A quick guide to the must-visit sites, markets, and restaurants in Sicily's capital, Palermo, from Appetito's esteemed travel correspondent, Bilena Settepani. Plus, a recipe for a favorite street food of Sicily, panelle.
The author enjoying a meal in Palermo.
“Amuni” is Sicilian for “Let’s go!” We’re starting off my Italian food and travel diaries with Sicily, where my dad was born, and arguably the hottest new Italian destination (thanks White Lotus).
First off, we’ll be exploring the island's capital, Palermo. If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with this city, whether it be for its rich history and culture, liberty-style architecture, lively food markets and out of this world street food.
While the city of Palermo can feel a bit chaotic, be sure to pay attention to the details of the architecture around you, which is some of the most beautiful in all of Italy. Just a few of my “must-sees” include: La Cattedrale di Palermo, I Quattro Canti, Il Quinto Canto, La Sala Blu,Palazzo dei Normanni,andIl Teatro Massimo.
You can’t understand Palermo without going to the food markets; they’re the perfect representation of the city and its people. The most popular markets are Vucciria, Capo, and MercatoBallaro’(which is specifically known for its food).
The street foods you should try at these markets include:
sfincione (sicilian pizza)
pannelle and panini con panelle (chickpea fritters)
pani ca Meusa (spleen sandwiches) the panini con panelle at Nino Ballerino holds a special place in my heart.
Sicilian pastries are especially delish, like the frutta martorana, brioche con gelato, setteveli and of course, the cannoli.
Panelle (bottom) in Palermo. Photo: Bilena Settepani
Can’t make it to Palermo this year? Here’s a recipe to make panelle, one of the most popular Palermitani street foods, right from the comfort of home. Though, it most definitely will fall a liiiittle short of the panelle made by the artisans in the streets of my favorite city in the world.
Ciao for now, and see you alla prossima fermata!
Panelle, Sicilian Chickpea Fritters
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Recipe by Bilena SettepaniCourse: Snacks
Servings
25-40
servings
Prep time
20
minutes
Cooking time
2
minutes
Ingredients
3cups3water
3/4cup3/4chickpea flour
1/2cup1/2fresh parsley
1/2tsp.1/2black pepper
1tsp.1sea salt
22lemons for garnish
Directions
In a large bowl, pour a cup of water and ½ cup of chickpea flour.
Slowly add all the water and the rest of the chickpea flour.
Once the flour and water is well mixed together, add the salt and pepper.
In a medium pot over medium heat, pour your mixture and continue to stir with a whisk until it thickens.
As it starts to stick to your whisk, switch to a spatula.
Stir with the spatula and add your freshly chopped parsley. It's important that your mixture has the consistency of a thick paste.
Then, grab a pan and make sure it is well-oiled. I like to use a loaf pan, but you can use whatever you want.
Let it cool and cover with plastic, then put it in your fridge for at least 2 hours until it firms up.
After two hours, take it out of the pan and place on a cutting board. Slice it into either squares or triangles, it's up to you!
Take a sheet pan and some parchment paper. As you slice the pieces, place them on the parchment paper.
Grab a pan and pour in oil. Once it gets to 350°F, start to fry each sliced piece (make sure you don’t overcrowd the frying pan).
Remove each slice from the pan with a slotted spoon.
Serve on a plate with the lemon slices. Enjoy your delicious panelle!
Notes
Yield is 25-40 pieces depending on the way you slice the panelle.
I’m Bilena, a New York City baker with a love for Italy. Join me as we explore different regions of Italy through food, recipes, stories, and travel tips. With my Sicilian roots and a passion for Italian beauty, I’ll take you on a journey to new and lesser-known places.
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