Sicilian cooking is really interesting because it has been influenced by many different cultures over the years. This is because Sicily has been an important place for trade and travel. Here are some of the main influences:

1. Arab Influence (9th to 11th centuries):

   • Arabs brought new spices like saffron and cinnamon.
   • They also introduced fruits such as citrus, along with almonds and eggplant.

2. Spanish Influence (15th to 17th centuries):

   • Spaniards introduced tomatoes, which are now key ingredients in many sauces.
   • They also showed Sicilians how to fry food, leading to the tasty Mediterranean tapas.

3. Greek Influence (7th century BC):

   • The Greeks taught Sicilians to use olive oil as the main cooking fat.
   • They also focused on fresh fish and seafood, keeping dishes simple.

4. French and Norman Connection (11th century):

   • French chefs brought baking techniques, like making sweet treats (for example, cassata).
   • They also loved creamy sauces and rich flavors.

Today, Sicilian food is known for having about 1,000 different recipes!
Most of these dishes (90%) are made using fresh, local ingredients.
Also, around 60% of Sicilian recipes use grains like couscous.

All of this shows how Sicilian cooking is a colorful mix of many cultures and traditions.