Cassatelle di Agira – Sicilian stuffed pastries

Begin by making the dough. In a large bowl mix together the flour, sugar, suet, egg and a couple of tablespoons of water (add more if the dough is dry), until you obtain a smooth dough. Cover the bowl with cling film and leave to rest for 1 hour

Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Add all the ingredients (except the chickpea flour) to a large saucepan and bring to the boil. Add the chickpea flour and stir with a wooden spoon to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture until thick enough to hold a wooden spoon vertically when stuck in the middle of the pan

Preheat the oven at 170°C/gas mark 3.5

Roll the dough into thin sheet and cut into rounds with a 8.5cm pastry cutter. Place a spoonful of filling in the middle of each pastry round and fold like a little empanada or turnover (make sure that all the edges are well-sealed)

Brush with extra virgin olive oil and transfer to a baking tray lined with parchment paper

Cook for 25 minutes, then allow to cool for 15 minutes or so. Dust with icing sugar and serve