Italian food is loved around the world for its delicious flavors, and while I’ve enjoyed plenty of tasty pasta and pizza here, I also discovered new Sicilian foods I had never tried before. With help from my Italian friends, Mattia and Ferdinando, I began exploring Sicily—an island known for its sweet and savory dishes, and fresh ingredients from the sea and land. They recommended I try cassata, granita and arancine, and together we’ll learn about these special foods from Palermo (the capital city), along with the Italian favorites many people already know and love.
Following the recommendations of my Italian friends, I tried cassata, granita and arancine. Arancine is a fried rice ball filled with meat, cheese and sometimes vegetables. They are served warm and can be found everywhere, from small shops to street vendors. Cassata and granita are both desserts. Cassata is a sweet cake made with soft ricotta cheese, colorful candied fruit and a sugary outer layer. Granita is a cool, icy treat that tastes like a slushy and often comes in flavors like lemon or strawberry.
