Struffoli Recipe: A Classic Italian Holiday Treat
Struffoli, a traditional Italian dessert, is a delightful medley of small, fried dough balls coated in a rich honey syrup and garnished with toasted hazelnuts and powdered sugar. This festive treat is not only a joy to eat but also a celebration of heritage, often served during Christmas in Italian households. Whether you’re crafting these sweet bites for a special occasion or simply to indulge in a piece of culinary tradition, this recipe will guide you through every step to achieve perfection.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 cup (plus extra for dusting) |
| Lemon Zest | 1 teaspoon |
| Orange Zest (Rind) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curd (Dahi/Yogurt) | 1/4 cup |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| Sunflower Oil | For frying |
| For the Syrup | |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Honey | 1/4 cup |
| Lemon Juice | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Toasted Hazelnuts | 1 cup |
| Icing Sugar | For dusting |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 45 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
Preparation Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 minutes | 30 minutes | 75 minutes | 4 |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Add the lemon zest, orange zest, vanilla extract, and yogurt to the dry mixture.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly until they form a sticky dough. If the mixture feels too dry, add a teaspoon of yogurt at a time until the consistency is right.
- Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to handle.
Step 2: Shape the Dough
- After chilling, take the dough out of the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Work with one portion at a time while keeping the other covered to prevent drying out.
- From each portion, cut off smaller pieces and roll them into long strips, approximately 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut these strips into hazelnut-sized pieces and roll each piece into a small ball using your hands. Set the balls aside on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 3: Fry the Dough Balls
- Heat sunflower oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat. Test the oil’s readiness by dropping a small piece of dough; it should sizzle and rise to the surface.
- Fry the dough balls in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Turn them frequently for even cooking.
- Once golden brown, remove the struffoli with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Prepare the Syrup
- In a separate saucepan, combine the sugar, honey, and lemon juice over medium heat. Stir continuously to prevent the sugar from burning.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and let it cook for 3–4 minutes until it forms a thick, glossy syrup.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately add the fried dough balls and toasted hazelnuts. Toss them gently in the syrup until evenly coated.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the syrup-coated struffoli onto a serving plate, shaping them into a pyramid or a wreath for a festive presentation.
- Sprinkle with a generous dusting of icing sugar for a snowy effect.
- Allow the syrup to cool and set slightly before serving. Struffoli can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Pro Tips for Perfect Struffoli
- Zest Carefully: Use only the colored part of the lemon and orange peel for zest; avoid the white pith, as it can be bitter.
- Uniform Size: Keep the dough balls uniform in size for even frying.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature to achieve golden, crisp struffoli without burning.
- Decorative Touch: For an extra festive touch, garnish with colorful sprinkles or candied fruits.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Struffoli recipe combines crispy, golden bites with a luscious honey glaze and the crunch of toasted hazelnuts. The refreshing citrus notes from the zest and the warmth of honey create a delightful harmony of flavors. It’s a perfect make-ahead dessert that brings a touch of Italy to your celebrations, making every gathering more special and memorable.
Try this recipe today and let the holiday spirit fill your kitchen! 🌟
