Focaccia Messinese
A traditional focaccia from Messina, typically featuring scarola (escarole), tomato, tuma cheese, and anchovies.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Focacceria Zio Billy
The history of Focaccia Messinese is deeply intertwined with the culinary traditions of Messina, Sicily. Sicily has been influenced by various cultures throughout history, including Greek, Arab, Norman, and Spanish, each leaving their mark on the island's cuisine. Focaccia itself has ancient origins, and the Messinese version reflects the local ingredients and preferences of the region.
Focaccia Messinese is more than just a food; it's a cultural symbol of Messina. It represents the resourcefulness and creativity of Sicilian cuisine, using simple, local ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. It's often enjoyed as a quick lunch, a snack, or a part of a larger meal, and it plays a role in local celebrations and gatherings.
Street Food Staple
Focaccia Messinese is a popular street food in Messina, sold in bakeries and food stalls throughout the city. It's a convenient and affordable option for a quick and tasty meal.
Family Tradition
Many families in Messina have their own cherished recipes for Focaccia Messinese, passed down through generations. These recipes often vary slightly, reflecting the unique tastes and preferences of each family.
Regional Variation
While the core ingredients remain consistent, variations of focaccia can be found throughout Sicily. The Messinese version is distinct due to its specific combination of scarola, tomato, tuma, and anchovies.
Focaccia Messinese offers a delightful combination of savory, briny, and slightly bitter flavors. The bread provides a soft, comforting base, while the toppings deliver a complex taste profile.
The scarola (escarole) contributes a slightly bitter and earthy note, balancing the richness of the other ingredients. The tomato adds a touch of sweetness and acidity, complementing the salty anchovies. Tuma cheese, a fresh, unsalted cheese, provides a creamy texture and mild flavor that binds everything together. The anchovies deliver a pronounced salty and umami taste that is characteristic of the dish. The focaccia bread itself, often enriched with olive oil, adds a subtle richness and satisfying chewiness.
Quality Ingredients
Use high-quality ingredients, especially fresh scarola, ripe tomatoes, and good quality anchovies preserved in oil. The flavor of the dish depends heavily on the quality of its components.
Tuma Cheese Availability
If tuma cheese is unavailable, a mild fresh cheese like mozzarella or ricotta (well-drained) can be used as a substitute, although the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Scarola Preparation
Thoroughly wash and dry the scarola to remove any grit. Some prefer to lightly saute the scarola before adding it to the focaccia to soften it slightly.
Anchovy Saltiness
Be mindful of the saltiness of the anchovies. If using particularly salty anchovies, you may need to reduce the amount of salt added to the focaccia dough.
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