Traditional Sicilian sweet made with grape must. Humble but flavorful, it requires clarification of the must with ash, the addition of flour and dried nuts, and subsequent cooking until a thick mixture is obtained that is then left to cool. It can be eaten as is or dried in the sun to make candies.
Take the first must (e.g. 4 l) and bring it to a boil in a large pot.
Slowly add the ash obtained from burned vine shoots (about 25 g per liter, so ~100 g for 4 l).
Let boil for about 30 minutes, until the mixture is reduced by about one third of the total quantity; then turn off and let cool overnight.
Strain the cooled must using a fine, tightly woven cloth; repeat this operation several times (suggested up to seven times) until no trace of ash remains.
Measure the liters of must remaining and divide the liquid into two equal parts.
In the first part, blend in the flour (about 130 g per liter), mixing well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.
Put the second part of the must back on the heat and add the walnuts or hazelnuts previously shelled, toasted, and chopped; add a pinch of cinnamon and a pinch of salt; bring to a boil.
Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the boiling portion, stirring frequently with a wooden spatula until you obtain a well combined and thick mixture.
Turn off the heat. Slightly moisten plates with water and immediately pour the hot mixture onto them.
Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon and with chopped walnuts and hazelnuts. Let cool completely before serving.
Optional (to make candies): once the mostata has cooled, cut it into cubes or rectangular pieces and leave it in the sun covered with a mosquito net until it becomes firmer.
Large pot
Fine, tightly woven cloth
Wooden spatula
Plates
Mosquito net (for drying, optional)
Can be served fresh. To transform into candies, cut into cubes and let dry in the sun covered with a mosquito net.
This recipe is a traditional humble preparation from Sicily. The basic version can be transformed into candies by drying it in the sun covered with a mosquito net.
Italia, Sicilia
| Energy (kcal) | 91.76 |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 21.57 |
| of which Sugars (g) | 13.7 |
| Fat (g) | 0.17 |
| of which Saturates (g) | 0.04 |
| Protein (g) | 1.67 |
| Fiber (g) | 1.55 |
