Italian Jam-Filled Fritters (Bugie Ripiene)

Bugie Ripiene: Italian Filled Fritters with Orange and Strawberry Jam

Category: Desserts
Yield: 40 pieces
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Bugie ripiene are delightful Italian filled fritters that feature a rich dough paired with a luscious filling of orange and strawberry jam. These sweet, golden treats make for a perfect dessert or snack during festive seasons or when you want to indulge in a piece of Italian culinary tradition. This recipe combines soft, buttery dough with the flavors of marmalade and jam, offering a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors. Let’s dive into the preparation of these scrumptious filled fritters!

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough:
   In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the K-beater, sift together the flour and baking powder. In a separate bowl, beat the 3 whole eggs and 1 egg yolk. Add the beaten eggs to the flour mixture, followed by the grappa. Mix everything together for about 10 minutes until you have a smooth, soft dough. If the dough feels too stiff, add 5-10g of water to achieve a malleable consistency.

2. Incorporate the butter:
   Once the dough is smooth, switch the mixer attachment to the dough hook. Gradually add small pieces of butter to the dough, allowing it to incorporate fully. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

3. Roll the dough:
   After the dough has rested, divide it into smaller portions of about 150g each. Take each portion and fold it into thirds, then roll it out to its widest possible size. Continue to roll the dough thinner and thinner, until it reaches a thickness of about 2mm.

4. Rest the dough sheets:
   Let the rolled-out dough rest for a few minutes at room temperature. This resting period helps the dough relax and prevents it from shrinking when fried.

5. Fill the dough:
   Using a spoon or piping bag, place 25-30g of either orange marmalade or strawberry jam onto the dough. Space the dollops 3 cm apart, and 1 cm away from the bottom edge of the dough.

6. Shape the bugie:
   Brush the edges of the dough lightly with water, then fold the top portion of the dough over the filled bottom part. Gently press around the edges of each filling to seal. Use a smooth pastry wheel or cutter to trim and shape the edges.

7. Fry the bugie:
   Heat the peanut oil in a deep pan or fryer to 170-180°C (340-355°F). You can use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. Carefully place the filled dough (4-5 pieces at a time) into the hot oil. Fry each batch, turning the fritters to ensure even cooking, until they turn a beautiful golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

8. Drain and finish:
   Once the bugie are golden and crisp, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil. Place the fritters on paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them cool completely.

9. Dust with powdered sugar:
   Once the bugie are cooled, dust them generously with powdered sugar for that perfect finishing touch.

Nutritional Information (per piece)

These delightful filled fritters are perfect for any occasion, be it a family gathering, a holiday feast, or a sweet treat to enjoy with coffee. The combination of crisp dough and flavorful jam inside is irresistible, making them a hit at any table. Enjoy the process and indulge in the delicious results!