Castagnole di Ricotta: A Delightful Italian Ricotta Fritter Recipe
If you’re looking for a sweet, rich, and indulgent dessert, Castagnole di Ricotta is the perfect treat to prepare. These soft, fluffy ricotta fritters are a staple in Italian pastry shops, especially during the Carnival season. With their light texture and slightly sweet flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite at your family gatherings or dinner parties. The best part? This recipe is easy to follow, requiring just a few basic ingredients. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make these delicious ricotta fritters from scratch.
Recipe Overview:
- Name: Castagnole di Ricotta
- Category: Desserts (Dolci)
- Servings/Pieces: 30
Ingredients
Below is the ingredient list you’ll need to prepare these delicious ricotta fritters:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ricotta cheese (cow’s milk) | 240g |
| All-purpose flour (00 flour) | 135g |
| All-purpose flour (00 flour) | 20g |
| Sugar | 60g |
| Eggs | 55g |
| Baking powder | 6g |
| Orange zest | 1 orange |
| Peanut oil (for frying) | 500ml |
| Powdered sugar (for dusting) | To taste |
Nutritional Information
Here is a general idea of the nutritional content per serving (1 fritter):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 6g |
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
Instructions for Preparing Castagnole di Ricotta
Step 1: Prepare the Ricotta
Start by draining any excess liquid from the ricotta cheese. To do this, place the ricotta in a fine-mesh strainer and let it drain for about 2 hours. It’s best to let it drain in the refrigerator, especially if you have time. This step ensures your ricotta has the perfect consistency for the fritter dough. Once the draining time is over, transfer the ricotta to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In the same bowl with the ricotta, add the sugar and whisk together until well combined. Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition so the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. Add the freshly grated zest of one orange to infuse a refreshing citrus aroma into the batter.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Before adding the dry ingredients, sift the flour and baking powder together into a separate bowl to remove any lumps. Slowly add the flour mixture into the ricotta mixture, one tablespoon at a time, stirring continuously with a spatula. This ensures that the flour blends evenly with the ricotta without forming any lumps. The resulting batter should be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Once all the flour is incorporated, you’ll notice that the dough is a little sticky and soft. To form the castagnole, you’ll need to shape the dough into small balls weighing about 16 grams each. This can be a bit tricky due to the stickiness of the dough, so it’s best to keep your hands lightly floured. Coat your hands with flour and start rolling the dough into small, round balls. With this amount of dough, you should be able to make around 30 castagnole.
Step 5: Fry the Castagnole
Heat the peanut oil in a large pot or deep-frying pan. The oil needs to reach a temperature of around 170°C (340°F) for frying. You can monitor the temperature with a kitchen thermometer to ensure it stays consistent. It’s essential to maintain this temperature for perfect, crispy fritters.
When the oil is hot enough, gently lower a few castagnole into the oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them in batches to keep the oil temperature stable. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, turning the fritters occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Once the castagnole are golden and crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the hot oil. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This step ensures that your castagnole stay light and not greasy.
Step 7: Dust with Powdered Sugar
While the fritters are still warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar. The sugar will cling to the castagnole, adding an extra layer of sweetness and making them look even more tempting.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious castagnole di ricotta warm as a dessert or snack. They are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container for a few days. If you want to take your castagnole to the next level, consider pairing them with a sweet fruit compote or a scoop of gelato.
Final Thoughts
These castagnole di ricotta are a perfect way to bring a bit of Italian flair to your kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delightful treat that’s crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion, a festive gathering, or simply as a sweet treat for your family, these ricotta fritters are sure to impress. Enjoy every bite of these melt-in-your-mouth fritters and share the joy with your loved ones.
For more delicious and easy-to-follow recipes like this, explore our collection here at Love With Recipes.
