The Sicilian “scacciata”

Typical meal of festivities in Catania

Also known as “scaccia” or “mpanata“, the scacciata of Catania is a typical Sicilian product, consumed mainly during the winter months and always present during the Christmas holidays. It is a baked product that is found in all bakeries on the island and consists of a base of bread filled with a variety of products: potatoes and sausage, vegetables such as spinach, broccoli or cauliflower or the classic tuma and ham.

Origins of the Sicilian scacciata

The scacciata was born in the seventeenth century as a very simple dish, a single dish for peasant families often derived from the leftovers of the previous meal. In 1763 the Prince of Paternò requested it for his Christmas celebrations: so it was that the scacciata became a successful product, requested by more and more people, until it became the Christmas dish par excellence.
It is common in Sicily to prepare the scacciata at home, with the family: many good ingredients to prepare this dish as simple as good!

Have you tasted a good Catanese scacciata? Book a Walking Food Tour of Catania: we will accompany you through the streets and markets of the city and we will certainly make a stop in a bakery where you can find a good one!
Alternatively you could take part in a tour on Etna with our partner Etna Experience: an original and unique way to celebrate Christmas 2019!