The Sicilians don’t have the corner on cooking with swordfish (pesce spada) – the Calabrians, who share the same sea with Sicily, have their own swordfish culture. And while grilling fish (in this case, swordfish) scares people to death – it’s really easy here because of the salmorigilo sauce. Salmoriglio sauce, which IS from Sicily, derives from the Sicilian word salmurigghiu, which means a light brine, and there is, indeed, some salt in it, though the primary ingredient is lemon juice.

Continue reading Swordfish involtini on the grill (Involtini di pesce spade alla griglia) at Our Italian Table.

Sicilians really do love their fish and especially their swordfish. Sicily’s enviable position surrounded by three seas explains why fish holds such a revered place in their cuisine. Their passion and skill in preparing fish is, in my mind, unmatched. Whether simply grilled or paired with the freshest of ingredients, the Sicilians know how to bring out the freshest flavors of the sea. On my visits to Sicily, we would frequently visit the little village of Forza d’Agro, high up in the hills with a knockout view of the Mediterranean and one of the locations where the Godfather II and III were filmed.

Continue reading Involtini di Pesce Spada (Sicilian Swordfish Rolls) at Our Italian Table.

The recipe is from Mario Batali and updated by me. This dish is a bit labor intensive but can be made ahead and grilled right before serving. Make up to two days in advance and arrange on a cookie sheet, cover with foil and refrigerate until ready to grill.

Grilled pork stuffed with ingredients to keep it moist is a very tasty summer treat. Serve with orange wedges to complement the taste of the pork.

Continue reading Pork Braciole (Grilled Pork Rolls) at Our Italian Table.

Involtini.  Rolls of….beef, veal, pesce spada (swordfish) ….you name it. Italians love Involtini and the Sicilians have their share of versions of these tasty recipes.  Having spent a good deal of time in Sicily, I have had this wonderful dish made numerous ways in both winter and summer. This version is one of my favorites for a cold winter evening. They always take me back to my winter trips to Taormina when the nights are frosty.

Continue reading Involtini di Manzo: Sicilian Beef Rolls at Our Italian Table.