Sicilian Sausage Rolls (Tomasini) Recipe

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Start the year off right with these delicious Sicilian Sausage Rolls perfect for any party or gathering! This recipe is quick and simple, and you dont need any fancy techniques. All you need is some store-bought pizza dough, a few tasty ingredients, and a little time in the oven. Lets get rolling!

Ingredients

• 24 ounces pizza dough
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 12 ounces Italian sausage, casing removed
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes, or to taste
• Salt, to taste
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
• 1/2 cup pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for finishing

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400F (200C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the rolls from sticking.

Step 2: Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to form a rectangle that is about 12x18 inches in size.

Step 3: Brush the entire surface of the dough with half of the beaten egg, ensuring an even coat.

Step 4: Scoop rounded tablespoons of ricotta cheese and place them on the dough in a straight line, starting about 3 inches from the top edge. Space the scoops about 1 inches apart. Create a second row of ricotta scoops directly below the first, but offset them slightly to create a checkerboard pattern. Continue all the way down the dough using all the ricotta.

Step 5: Next, spoon rounded tablespoons of Italian sausage into the empty spaces between the ricotta scoops. Alternate so that the sausage lines up with the ricotta on the next row and vice versa.

Step 6: Season the mixture with black pepper, red chili flakes, and a pinch of salt (keeping in mind the sausage might already be salty).

Step 7: Sprinkle the green onions evenly over the top of the filling, and then grate the pecorino Romano cheese over everything for a little extra flavor.

Step 8: Carefully roll the dough from the bottom up, leaving about 3 inches of unfilled dough at the top. Seal the roll by pinching the seam to the bottom.

Step 9: Cut the roll into 12 equal pieces and arrange them, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 10: Brush the top of each sausage roll with the remaining beaten egg for a nice golden finish, then grate a little more pecorino Romano cheese over the top if desired.

Step 11: Place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and crispy.

Once theyre done, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These sausage rolls are delicious on their own, or with a dipping sauce of your choice. Enjoy!

Chef's Tip:

If you prefer to make your own pizza dough, try using my Famous California Pizza Dough recipe it's perfect for this dish!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 318
• Fat: 15g (19% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 6g (29% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 48mg (16% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 557mg (24% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 30g (11% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 15g (31% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 1mg (1% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 165mg (13% Daily Value)
• Iron: 2mg (13% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 202mg (4% Daily Value)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History of Sicilian Sausage Rolls (Tomasini)

The Sicilian Sausage Rolls, also known as Tomasini, have their roots deeply embedded in the culinary traditions of Southern Italy. This dish reflects the bold flavors and rustic nature of Sicilian cuisine, which is renowned for its use of local, fresh ingredients, and a blend of diverse influences, from Arab to Spanish. The sausage roll itself is a variation of the Sicilian pastry tradition, which often incorporates savory fillings wrapped in dough. While the dish has evolved over time, it remains a popular snack or appetizer for festive occasions, typically enjoyed with family and friends. Its simplicity and hearty filling of Italian sausage and ricotta make it an enduring favorite in homes and local eateries across Sicily.

Regional Variations

Sicilian cuisine is known for its regional diversity, and Tomasini is no exception. While the basic recipe remains consistent, variations can be found depending on local preferences. In some areas, the sausage used might be spicier, reflecting the island's love for bold, fiery flavors. Others might add local herbs or incorporate other cheeses like mozzarella for a different texture. Additionally, some recipes swap out the pizza dough for puff pastry, resulting in a lighter, flakier texture. The use of pecorino Romano cheese is a staple, as this cheese is a favorite in many Sicilian dishes, adding a sharp and salty flavor to the rolls.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

While the Sicilian Sausage Roll shares similarities with other stuffed pastry dishes, such as sausage rolls from England or Italy's famous stromboli, it stands out due to the combination of pizza dough and the use of ricotta cheese. Unlike the more traditional sausage rolls, which often feature ground meat wrapped in flaky pastry, the Sicilian version blends the rich creaminess of ricotta with the savory bite of sausage. The addition of green onions and chili flakes further differentiates it from other stuffed rolls by giving it a distinctively fresh and spicy kick.

Where to Serve Sicilian Sausage Rolls

Sicilian Sausage Rolls are typically served as appetizers or party snacks. They are a popular choice for gatherings like family dinners, holiday celebrations, and casual get-togethers. These rolls are often found in local bakeries and restaurants in Sicily, especially during festive seasons. Their ease of preparation and portable nature make them a great option for picnics, potlucks, or as finger food for larger events. They pair wonderfully with a light salad or can be dipped into marinara sauce for added flavor.

Interesting Facts

• Sicilian Sausage Rolls are not only popular in Sicily but have also gained international recognition due to their simplicity and delicious flavor profile.
• The use of ready-made pizza dough makes this recipe incredibly quick and easy, allowing even novice cooks to create an authentic Italian snack with minimal effort.
• Ricotta cheese, which is a key ingredient in the filling, was originally made from the leftover whey of sheep's milk and is still produced in traditional methods across Sicily.
• Though sausages are a staple in many European cuisines, the use of sausage in this pastry reflects Sicily's unique fusion of local ingredients with imported culinary traditions, a legacy of its diverse historical influences.

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