Crispy Valtellina Casera Cheese Fritters with Chicory Salad

Sciatt (Cheese Fritters with Valtellina Casera) Recipe
Category: Appetizers | Serves: 15 pieces

Sciatt are a traditional Italian appetizer from the Valtellina region, featuring delicious fritters made with melted Valtellina Casera cheese, crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Paired with a simple, tangy cicorino (chicory) salad, this dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. These fritters are perfect for impressing your guests at any occasion, from casual gatherings to more formal dinners.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Preparing the Batter
Start by making the batter, which will be the foundation of the crispy fritters. In a mixing bowl, combine the 00 flour and buckwheat flour. Whisk them together to ensure they are well blended. Gradually add the fine salt and stir to incorporate. Next, pour in the cold light beer and sparkling water, stirring continuously until the batter is smooth and lump-free. The consistency should be thick but pourable. If needed, add a little more water to achieve the desired thickness. Add the grappa (or brandy) and mix until everything is well combined. Place the batter in the fridge to chill for at least 15 minutes, ensuring it firms up and becomes easier to work with when dipping the cheese cubes.

2. Preparing the Chicory Salad
While the batter chills, prepare the chicory salad. Begin by washing the chicory leaves thoroughly and patting them dry with a paper towel. Slice the leaves into very thin strips. In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, a pinch of salt, and the extra virgin olive oil. Whisk them together until the vinaigrette forms a smooth emulsion. Season with black pepper to taste. Add the sliced chicory to the bowl, and toss the leaves gently with two spoons until well coated with the vinaigrette. Set the salad aside, allowing the flavors to meld while you focus on frying the fritters.

3. Preparing the Cheese
Now, take the Valtellina Casera cheese and remove the rind. Cut the cheese into small, bite-sized cubes, approximately 2-3 cm each. The cheese should be firm enough to hold its shape during frying but soft and melty inside.

4. Frying the Sciatt
Next, pour the peanut oil into a deep saucepan or frying pan, ensuring it reaches a depth of at least 3 cm. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 170°C (338°F). To check if the oil is hot enough, use a kitchen thermometer or drop a small amount of batter into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

Once the oil is at the correct temperature, remove the batter from the fridge. Using two spoons, dip each cheese cube into the batter, ensuring it is well-coated. Without shaking off too much of the batter, gently place the battered cheese cubes into the hot oil. Fry the sciatt in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this could lower the oil temperature and affect the crispiness.

Fry the fritters for about 50 seconds, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and reach a golden brown color. Once they are perfectly crisp and golden, use a slotted spoon to remove the sciatt from the oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining cheese cubes.

5. Serving the Sciatt
To serve the sciatt, arrange a generous portion of the chicory salad on each plate. Then, place a few of the crispy cheese fritters on top of the salad. For an extra touch, drizzle a little more vinaigrette over the top of the sciatt. Serve immediately while the fritters are still warm and crispy.

Tips for Perfect Sciatt

• The key to crispy sciatt is to ensure the oil is at the right temperature before frying. If the oil is too hot, the fritters will burn on the outside without fully melting the cheese inside. If it’s too cool, the sciatt will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• The batter can be prepared in advance, but make sure to keep it chilled until you’re ready to fry. Cold batter helps the fritters hold their shape and ensures a crispier exterior.
• Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors. If Valtellina Casera is unavailable, look for a similar semi-hard cheese with a slightly tangy flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These sciatt are perfect as an appetizer or light snack. The crispy exterior gives way to the rich, melted cheese inside, and the chicory salad adds a refreshing contrast. Whether you’re serving them as part of an Italian meal or as a standalone dish, they are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a crispy, cheesy treat. Enjoy!