Panino con la milza
This sandwich is a popular Sicilian street food, and FUD's version is reported to be well-regarded. It contains spleen.
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.
Panino con la milza, also known as 'pani ca meusa', has its roots in medieval Palermo. Jewish butchers, who were not allowed to own land, were given the offal (organ meats) of animals as payment. They ingeniously turned this less desirable meat into a street food staple, frying and serving it in bread. This tradition evolved over centuries, becoming deeply ingrained in Palermitan culture.
Panino con la milza is more than just a sandwich; it is a symbol of Palermo's culinary heritage and a significant part of its street food culture.
Street Food Staple
It's a classic Palermitan street food, sold by vendors in markets and on street corners. The preparation and consumption are often a social event.
Cultural Identity
The sandwich represents resourcefulness and the ability to transform humble ingredients into a delicious and affordable meal, reflecting the city's history and cultural identity.
Variations and Preferences
There are variations in the preparation and serving of the panino, with some vendors offering different cuts of offal or specific combinations of toppings, catering to individual preferences.
The Panino con la milza offers a unique blend of savory, salty, and slightly offal-y flavors, complemented by the textures of soft bread and optional toppings.
The primary flavor is the rich, slightly metallic taste of spleen and lung, which is balanced by the saltiness from the cooking process and the squeeze of lemon (optional). If ricotta cheese is added, it provides a creamy, slightly sweet contrast. The bread contributes a soft, starchy base, and the optional toppings, like lemon juice or caciocavallo cheese, can add brightness and sharpness.
Ask for 'schettu' or 'maritatu'
'Schettu' (single) means the sandwich is served plain, with just spleen and lung. 'Maritatu' (married) means it comes with ricotta or caciocavallo cheese.
Eat it fresh and hot
The panino is best enjoyed immediately after it's prepared, while the spleen and lung are still warm and the bread is fresh.
Be adventurous
Don't be afraid to try it with lemon juice for a tangy twist.
FUD's reputation
FUD in Palermo is known to serve a very good version of this sandwich
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