’t it!? The purple colour really turns the cauliflower into something beautiful :)