How to do Pancake Day the Sicilian Way

Pancake Day or ‘Martedì Grasso’ in Italy, is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday and the last day of Italian Carnevale. Eating pancakes isn’t customary in Italy the same way as in Britain, instead they traditionally enjoy ‘Chiacchiere’, a sweet fried dough. As a predominantly Catholic country, Italy celebrates the start of Lent, the six weeks leading up to Easter. During this time Catholics abstain from certain things for 40 days, traditionally food such as meat, eggs and fats. Pancakes are therefore perfect for using up eggs and fats before Lent begins!

Pancake Day may be dedicated to pancakes but as Plato said “Sicilians build things like they will live forever and eat like they will die tomorrow” so we believe they should be enjoyed all year round! Especially as they are so versatile, whether you prefer classic sweet or savoury flavours the possibilities are endless.

We consider ourselves pancake topping experts having tried and tested many! Here are our favourites flavour combinations:

1) Sicilian Sweet Nut Cream Crepes – Our go-to toppings!Sweet, creamy and delicious. Simply spread or drizzle spoonfuls of our pistachio, hazelnut or almond spread to experience the ultimate Sicilian pancakes, perfect for a sweet breakfast or dessert!

2) U Capuliatu, Spinach & Chili Oil Crepes – A great savoury flavour combo. Our capuliatu  (Sicilian marinated minced sundried tomatoes) add an intensified sweet salty flavour which is a wonderful contrast from our Sicilian chilli infused extra virgin giving that spicy kick.

3) Caponata & Pecorino Cheese Crepes – A quick, comforting midweek meal or brunch. This Sicilian classic sweet and sour vegetable condiment (caponata) is a great savoury pairing with the pecorino cheese and is Sofia’s go-to crepe! If you’re not a fan of pecorino cheese and if you can get your hands on it, try grated ragusano cheese for a more subtle flavour.