The Province of Enna

 

 

The city of Enna counts about 30,000 inhabitants and is located on a summit of a mountain in the chain of the Erei Mountains. Enna is called “the navel” of Sicily, because it is situated in the center of the island. The town is one of the most ancient settlements established in Sicily and the origins are estimated before the 12th century BC. The abundance of water makes the area an important agricultural marketplace. Sulfur is mined in the province.
The town of Enna has had its name changed a few times. Originally Henna, meaning in Aeolian to live inside, was renamed by the Romans to Castrum Hennae, Castle of Enna.
During the Saracens’ domination it was called Qusr Yani, palace or castle of Yani, than changed in Karslanna and distorted  by the population  in Castro Giovanni,- John’s Castle.
In 1927 Mussolini changed the name to Enna.
Pasta, lambs, sausages, and a large assortment of vegetables distinguish the local cooking.
Cavatelli con salsa, the gnocchi made with semolina, served with a ragout of pork, tomato and herbs are among the favorites.
Pasta milanisi is cooked with wild fennel and served with a sauce of anchovies, garlic and toasted breadcrumbs.
Lambs and kids are grilled or baked and the salsicce con finocchio the zesty sausages with fennel are served with fresh or dry fava beans.
The trippa olivetana is tripe, first boiled and sautéed with onions then baked with eggplants, meat sauce and cheese.
Torta Povera is a sort of bread pudding, made with bread, milk, honey, nuts, raisins, butter and eggs.
Sfingi di patate is a fried ring shaped cookie made with a mixture of potatoes, flour and eggs and flavored with cinnamon, orange and lemon.