If you’ve ever watched Commissario Montalbano, you know it’s not just about solving crimes on the Sicilian coast. It’s a show about life and food too, based on books written by the late Sicilian writer Andrea Camilleri. Inspector Montalbano is more than a fictional detective-he is a way of living. And perhaps nowhere is this clearer than when he sits down to eat. Whether at his beloved seaside home or a local trattoria, he eats with reverence. That to me, is the essence of any travel but most importantly Sicilian (Italian) travel.
So here are 7 dishes that Inspector Montalbano would approve of:
1. Pasta ‘ncasciata
Pasta ‘ncasciata is the crown jewel in the books and show- a rich baked pasta dish layered with eggplant, ground meat, tomatoes, caciocavallo cheese and sometimes salami, it is Sicily’s answer to lasagna. In the series, Montalbano literally lights up at the mention of it. His housekeeper, Adelina, makes it for him, and no matter what case he’s solving, he’ll drop everything to eat it.
Adelina had made pasta ‘ncasciata. Montalbano took a forkful, closed his eyes, and chewed slowly. Then he let out a sigh that could have been taken as a moan of pleasure. This was no longer dinner—it was an act of worship. He would have knelt before the dish
Passage from The Shape of Water (La forma dell’acqua, 1994)
2. Arancini
Another favorite of Inspector Montalbano is the arancini. These fried rice balls are filled with ragù, peas, and cheese and much more. They are so filling and comforting that I’m drooling writing this! Montalbano famously savors arancini which is shown in multiple episodes, even with his team of police officers!
But let me start a debate that stirs real problems in Sicily: Is it arancina (feminine) or arancino (masculine)?? Comment with your answer below!
3. Fresh Seafood
One of the joys of Montalbano’s life is sitting by the sea in Marinella and eating fish caught that very morning. Grilled swordfish, octopus salad, anchovies, and calamari-simple, unpretentious, and fresh. He doesn’t overthink his meals and trusts the cook for the catch of the day. I love also when he visits Enzo’s Trattoria- a humble place to eat where the Inspector trusts the cook whole heartedly!
4. Caponata
This dish is like Sicily in a bowl and I’ve had the best one near Palermo. Caponata is eggplants, olives, capers, tomatoes, celery, and vinegar slowly simmered to perfection and served as an appetizer. Montalbano loves his caponata to bits and its so comforting when he eats it with his eyes closed. I love reading about it!
5. Cannoli
Sicily is incomplete without cannoli, sweet treats filled with ricotta which make them heavenly. Though not my personal favorite, in Montalbano’s world they are something to enjoy just like love making is.
He took a bite of the cannolo, closed his eyes, and let the sweetness spread through him like a wave. The ricotta was fresh, slightly grainy, and just sweet enough. He didn’t speak for a minute. What could he say? There are moments in life that don’t need words.”
–Passage from The Snack Thief” (Il ladro di merendine, 1996):
6. Pasta con le Sarde
I have read and heard a lot of this Sicilian plate of pasta with sardines, fennel, pine nuts and raisins. Montalbano wouldn’t blink before ordering it. And someday I’d like to try it myself maybe with a glass of Etna Bianco.
7. Espresso & Granita
Every morning, we see Montalbano drinking espresso in his sunlit kitchen or at the balcony, facing the sea. He doesn’t rush. He just sits with the Bialetti and ponders over his day unless Catarella calls. Coffee is a ritual in all of Italy, not just Sicily. But in Sicily especially in the summer granita e brioche re a hit!
He stopped at the bar and ordered a lemon granita with brioche. He ate it slowly, with a long spoon, letting it cool his tongue and his thoughts.
-Passage from in Excursion to Tindari (La gita a Tindari)
Final Thoughts
Watching Commissario Montalbano isn’t just watching a crime show. It was watching a grown up man act like a child for food. Montalbano never wanted to share anything off of his plate and I found that very relatable 😉 I loved how he ate, fully with his heart and being present, no phones, no drama. Eating slowly and locally was what he taught me.
Eat like Montalbano!
Read More
- The Book I Found in Assisi which led me to Sicily
- 7 Dishes Inspector Montalbano Would Approve Of
- Arrivederci Montalbano- thoughts on Riccardino
- Books that give an itch to visit South Italy
- 103 Other Adventures In and Around Rome – a must read for Italophiles
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