Delicious Homemade Iris – A Sweet Fried Italian Pastry
When it comes to indulging in the finest Italian pastries, few can compete with the delightful richness and flavor of Iris. These golden, doughy spheres filled with creamy ricotta and, optionally, indulgent chocolate chips, are a perfect treat for any occasion. On the “Love With Recipes” website, we bring you this easy-to-follow recipe, complete with tips for achieving that perfect fried texture and a mouthwatering filling.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Milk | 280g |
| All-Purpose Flour (Type 00) | 550g |
| Sugar | 25g |
| Egg | 1 |
| Dry Active Yeast | 5g |
| Butter (softened) | 50g |
| Sheep’s Ricotta | 300g |
| Powdered Sugar | 100g |
| Cow’s Ricotta | 50g |
| Powdered Sugar (for filling) | 50g |
| Dark Chocolate Chips | 50g |
| Eggs (for batter) | 2 |
| Breadcrumbs | 200g |
| Peanut Oil (for frying) | 700g |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)**
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 15g |
| Sodium | 100mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
To begin, the dough for Iris requires a soft, yet firm texture, perfect for frying. Start by sifting the all-purpose flour into the bowl of your stand mixer. Add the dry yeast and sugar, then give everything a quick mix. Now, gently heat the whole milk until it is lukewarm, being careful not to boil it. Slowly pour the warm milk into the flour mixture while the mixer is running at medium speed. This gradual addition ensures a smooth, lump-free dough.
As the dough comes together, crack in the egg and continue to mix. The dough will begin to pull away from the sides of the bowl, wrapping itself around the hook attachment. Once this happens, you know your dough is perfectly inelastic and smooth. Turn off the mixer and remove the dough.
Step 2: Rest the Dough
Place the dough on a clean, lightly floured surface. Shape it into a smooth, round ball using your hands. Transfer the dough into a large bowl, and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Leave it to rise in a warm spot for about 4 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Chips
While the dough rises, it’s a good idea to prepare the chocolate chips if you’re including them in your Iris. Take the dark chocolate chips and place them in a small bowl. Place the bowl in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures that the chocolate chips stay solid during frying and won’t melt into the dough.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
After 4 hours, your dough should be beautifully doubled in size. Gently punch it down and turn it out onto a clean work surface. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions, weighing about 80g each. Roll each portion into a smooth ball by cupping it in your hands and rolling it in circular motions.
Step 5: Prepare the Ricotta Filling
While you’re shaping the dough, prepare the ricotta filling. Begin by sifting both the sheep’s and cow’s ricotta into a large bowl. Add the powdered sugar and gently whisk the mixture until it becomes a smooth, fluffy consistency. If you’re making the chocolate chip filling, add a teaspoon of the frozen chocolate chips to each portion of ricotta filling.
Step 6: Stuff the Dough
Once the dough balls are shaped, it’s time to fill them. Flatten each ball into a small disc with your palms. Add one tablespoon of the ricotta filling to the center, then fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pinching them together tightly to seal. If you’re using chocolate chips, ensure that you add them inside each stuffed dough ball before sealing. Roll the filled dough back into a ball, making sure the seam is on the bottom.
Step 7: Coat the Iris for Frying
In a shallow bowl, beat the two eggs to create a light, smooth batter. In another shallow bowl, place the breadcrumbs. Take each filled dough ball and dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated, then roll it in the breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs will give the Iris a crispy, golden coating when fried.
Step 8: Fry the Iris
In a large, deep skillet, heat the peanut oil to 170°C (340°F). You can use a thermometer to check the temperature, or you can drop a small piece of dough into the oil – if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready. Carefully place no more than two Iris at a time into the hot oil, ensuring that they are not overcrowded. Fry the Iris until they are golden brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.
Once fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the Iris from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Iris while they’re still warm, dusted with a little more powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness. These crispy, doughy delights are perfect for any celebration or as an indulgent treat to share with family and friends.
Final Thoughts
This Iris recipe brings a beloved Italian tradition right to your kitchen, with a soft, fluffy dough and a creamy, sweet ricotta filling, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you choose to add chocolate chips or keep it simple, the result is sure to be an indulgent treat that everyone will love. At Love With Recipes, we invite you to explore this flavorful pastry and share it with those closest to you!
