Sardinian sweets | 7 delicious desserts
My knowledge of Italian sweets — particularly Sardinian sweets — and pastries was fairly limited before living in Italy.
Aside from Tiramisu, I'd tried a cream-filled Cannolo, Amaretto soaked Amaretti and the delightfully moreish Baci® Perugina® chocolates.
Today, my knowledge of Italian food and desserts has increased tenfold. Some notable ones include Crostata di frutta, Sfogliatelle, along with pastries that I tried in Vicenza.
However, this post is all about Sardinian sweets. If you're ready to satisfy your sweet tooth, here are 7 must-try desserts when you visit Sardinia.
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7 Sardinian desserts to try
1. Papassinos
Calling all cookie lovers. The generously sized Papassinos are a Sardinian traditional biscuit, typically prepared for the celebration of All Saints Day on 1 November.
Variations differ according to the regions of the island, but common ingredients include almonds, walnuts and raisins.
Toppings of Papassinos can also range from plain to covered with icing sugar. If you want to know which is the best, meaning you’ll have to try every variety to see which one you like best.
Sweet tooth rating ***
2. Tiliccas
Tiliccas are a traditional dessert that originates from the north-west region of Sardinia.
A dessert made from very thin sheets of pastry, like Papassinos, they're also prepared in celebration for All Saints Day. The dough of the tiliccas remains the same, but the fillings can differ depending on the area of the island.
These include sapa (an Italian syrup made from cooked down grapes), cocoa, raisins and almonds.
Sweet tooth rating ***
Learn about Sardinia gastronomy from the ones who know it best, the locals. A guided tour is a fun and educational way to discover Sardinia, and great for solo travelers, families and couples.
3. Seadas
A crunchy flaky pastry puff, this Sardinian dessert was once eaten as a starter.
Fillings range from fresh sheep’s cheese or ricotta, mixed with lemon or orange zest and different herbs. Seadas are fried and served warm with honey or sugar on the top.
Other varieties
For the more diet-conscious traveler, the pastry can also be baked. Sweet, gooey in the middle and decadent, a seada is everything a dessert should be.
Sweet tooth rating *
Related post -5 places in Sardinia you must see on the island
4. Arantzada
Unlike a traditional cake, Arantzada is composed of only three things: orange peel, honey and almonds.
A firm staple at Sardinian weddings and christenings, the orange peel is soaked in water and then slowly cooked in honey (usually lavender). It's later covered with almonds to give the cake an additional crunch-like texture.
Sweet tooth rating ****
5. Sospiros
Sospiros are native to a small town in the northern part of the island called Ozieri.
These sweet balls consist of sugar, almonds and honey and are finished off with a healthy coating of icing. Its intense sweetness is offset however by its size as sospiros tend to be small.
Sweet tooth rating ***
6. Gattò
A mix between a cake and an almond brittle, a small slice of Gattò may just bring forward your next dentist appointment.
Packed with almonds, sugar and lemons, this sweet tooth rating is totally off the chart.
Sweet tooth rating (*)
7. Pardule
Last on the list is probably my favorite type of cake…one that has cheese. Pardule resembles something of a mini cheese soufflé and is traditionally served at Easter.
A cheesy delight
Round pastry moulds filled with fresh ricotta cheese and flavoured with orange or lemon zest.
What better way to sample a taste of the island than with one, or three, of these cheesy delights.
Sweet tooth rating **
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