Why You’ll Love these Sweet Sicilian Cannoli
Why am I suddenly shifting gears from a cozy white chicken chili to sweet Sicilian cannoli? Sometimes the best meals deserve an equally impressive finale.
These crispy, golden tubes filled with sweet ricotta cream aren’t just desserts—they’re tiny celebrations. The contrast between the crunchy shell and creamy filling creates a textural paradise that’ll make your taste buds dance.
What makes Sicilian cannoli special is their authenticity—real sheep’s milk ricotta when possible, candied orange peel, and those little chocolate chips that melt slightly into the filling.
Nothing beats the satisfaction of hearing that first crunch as you bite through the pastry shell.
What Ingredients are in Sweet Sicilian Cannoli?
When it comes to comfort food that warms you from the inside out, this white chicken chili hits all the right notes. Unlike traditional red chili, this lighter version uses chicken and white beans for a milder—but equally satisfying—flavor profile that’s perfect for chilly evenings or weekend gatherings. The creamy texture combined with just the right amount of spice creates a bowl that’s impossible to resist.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow capsicum (bell pepper), finely chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 1-2 long red chiles, chopped very finely
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 420g creamed corn
- 500ml low-fat milk
- 420g cannellini beans
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 2 teaspoons chopped coriander (cilantro)
- Salt and pepper to taste
What makes this recipe so versatile is how easily you can adjust it to your taste preferences. If you’re cooking for those who can’t handle heat, you might want to use just one chile or remove the seeds first. And while the recipe calls for pre-cooked chicken, this is a fantastic way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken from dinner the night before. For a thicker consistency, you could even mash some of the cannellini beans before adding them to the pot—a little trick I learned that adds body without extra calories.
How to Make these Sweet Sicilian Cannoli
Making this white chicken chili couldn’t be simpler, and it all comes together in one pot. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your diced onion, finely chopped yellow capsicum, and 1-2 finely chopped red chiles (depending on how spicy you like things), and cook until everything softens up—about 5-7 minutes.
There’s something so therapeutic about watching vegetables soften and release their aromas, isn’t there?
Once your vegetables have softened, it’s time to add 2 teaspoons of ground cumin and stir it around for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. This quick toasting of the spice makes all the difference in developing depth of flavor.
Next, pour in 420g of creamed corn, 500ml of low-fat milk, and 420g of cannellini beans. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a lovely, creamy consistency. The milk and corn create that signature velvety texture that sets white chili apart from its tomato-based cousin.
For the final touch, gently fold in your 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken and let it warm through for about 3 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste—remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away.
Just before serving, stir in 2 teaspoons of fresh chopped coriander for a burst of color and fresh flavor. The recipe suggests serving with rice, which makes for a heartier meal, but it’s equally delicious on its own in a deep bowl with some crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Could comfort food get any better than this?
Sweet Sicilian Cannoli Substitutions and Variations
While we’ve been enjoying our cozy white chicken chili, let’s shift gears to something completely different – those delectable Sweet Sicilian Cannoli!
When making cannoli at home, you can play with several substitutions.
Don’t have ricotta? Mascarpone creates an equally creamy filling, though slightly richer.
Can’t find cannoli shells? Waffle cones, though not traditional, offer a convenient alternative in a pinch.
For variations, consider folding mini chocolate chips, chopped pistachios, or candied orange peel into your filling.
Some bakers add a splash of Marsala wine for authentic Sicilian flavor.
Wouldn’t a chocolate-dipped shell rim take these to another level?
What to Serve with Sweet Sicilian Cannoli
So what exactly pairs well with those crispy, creamy Sweet Sicilian Cannoli?
I’m a firm believer that coffee is the ultimate companion—a rich espresso or cappuccino creates that perfect bitter-sweet balance.
Can’t do caffeine? Try a glass of Marsala wine, the same sweet wine often used in the filling.
For a complete dessert spread, I like to include fresh berries and other Italian cookies like biscotti or amaretti.
The fruit cuts through the richness, while the cookies offer textural variety.
Final Thoughts
Moving from sweet Italian treats to hearty comfort food, I’ve found that this Cozy White Chicken Chili brings everything full circle. There’s something magical about a warm bowl of chili that comforts like nothing else.
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor, don’t you think? The creamy texture from milk and corn, paired with tender chicken and beans, creates a dish that’s both filling and satisfying.
What I love most is how versatile it is. Serve it with rice, cornbread, or even tortilla chips. It’s one of those recipes you’ll return to season after season.
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