How to cook spleen Palermo-style

Palermo, the capital city of Sicily, is renowned for its vibrant street food culture. One delicacy that has captured the hearts and palates of locals and travelers alike is “Pane ca Meusa,” a sandwich filled with cooked Palermo-style. Spleen, a lesser-known organ meat, is tender, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try a unique and authentic Sicilian dish, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cook spleen Palermo-style.

Ingredients:
– 1 beef or veal spleen (around 500g)
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped
– Freshly baked Sicilian bread rolls

Instructions:

1. Preparing the spleen: Start by thoroughly cleaning and rinsing the spleen under cold running water. Remove any excess fat or membranes from the surface. Then, slice the spleen into thin pieces, around 1 cm thick.

2. Marinating the spleen: In a bowl, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and a handful of chopped parsley. Mix everything well. Add the sliced spleen pieces to the marinade, ensuring each slice is well-coated. Let the spleen marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

3. Pan-frying the spleen: Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated spleen slices to the pan, cooking them in batches if necessary. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until the spleen is browned and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the spleen to ensure it remains tender.

4. Assembling the sandwich: Remove the cooked spleen from the pan and let it rest on a plate. Meanwhile, slice open the Sicilian bread rolls, using a little pressure to create a cavity in the middle of the bread. Place the cooked spleen slices inside the bread rolls, allowing them to fit snugly.

5. Serving suggestions: Spleen Palermo-style is often served with a sprinkle of extra salt and a squeeze of lemon juice on top of the meat. Additionally, you can add some sautéed onions and a dollop of ricotta cheese for an extra burst of flavor. Serve the sandwich warm and enjoy it immediately.

6. Pairing options: To make your spleen Palermo-style experience complete, enjoy it with a refreshing glass of Sicilian wine or a cold beer. The balance between the rich, savory spleen and a slightly bitter beverage complements each other perfectly.

Cooking spleen Palermo-style may seem unconventional, but it offers a unique and unforgettable taste of Sicilian street food. The combination of the strong flavors from the marinade, the tenderness of the cooked spleen, and the traditional Sicilian bread rolls create a culinary experience that is both rustic and delicious. If you’re ever in Palermo or willing to explore new culinary horizons, try making this iconic sandwich at home and transport yourself to the vibrant streets of Sicily. Buon appetito!