Maccu (also known asmaccu di fave[1] and sometimes referred to asmacco[2]) is aSiciliansoup with a dense texture and also a foodstuff that is prepared with dried and crushedfava beans (broad beans) and wildfennel as primary ingredients.[3][4] Several dishes exist usingmaccu as an ingredient, such asbruschetta al maccù andmaccu di San Giuseppe, the latter of which may be served onSaint Joseph's Day inSicily.
Maccu is apeasant food[1] andstaple food that dates back toancient history.[3][5][6] Theancient Roman people may have invented or introduced the foodstuff, which was created from crushed fava beans.[6]
The name came from the Latin verbs "maccare" that means to crush. The beans are crushed slightly during cooking. Althoughmaccu's availability in contemporary times in Sicily is generally rare,[6] it is still occasionally served in restaurants and hosterias there.[3]
Primary ingredients include fava beans, fennel seeds and sprigs, olive oil, salt and pepper.[3] Additional ingredients may include tomato, onion and pasta.[3] The soup is sometimes cooled until it solidifies, then cut into strips, breaded in flour and fried in olive oil.[3] Some preparations ofmaccu may use fava beans that have beenpuréed.[7]
Bruschetta al maccú is a simple dish prepared withbruschetta andmaccu that may be served as an appetizer or lunch dish.[5]
Maccu di San Giuseppe (lit. 'maccu of St. Joseph') is a traditional Sicilian dish that consists of various ingredients andmaccu.[8] The dish may be prepared onSaint Joseph's Day inSicily, to clear out pantries and allow room for the spring's new crops of vegetables.[8] In Sicily, St. Joseph is regarded by many as their patron saint, and in manyItalian American communities, thanks are given to St. Joseph (San Giuseppe inItalian) for preventing a famine in Sicily during theMiddle Ages. According to legend, there was a severe drought at the time, and the people prayed for their patron saint to bring them rain. They promised that if he answered their prayers, they would prepare a large feast to honor him. The rain did come, and the people of Sicily prepared a large banquet for their patron saint. The fava bean was the crop which saved the population from starvation and is a traditional part of St. Joseph's Day altars and traditions. Giving food to the needy is a St. Joseph's Day custom.
Rigatoncini con maccu di fave is a Sicilian dish prepared with rigatoncini pasta (a smaller version ofrigatoni) and fava beanpaste.[9]
