Sfinci Siciliani Recipe: Traditional Sicilian Sweet Fritters
If you’re looking for an indulgent, traditional Italian treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further than Sfinci Siciliani. These golden, fluffy fritters, a classic from Sicily, are incredibly easy to make and require only a handful of ingredients, yet the result is an irresistible dessert that captures the essence of Sicilian flavors. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet snack, these deep-fried dough balls are soft on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and finished off with a dusting of sugar for extra sweetness.
Ingredients for Sfinci Siciliani (Yields 40 Pieces):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 60g |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 500g |
| Water | 500g |
| Dry yeast (active) | 3g |
| Fine salt | 2g |
| Sultana raisins (or golden raisins) | 100g |
| Sunflower oil (for frying) | 800g |
| Sugar (for coating) | 150g |
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Raisins
- Begin by rinsing the sultana raisins under cold water to clean them. After rinsing, place the raisins in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak for about 10 minutes to plump up and soften.
Step 2: Preparing the Dough
- While the raisins are soaking, take a separate bowl and add 500g of lukewarm water. To this water, add the dry yeast and 60g of sugar. Stir gently until the yeast is completely dissolved, creating a slightly sweetened, yeasty liquid.
- In another bowl, sift 500g of all-purpose flour (00). Slowly incorporate the flour into the liquid mixture, a little at a time, stirring continuously with a whisk to avoid lumps. Continue until the flour is fully integrated into the mixture.
- Once the flour is incorporated, add 2g of fine salt to the dough mixture and stir thoroughly. The result should be a smooth, slightly runny batter.
Step 3: Adding the Raisins
- Drain the soaked raisins and fold them into the batter. Stir well to evenly distribute the raisins throughout the dough. This step adds a delightful sweetness and texture to the fritters.
Step 4: Allowing the Dough to Rise
- Now that the batter is prepared, it’s time to let it rise. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth or plastic wrap and place it in a warm, draft-free area. An ideal location is inside an oven that is turned off but with just the oven light on, which provides enough warmth for the dough to rise.
- Let the dough rest for about 5 hours. During this time, it will double in size, and you should see small bubbles forming on the surface, indicating that the yeast is active.
Step 5: Preparing for Frying
- After the dough has risen, give it a gentle stir with a spatula or wooden spoon. You may notice that the raisins have settled at the bottom of the bowl during the rise, so be sure to incorporate them back into the batter.
- Now, heat the sunflower oil in a large frying pan or pot. You’ll need enough oil to submerge the fritters, so aim for about 800g of oil. Use a kitchen thermometer to heat the oil to 170°C (338°F). The oil should be hot enough to fry the sfinci, but not so hot that they burn.
Step 6: Frying the Sfinci Siciliani
- Once the oil reaches the proper temperature, use two tablespoons to scoop portions of the batter and gently drop them into the hot oil. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the sfinci in small batches.
- Turn the fritters halfway through the cooking process to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. Fry the dough until golden and puffed, which should take about 3-4 minutes per batch.
Step 7: Draining and Coating the Fritters
- Once the sfinci are perfectly golden and puffed, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- While the fritters are still hot, roll them in the 150g of granulated sugar until they are evenly coated. This step adds the final touch of sweetness, completing these indulgent Sicilian treats.
Step 8: Serving
- Serve the freshly made Sfinci Siciliani while they are still warm for the best texture and flavor. These fritters are perfect for sharing with family and friends during festive occasions or as a delicious after-meal treat.
Nutritional Information (Per Fritter)
| Nutrient | Amount per Fritter |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70-80 kcal |
| Protein | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Fat | 1.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 20mg |
Tips for the Best Sfinci Siciliani:
- Raisin Variation: If you prefer a different dried fruit, you can substitute the sultana raisins with currants or dried cranberries for a slight variation in flavor.
- Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil stays at a consistent 170°C throughout the frying process to avoid undercooking or burning the fritters.
- Sugar Coating: For an extra touch of elegance, you can dust the fritters with powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar.
These sweet Sicilian fritters are sure to become a family favorite, and once you try them, you’ll understand why they’re such a cherished part of Italian cuisine. Whether you’re preparing them for a special celebration or as an everyday treat, Sfinci Siciliani is a delightful dessert that will never go out of style.
