Mattonella Palermitana: A Savory Sicilian Delight

The Mattonella Palermitana, a delightful treat from the local bakery, is an explosion of authentic flavors.
If you are a fan of Palermo’s bakery delights, you cannot ignore the delicacy of the Mattonella.
The name “mattonella” means “tile,” and this delight is named like this because its appearance closely resembles that of a tile used to pave floors.
A layer of puff pastry wraps around tuma cheese, cooked ham, and tomato sauce, creating a harmony of taste and texture.
Suitable for breakfast or as a hearty family dish, the Mattonella Palermitana is an icon of Palermo‘s cuisine hat knows how to conquer the palate with its goodness.

Yields and Prep Times

• Serves: 4 people
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional values per serving of Mattonella Palermitana

• Calories: 500-600 kcal
• Proteins: 20-25 g
• Fat: 30-35 g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50 g
• Fiber: 2-4 g

Ingredients

• 500 g puff pastry
• 500 g tuma cheese
• Tomato sauce
• 350 g cooked ham
• Sesame seeds
• Egg yolk for brushing the pastry covering
• Milk as needed for brushing

Directions

1. Roll out the puff pastry on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, covering both the bottom and the edges.
2. Arrange a layer of cooked ham and a layer of thinly sliced tuma cheese on the pastry.
3. Cover with a layer of tomato sauce and add more slices of cooked ham.
4. Place another layer of puff pastry on top, sealing the edges with the one underneath.
5. Finally, brush the surface with a mixture of beaten egg yolk and milk, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
6. Bake in a preheated static oven at 200°C (390°F) for about 10 minutes or until the surface is golden brown.
7. Let it cool slightly and cut the Mattonella Palermitana into square portions to serve while still warm.

Wine Pairing

To fully enhance the authentic flavors of Mattonella Palermitana, we recommend pairing it with a fine glass of Nero d’Avola.
This wine is renowned for its intensity and sophistication, characterized by fruity tones and spicy nuances that harmonize perfectly with the main ingredients of Mattonella.
Nero d’Avola offers a rich aromatic profile with notes of ripe cherries and a delicate hint of licorice.
These aromas beautifully complement the cooked ham and tomato sauce in Mattonella.
The wine’s robust structure and well-balanced acidity create a pleasant equilibrium with the creamy texture of tuma cheese and puff pastry.
The pairing with Nero d’Avola not only amplifies the taste experience of Mattonella but also creates a symphony of flavors that dance harmoniously on the palate.

How to Store Mattonella Palermitana

Mattonella Palermitana is a delicacy that can be stored to maintain its freshness and authentic flavor. Here are some guidelines for storing it properly:

1. Initial Cooling: After baking, allow Mattonella Palermitana to cool at room temperature for at least 30-60 minutes. This allows the internal moisture to stabilize and reduces the risk of condensation inside the container.
2. Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to consume Mattonella Palermitana within 1-2 days of preparation, you can store it at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap. However, keep in mind that the puff pastry may lose some crispness over time.
3. Refrigerator Storage: If you want to store Mattonella Palermitana for a longer period, it is advisable to refrigerate it. Transfer it to an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods. It can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. Before consuming, you can lightly reheat it in a preheated oven at a low temperature to restore crispness to the puff pastry.
4. Freezing: If you wish to preserve Mattonella Palermitana for an extended period, you can freeze it. To do so, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Mattonella can be stored in the freezer for about 2-3 months. To consume it, thaw gradually in the refrigerator and then reheat in a preheated oven.
5. Heating: To revive the freshness and crispness of the puff pastry, you can reheat Mattonella Palermitana in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes or until it is thoroughly heated. This helps to refresh the flavors and make the texture more enjoyable.

Please note that the freshness and crispness of the puff pastry may diminish over time, so it is advisable to consume Mattonella as soon as possible after preparation.

Your culinary adventure with Ricette di Sicilia: Mattonella Palermitana

Mattonella Palermitana is a delight that truly captures the essence of Sicilian cuisine.
The stringy tuma cheese, flavorful ham, and tomato sauce create a balance of flavors that blend harmoniously.
This delicacy encapsulates the culinary soul of Palermo, bringing a taste of authentic Sicilian spirit to your table.

Have you ever savored a genuine Mattonella Palermitana? Don’t miss the opportunity to delight your palate with this scrumptious Sicilian tradition. Prepare it and share your culinary experience with us!

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