Sicilian stew on a bed of rice.

Sicilian Spezzatino on a Bed of Rice

This Sicilian spezzatino recipe, a rich and flavorful stew, combines culinary tradition with fresh ingredients, offering an explosion of flavors with every bite. Prepared with succulent meat and fresh vegetables, served on a bed of rice, it is perfect for a family meal or special occasions. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients

- 800 g lean pork or beef, cut into larger pieces
- 50 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 25 g butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves, crushed with a pinch of coarse salt
- 2 large bell peppers (or 3 smaller ones), sliced
- 400 g fresh tomatoes, sliced
- 100 g pitted black olives
- 2 bay leaves
- A few fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 glasses of dry white wine
- 200 g rice
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preliminaries

Before starting to cook, it is essential to prepare all the ingredients. Make sure you have all the spices and chopped vegetables at hand. This will make the cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable.

A bit of history: Spezzatino is a traditional dish with deep roots in Mediterranean cuisine. Whether it is made with pork or beef, each family has its own recipe, passed down from generation to generation. It is said that this stew was often prepared on holidays, bringing the family together around the table.

Preparation Instructions

1. Brown the meat: In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over high heat. Add the pieces of meat and brown them on all sides. This will seal in the juices, keeping it tender and flavorful.

2. Prepare the vegetables: While the meat is browning, clean the vegetables. Finely chop the onion and slice the bell pepper. Crush the garlic with a pinch of coarse salt to enhance its flavor.

3. Add the vegetables: Once the meat is browned, reduce the heat to medium and add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and let it sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.

4. Deglaze with wine: Add the two glasses of dry white wine over the meat and vegetable mixture. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the rich aroma to remain.

5. Add tomatoes and seasonings: After the wine has evaporated, add the sliced tomatoes, olives, and bay leaves. Pour 500 ml of hot water or vegetable broth (without vegetables) over the mixture. Cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the meat becomes tender.

6. Finish the stew: When the meat is cooked, add the chopped parsley, and adjust with salt and pepper. Mix well and let it come to a boil again.

7. Cook the rice: In another pot, bring a generous amount of salted water or a teaspoon of Vegeta to a boil. Add the rice and let it cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, until it becomes al dente. The rice should be slightly firm to the bite.

8. Rinse the rice: Once the rice is cooked, drain it in a colander and quickly rinse it under cold running water to remove the starch and prevent sticking.

Serving

On a plate, create a bed of cooked rice and generously add the pieces of meat and the delicious sauce from the stew on top. This dish pairs perfectly with a glass of dry or semi-dry red wine, which will complement the rich flavors of the meal.

Practical Tips

- Choose your meat carefully: Quality lean pork or beef will make a difference in the texture and flavor of the stew. Beef, for instance, may require a longer cooking time depending on the cut.
- Vegetable variant: If you want a lighter version, you can add vegetables like carrots or zucchini to the dish, providing a touch of freshness and color.
- Side dishes: This stew can be served alongside a green salad with a simple dressing for a balanced and vitamin-rich meal.

Nutritional Information

A serving of spezzatino contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the type of meat used and the amount of oil. It is a good source of protein, and the vegetables add essential fiber and vitamins. The rice serves as a source of carbohydrates, providing you with the energy needed for the whole day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken for this recipe?
Of course! Chicken will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can spezzatino be frozen?
Yes, this stew freezes very well. Make sure to cool it completely before storing it in airtight containers.

What wine is best to accompany this dish?
A dry red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, will pair perfectly with the rich flavors of the stew.

Personal Note

This spezzatino recipe has become a tradition in my family, prepared for every important holiday. The aroma that fills the house while cooking is something that cannot be described in words. So, don't hesitate to try it and adapt it to your taste! Enjoy your meal!