Giuggiulena

Giuggiulena (or Cubbaita di Giuggiule in the Sicilian version) are a typical Christmas dessert in Sicily, similar to nougat but made with sesame seeds. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 300 g of sesame seeds
• 200 g of sugar
• 100 g of honey
• Grated orange zest (optional)
• A pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Preparation

1. Toast the sesame seeds in a non-stick pan until they become lightly golden, being careful not to burn them. Stir the seeds frequently for even toasting.
2. In another small pot, melt the sugar and honey over low heat, stirring continuously until a homogeneous syrup is obtained.
3. Add the toasted sesame seeds, orange zest, and cinnamon to the syrup. Mix well to incorporate all the ingredients.
4. Pour the mixture onto a lightly oiled marble surface or a sheet of baking paper.
5. Roll it out with a rolling pin (also lightly oiled) to a thickness of about half a centimeter.
6. Before the mixture cools completely, cut the Giuggiulena into pieces (rectangles or diamonds, as you prefer).
7. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Fun Fact

Giuggiulena is a very ancient preparation, whose origin is lost in the history of Sicilian traditions. The name comes from the Arabic “giulgiulan,” which means sesame seeds, showing the influence of Arab culture in Sicilian cuisine.

I hope you have fun preparing these delights and that they fill your home with the scents of Sicilian holidays!