Purceddhruzzi (Purcidduzzi): A Sicilian Sweet Delight
Purceddhruzzi, also known as Purcidduzzi, are delightful Sicilian sweets traditionally made during the Christmas season. These honey-coated dough bites are crispy, light, and infused with a beautiful citrus and Limoncello flavor. Typically served as a treat for family gatherings, these delicious morsels are sure to impress guests with their unique texture and taste.
Recipe Overview
- Category: Desserts
- Servings: 6
- Preparation Time: 1 hour
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients for Purceddhruzzi (Purcidduzzi)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 00 Flour (All-purpose) | 500g |
| Limoncello | 250g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 50g |
| Fine salt | A pinch |
| Ground black pepper | To taste |
| Orange zest | 1 (from an orange) |
| Millefiori honey | 300g |
| Colored sprinkles (optional) | 30g |
| Sunflower oil (for frying) | As needed |
Instructions for Making Purceddhruzzi (Purcidduzzi)
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by preparing the dough for your Purceddhruzzi. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 00 flour with a pinch of fine salt. Add the Limoncello to the flour mixture. Gradually begin to mix the ingredients together, ensuring the Limoncello is absorbed into the flour. As you mix, drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil.
Continue to mix and knead the dough in the bowl until it starts to come together. At this stage, transfer the dough to a clean surface. Work the dough for about 10-15 minutes, or until it is smooth, soft, and elastic. It may take some time, so be patient and keep kneading until the dough is completely uniform.
Step 2: Rest the Dough
Once the dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to handle during the next steps.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
After the dough has rested, remove it from the plastic wrap and cut it into small portions. Take each portion and roll it into long ropes approximately 1 cm thick. Using a sharp knife, cut each rope into small pieces, about 1 cm in length. Continue shaping and cutting the dough, arranging the pieces onto a tray lined with a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Fry the Purceddhruzzi
While you are shaping the dough, heat a generous amount of sunflower oil in a deep frying pan. You need enough oil to submerge the dough pieces, and the oil should reach a temperature of around 170ยฐC (340ยฐF). Use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature, as it’s essential to ensure the oil is hot enough for frying.
Once the oil reaches the right temperature, gently drop a few dough pieces at a time into the hot oil. Fry the dough for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy dough.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried dough from the oil, and place them onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain off excess oil.
Step 5: Coat with Honey
Once all the Purceddhruzzi are fried, it’s time to coat them with honey. In a large, deep pan, gently heat the Millefiori honey over low heat. Do not let the honey come to a boil; you just want it to warm up and become more fluid. Once heated, remove the honey from the stove and immediately add the fried dough pieces. Stir gently to ensure each piece of dough is well-coated with the honey.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
After the Purceddhruzzi are thoroughly coated with honey, transfer them to a serving dish. If you like, you can sprinkle the top with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch. Serve immediately while they are still warm, and enjoy the crispy, sweet, and citrusy delights.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 450 kcal |
| Total Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 100mg |
| Carbohydrates | 65g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 40g |
| Protein | 5g |
Purceddhruzzi are a classic Sicilian treat that combines the rich flavors of honey and citrus with a satisfying crunchy texture. Perfect for family gatherings or festive occasions, these treats are sure to delight anyone who loves traditional Italian desserts. Enjoy the process of making them as much as youโll enjoy tasting them, and donโt forget to share with friends and family!
