Pignolata al Miele: A Traditional Italian Sweet Treat
Category: Desserts
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Pignolata al miele is a delightful and indulgent Italian dessert that will quickly become a favorite in your household. Perfect for special occasions or simply when you need a sweet treat to share, this recipe features soft, bite-sized dough pieces that are fried to golden perfection and then coated in luscious honey and colorful sprinkles. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dessert a true indulgence. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a dinner party, or treating your family to something special, pignolata al miele is the way to go.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 300g |
| Eggs | 1 + 1 yolk |
| Butter | 30g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Grappa (or another liqueur) | 20g |
| Lemons | 1 (for zest) |
| Salt | A pinch |
| Vegetable oil (for frying) | 600g |
| Honey | 160g |
| Sprinkles (optional) | To taste |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dough
Start by sifting the flour into a large mixing bowl. Add the softened butter, cut into small pieces, and the sugar. Using your hands or a spoon, mix the ingredients together until they start to come together. Add the zest of one lemon (make sure it is untreated) to infuse a fresh, citrusy aroma into the dough. -
Combine the Wet Ingredients
Crack the eggs and separate the yolk. Add both whole eggs and the yolk to the bowl. Incorporate the eggs into the mixture by kneading the dough until it becomes firm and smooth. This will take a few minutes, so be patient. You are looking for a dough that holds its shape and is not too sticky. -
Rest the Dough
Once the dough has reached the right consistency, shape it into a compact ball or block. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for about 10 minutes. This will help the dough firm up and make it easier to work with. -
Shape the Dough Pieces
After resting, remove the dough from the fridge. Divide it into small portions and roll each piece into a long, thin log about the thickness of a pencil. Cut each log into small pieces approximately 1 cm long. These will form the little dough balls for frying. -
Heat the Oil
In a deep frying pan or pot, heat the vegetable oil to about 170°C (340°F). This is the ideal temperature for frying, and it’s recommended to use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil stays at a consistent heat. -
Fry the Dough Balls
Once the oil is hot, gently drop a few pieces of dough into the oil at a time using a slotted spoon. Fry the dough for 3-4 minutes, or until the pieces are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature. -
Drain and Coat with Honey
As the dough balls cook, use the slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Once all the dough is fried, transfer the warm dough balls into a large bowl. -
Drizzle with Honey
While the dough is still warm, pour the honey over the fried dough. The honey will coat each piece, giving it a sweet, sticky glaze that will add a delightful sweetness to every bite. -
Decorate and Serve
For an extra touch of fun, sprinkle colorful sprinkles (called “codette” in Italy) on top of the honey-coated pignolata. This not only adds a festive touch but also a crunchy texture to complement the soft, sweet dough. Transfer the pignolata to a serving platter and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Pignolata al Miele:
- Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the temperature of the oil throughout the frying process. If it gets too hot, the dough can burn quickly, and if it’s too cold, the dough will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
- Honey Quality: Choose a good-quality honey for the best flavor. The honey will be the primary flavoring agent for this dessert, so select one that complements the dough.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the sprinkles to fit the occasion. Use colorful ones for holidays or stick with classic white sprinkles for a more elegant presentation.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 27g |
| Sodium | 50mg |
Pignolata al miele is a delightful dessert that perfectly blends crispy, fried dough with the sweetness of honey. It’s ideal for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or just as a special treat to enjoy at home. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe allows you to create a traditional Italian treat that is sure to impress. Enjoy the sweet simplicity of this dish, and share the love with those around you!
