Castagnole: Traditional Italian Sweet Treat
Castagnole, a beloved Italian treat often enjoyed during Carnival celebrations, are small, golden-fried balls of dough, delicately flavored with vanilla, lemon, and a hint of anise. Coated in sugar, these delightful pastries are irresistibly soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a traditional Italian dessert or simply craving something sweet, Castagnole will transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy.
Ingredients for Castagnole
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 40g |
| All-purpose flour (Farina 00) | 200g |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Sugar | 50g |
| Lemon zest | ½ lemon |
| Anise liqueur (e.g., Sambuca) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| Baking powder | 8g |
| Vanilla pod | 1 |
| Sugar (for coating) | q.b. (to taste) |
| Peanut oil (or other vegetable oil) | q.b. (for frying) |
Instructions for Preparing Castagnole
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Start by preparing the vanilla: split the vanilla pod lengthwise and scrape out the seeds, adding them to the sugar in a mixing bowl. |
| 2 | To the sugar and vanilla, add the softened butter, lemon zest, a pinch of salt, and the anise liqueur. Stir well to combine. |
| 3 | Gradually add the eggs to the mixture, continuing to mix until smooth. Next, incorporate the flour and baking powder, ensuring everything is thoroughly combined into a dough. |
| 4 | If the dough feels sticky, dust your hands with a little flour, or use a dough scraper (tarocco) to knead it gently on a floured surface until smooth and manageable. |
| 5 | Once the dough is ready, begin to form the Castagnole. Take small pieces of dough, roll them into a log shape, and cut them into approximately 30 even pieces. Roll each piece into a small ball. |
| 6 | Heat the peanut oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 170°C (340°F). It’s crucial that the oil is at the right temperature to ensure the Castagnole fry evenly and don’t absorb too much oil. |
| 7 | Carefully place the Castagnole into the hot oil, working in small batches. Fry them for 2-3 minutes, turning them gently with a slotted spoon until golden brown and puffed. |
| 8 | Once fried, transfer the Castagnole to a sheet of paper towel or parchment paper to drain excess oil. While still warm, roll them in a bowl of sugar to coat them evenly. |
| 9 | Repeat the process for the remaining pieces of dough, ensuring each batch is fried until golden and coated in sugar. |
| 10 | Serve the Castagnole warm, or at room temperature. These delicious treats are perfect for sharing with family and friends. |
Tips for Perfect Castagnole
- The oil temperature is key: Too hot, and the Castagnole will brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside. Too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil, resulting in greasy pastries. Maintain a steady temperature of 170°C (340°F) for the best results.
- Use fresh ingredients, especially the vanilla pod and lemon zest, to enhance the flavor profile of these sweet bites.
- For a more intense anise flavor, you can adjust the amount of anise liqueur or use a dash of anise extract if you prefer.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 85 kcal |
| Protein | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Saturated fat | 2g |
| Fiber | 0.2g |
| Sodium | 45mg |
Why You’ll Love Castagnole
These delectable Italian treats are not only a feast for the eyes but a delightful experience for your taste buds. The combination of vanilla and lemon creates a fragrant dough, while the gentle crispness of the fried exterior contrasts beautifully with the soft, slightly sweet interior. Coated with sugar, Castagnole are the ideal bite-sized indulgence that are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. Whether you’re familiar with Italian desserts or trying them for the first time, Castagnole will surely become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
Perfect for sharing with loved ones or as a special treat for yourself, these homemade Castagnole will fill your home with the comforting, nostalgic aroma of Italian kitchens.
Enjoy!
