Many of my cherished recipes originate from Sunday lunches at our family farm on Victoria’s Morning Peninsula, where Italian flavours are deeply woven into our meals, reflecting our Sicilian roots.
Spiced Chicken
Infused with North African influences, Sicilian cuisine combines an array of ingredients like couscous, citrus fruits, artichokes, and spices. This spiced chicken dish is a testament to those vibrant flavours and serves 6-12. Required ingredients include 12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chicken legs, white wine, garlic, ginger, various spices, and both zucchini and Sicilian olives.
Begin by heating olive oil in a heavy saucepan, browning the chicken, and then deglazing the pan with wine. Add the spices and tomato paste to create a rich sauce, then return the chicken to the pan with stock and simmer. After 40 minutes, mix in zucchini and olives.
For the couscous, pour boiling stock over it, cover tightly, and let it steam before fluffing with a fork. Serve the chicken alongside the fluffy couscous, garnished with rosemary and parsley.
Radiatore with Peas
This dish serves 4-6 and is a family favourite, blending simple flavours for a delightful pasta. It features radiatore pasta and a pea sauce made with olive oil, shallots, celery, chilli, and fresh or frozen peas.
After sautéing the aromatics, mash the peas with boiling water for a chunky sauce. Cook the pasta, combine with remaining peas, and mix everything together. Finish with lemon juice and top with dill and freshly grated pecorino.
Mel’s Hazelnut and Orange Biscotti
A beloved recipe by professional chef Melanie Russo, these biscotti make for a delightful treat. This recipe yields 24 pieces and requires egg whites, ground hazelnuts, almond flour, caster sugar, hazelnut extract, and orange zest.
Whisk the egg whites until frothy, then combine all ingredients. Roll the dough, coat in icing sugar, and bake until golden. After cooling, fill each biscotti with marmalade or chocolate spread. These can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, offering a sweet, nostalgic burst of flavour with every bite.
These recipes encapsulate the warmth of family gatherings and the rich tapestry of Italian culinary traditions, making them perfect for sharing with loved ones.