Teresa's Recipes
Pani Ca Meusa
Pani Ca Meusa, literally translating to 'bread with spleen,' is an iconic Sicilian street food that originates from the vibrant streets of Palermo. This sandwich offers a unique combination of flavors and textures, with tender and crispy veal spleen and lung, embraced by warm, crusty bread rolls. Topped with the rich, nutty flavors of caciocavallo cheese and a zesty drizzle of fresh lemon juice, this dish encapsulates the heart of Sicilian culinary tradition, celebrating resourcefulness and simplicity. Perfect for adventurous food lovers, each bite tells a story of the island's rich history and love for bold, hearty ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Lard
- 1 pound, cleaned and sliced Veal spleen
- 1 pound, cleaned and sliced Veal lung
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1, juiced Lemon
- 4 ounces, grated Caciocavallo cheese
- 4, preferably crusty Bread rolls
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Street Food
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 35g
- Carbs: 30g
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 1g
Instructions
- Start by thoroughly cleaning the veal spleen and lung under cold running water. Once cleaned, slice them into thin pieces to ensure even cooking.
- In a large frying pan, heat the lard over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
- Carefully add the veal slices to the pan and fry for about 10-15 minutes. Ensure to turn the slices occasionally for a crisp, golden-brown exterior.
- Season the fried veal slices with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- While the meat is cooking, slice the bread rolls in half horizontally, taking care not to cut all the way through, creating a pocket for the filling.
- Once the veal is browned and crispy, fill each bread roll generously with the fried veal slices.
- Top the meat with a generous amount of grated caciocavallo cheese, allowing the warmth of the meat to slightly melt the cheese for a creamy texture.
- Drizzle freshly squeezed lemon juice over the filled rolls, enhancing the richness of the dish with a bright, zesty flavor.
- Serve the Pani Ca Meusa hot, wrapped in paper to capture the essence of Sicilian street food culture, and indulge in this hearty delicacy!
Tips
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of oregano or crushed red pepper flakes to the meat while frying.
- If you can find them, try using traditional Sicilian sesame-seed rolls for an authentic touch.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the meat.