Frittula

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Frittula in Ballaro market Palermo, Sicily
Frittula served streetside in a Palermo market

Frittula (frittola in Italy) is a traditional Sicilian street food from Palermo. It is similar to the frittole from Calabresi, but seems to use calf parts instead of pig.

The waste left from the slaughter of mechanically processed calves includes bones that are ground for industrial use, and pieces of meat boiled at high temperature in large silos. After the meat is cooked it is pressed to remove moisture and formed into bales. This process, similar to lyophilization (freeze drying), can preserve the frittoli for years.

The "frittularu" "revives" the frittoli by frying it with lard and placing it in a large wicker basket (the "panaru") and a cloth of flavorings such as bay leaf, and pepper. It is served by hand and placed on a sheet of waxed paper or in a bun or focaccia.

Frittola was once transported by donkey, but is now sold from three-wheeled vans.[1] One author describes the dish as "oil fried fat and cartilage.[1] An 1869 book reports frittola in Venice.[2]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Diego Gambetta The Sicilian Mafia: the business of private protection page 209
  2. ↑ William Henry Davenport Adams The queen of the Adriatic: or, Venice past and present page 239


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