L'articolo descrive le isole Eolie, che si trovano nella parte nord-orientale della Sicilia, nel Mar Tirreno dove si trovano anche i vulcani, Vulcano e Stromboli. La vita degli abitanti è semplice. I prodotti più comuni delle isole sono il pesce e i capperi. Le isole non hanno una grande popolazione, ma durante i mesi estivi , molti turisti le visitano. La cucina delle isole è semplice con ingredienti coltivati nei loro orti. Giusi Murabito che vive sull'isola di Filicudi ha scritto un libro di cucina che raccoglie ricette di questa zona e descrive la vita tranquilla che esiste. Il libro è in vendita su Amazon.
The seven Aeolian Islands are strewn across Sicily’s northeastern coast in the Tyrrhenian Sea, like scattered pearls, a necklace broken after a wild night on the town. It is an archipelago and is named for Aeolus, the Greek God of wind. That, right there, is evocative and romantic.
Vulcano and Stromboli are active, but Vulcano has been dormant, while Stromboli puts on a show daily. You can take an excursion and see for yourself. All the islands offer unique things to see and do but Salina and Lipari have a good assortment of accommodations and are a good jumping off spot to visit the other islands.
In total, the population of year-round residents is only about 15,000, but it does swell in the warmer months when people opt for the Islands as a summer residence.
From May to October, many come to visit, seeking isolated beach coves, azure blue water, warm breezes, and a slower lifestyle. The locals welcome them to share their food and wine, and to show them how to relax. It is sometimes life-altering to realize that if something isn’t taken care of today, it’s ok to do it tomorrow.
They fish, they grow things like capers, and they make wonderful wine on these volcanic land masses. The three go so well together; the fish couldn’t be fresher, and the capers, briny and pungent, are perfect when cooked in the pan side-by-side. A little lemon and a crisp white wine turn this simple dish into paradise found. There is ample room for vegetable gardens, too, and pasta is used in all its incarnations. Fresh and simple complements a relaxed lifestyle. It makes you pause and happily take a deep breath.
Filicudi is named for the Phoenicians that harbored there some 5000 years ago. It is a bit more remote and all the more wonderful for it. It is said that Aeolus honored Filicudi by choosing a cave in which to live there. With a naturalist guide you are instantly immersed. You will do some light trekking next to short walls made of stones and discover hidden little gems, from black beehives in the hills, to prehistoric fossils, overgrown cemeteries that tell a story, and stunning views. Families will open their homes and cook a meal for you, made entirely from their gardens or other locally sourced ingredients. They will even entertain you while you eat, making music as you stare at a drop-dead view of the sea before you. Perhaps if you stay long enough, you will witness a stunning sunset.
Giusi Murabito, a Naturalist guide, lives on Filicudi when she is not on the slopes of Mount Etna. Over the years of walking all over this island, she has met and recorded wonderful stories from the local women who cook there. With photos and recipes, she has published a book entitled “Women’s Cooking, Stories and Recipes from Filicudi”(available on Amazon). A read through will offer a glimpse of what small island life is like, and how important food is as both nourishment and as a means of expression. It is like hearts connecting through the pages. If you cannot go in person, why not find a quiet moment at home to ponder and then eat slowly.
