Sfinci di San Giuseppe: A Sicilian Delight for Every Celebration
Sfinci di San Giuseppe, also known as Sicilian cream-filled fritters, is a traditional Italian dessert made to celebrate Saint Joseph’s Day. These soft, sweet, and fluffy fritters are filled with a decadent ricotta cream and topped with pistachios, candied cherries, and orange peel. Perfect for festive occasions, these little delights embody the heart of Sicilian pastry-making with their rich flavors and textures. Let’s explore how to make this iconic dessert!
Ingredients
To create 20 servings of these irresistible Sfinci di San Giuseppe, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 250 ml |
| Salt | 5 g |
| All-purpose flour (Farina 00) | 200 g |
| Eggs | 250 g |
| Butter | 65 g |
| Ricotta di pecora (sheep’s milk ricotta) | 600 g |
| Powdered sugar (Zucchero a velo) | 180 g |
| Dark chocolate chips (Gocce di cioccolato fondente) | 50 g |
| Lard (Strutto) or vegetable oil | 1 L |
| Crushed pistachios (Granella di pistacchi) | 3 tbsp |
| Candied cherries (Ciliegie candite) | 20 |
| Candied orange peel (Arancia candita) | 20 pieces |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ricotta Cream
Start by preparing the ricotta cream the night before, as it needs time to set and meld together.
- Place the ricotta di pecora in a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl to drain off excess liquid.
- Once well-drained, transfer the ricotta to a large bowl and add powdered sugar. Stir to combine until smooth and creamy.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 2: Make the Fritter Dough
On the day of preparation, it’s time to make the dough for the fritters.
- In a small saucepan, add the water, butter (or lard), and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon for about 2-3 minutes, until the butter melts and the mixture comes together.
- Once the mixture starts to pull away from the sides of the pan, remove from the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
- Place the mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rest for a few minutes to allow it to firm up slightly.
Step 3: Fry the Sfinci
Now itโs time to fry these delectable treats!
- Heat the lard (or vegetable oil) in a large deep frying pan or pot until it reaches a temperature of 160-165ยฐC (320-330ยฐF). The oil should be hot enough to fry the dough without burning it.
- Using two spoons, drop spoonfuls of dough into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the fritters for 10-15 minutes, turning them often with two forks to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. The fritters should puff up and turn golden brown.
- Once golden and crispy, remove the fritters from the oil using a slotted spoon, allowing any excess oil to drain. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels.
Step 4: Fill and Garnish the Sfinci
After frying, the fritters need a little time to cool before you fill them with the luscious ricotta cream.
- Once the fritters are cool enough to handle, take the ricotta cream from the fridge. Stir it gently to loosen it up.
- Using a spoon, carefully fill each fritter with the creamy ricotta mixture. Be generous with the filling for that perfect balance of textures.
- Garnish each fritter with crushed pistachios, a candied cherry, and a piece of candied orange peel to add both color and flavor.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
These Sfinci di San Giuseppe are best enjoyed while still fresh. Serve them immediately as a delightful dessert for any special occasion or feast day.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300-350 kcal |
| Protein | 6-7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Sugars | 15 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Calcium | 70 mg |
Tips for Success:
- The ricotta cream can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to two days.
- If you donโt have ricotta di pecora, you can substitute it with whole-milk ricotta, although the flavor will be slightly different.
- For an extra touch, you can drizzle a little honey over the filled fritters before serving.
Whether you’re celebrating Saint Joseph’s Day or simply indulging in a treat, these Sfinci di San Giuseppe will transport you straight to Sicily with every bite. The combination of light, airy fritters, rich ricotta cream, and festive toppings makes this dessert an unforgettable experience. Enjoy!
