Description
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can experiment with variations; try adding a hint of almond extract for a nutty richness or fold in dark chocolate chunks for a decadent twist. For those who prefer a lighter touch, consider substituting some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup.
Ingredients
For the Orange Preparation:
- 4 large, juicy organic oranges (preferably from Sicily, if available)
- 1 tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons of freshly grated orange zest
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- Water (for the initial boiling phase)
For the Syrup:
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup of honey
To Garnish:
- Fresh mint leaves (approximately 10-12 leaves)
- Toasted almond slices (1/2 cup) – optional, for crunch
- Additional orange zest for decoration
Optional Ingredients for Added Flavor:**
- 1–2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon or cardamom for a warm spice note
- 2–3 tablespoons of liqueur (like Grand Marnier or Limoncello) for an adult twist
- 1/4 cup of pomegranate seeds sprinkled over before serving for a pop of color
Instructions
Gather Your Ingredients:
Start by collecting all necessary ingredients. You will need:
- 4 medium-sized organic oranges
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
Prepare the Oranges:
Begin by thoroughly washing the oranges. Use a vegetable brush to remove any wax or dirt from their skin. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
Now, cut off the top quarter of each orange. This will help in infusing the flavors later. Reserve the tops for presentation.
Cook the Oranges:
In a medium saucepan, add 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, carefully place the prepared oranges into the water.
Reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the oranges for 30 minutes until they become tender. You should be able to pierce one easily with a fork.
Prepare the Syrup:
While the oranges are cooking, make the syrup. In a separate saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 cup of water. Stir continuously over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
Add the vanilla extract to the syrup. Allow it to simmer gently while you wait for the oranges.
Combine Oranges and Syrup:
Once the oranges are tender, remove them from the saucepan. Allow them to cool for a few minutes. Then, gently place them into the syrup.
Cover the saucepan and let the oranges marinate in the syrup for at least one hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serve the Sicilian Whole Orange:
To serve, take the marinated oranges from the syrup. Place each on a serving plate and top with a little syrup. Add the reserved tops for an elegant touch. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a vibrant finish.
Your delicious Sicilian Whole Orange is ready to enjoy. Relish this unique dessert with family and friends!
Notes
MEASUREMENTS: I’ve received lots of emails and messages about the discrepancy in the measurements between metric and cups: THIS RECIPE WILL TURN OUT BEAUTIFULLY WHETHER YOU USE EITHER MEASUREMENT, which isn’t normally the case (I normally recommend metric as it’s more precise.) Measurements are NOT critical in this cake recipe. For some reason, it’s extremely forgiving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Cakes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 335 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 194mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 71mg