Struffoli Recipe – A Delicious Italian Dessert
Struffoli is a classic Italian dessert that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many around the world. These delightful little dough balls are crunchy on the outside and wonderfully airy and soft on the inside. Coated in a sweet honey syrup and flavored with zest from oranges or lemons, Struffoli is often enjoyed as a sweet snack or as a dessert after meals. It pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee, making it the perfect treat for any occasion, especially when you want to satisfy those sweet cravings.
Ingredients
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 cup + 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 |
| Oil | For frying (as needed) |
| For Sugar Honey Syrup | |
| Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Honey | 1/4 cup |
| Lemon Juice | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Other Ingredients | |
| Hazelnuts (toasted) | 1 cup |
| Icing Sugar | For dusting |
Preparation Time: 45 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour (maida), sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Add in the lemon zest, orange zest (rind), vanilla extract, yogurt, and a little orange juice to the flour mixture. Combine everything until the dough begins to form.
- The dough should be sticky. Once the dough is ready, wrap it tightly in cling film and let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
Step 2: Shape the Struffoli Balls
- After chilling the dough, remove it from the refrigerator. Dust your work surface with some dry flour to prevent sticking.
- Divide the dough into two equal parts. From one part, make 4 small pieces and roll each piece into a long strip, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut each strip into small pieces about the size of a hazelnut. Roll these small pieces into round balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Repeat this process with the remaining dough, making small round balls from the second part of the dough.
Step 3: Fry the Dough Balls
- Heat oil in a deep pan for frying. Once the oil is hot, gently drop the dough balls into the oil, frying them in small batches.
- Fry the balls until they turn golden brown on both sides. This will take around 3-4 minutes per batch.
- Once fried, drain the Struffoli on a paper towel to remove excess oil. Set them aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Honey Syrup
- In a separate pan, combine the sugar, honey, and lemon juice. Let the mixture boil for about 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Remove the syrup from the heat and add the fried Struffoli and toasted hazelnuts. Gently mix to coat the dough balls evenly in the syrup.
Step 5: Serve and Store
- Once well coated, remove the Struffoli from the syrup and place them on a serving platter.
- Sprinkle with icing sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and presentation.
- Serve the Struffoli warm, and store any leftovers in airtight jars for later enjoyment.
Allergen Information:
This recipe contains gluten (from the all-purpose flour) and dairy (from the yogurt). The recipe also includes hazelnuts, which are a tree nut. Be sure to check for any nut allergies before serving.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian: Yes, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat or animal-based ingredients.
- Gluten-Free: No, as it contains all-purpose flour.
- Nut-Free: No, this recipe includes hazelnuts. If you’re making it nut-free, consider substituting with other toppings or leaving the nuts out.
Tips for Making the Best Struffoli:
- Chill the dough: Don’t skip the chilling step. It helps firm up the dough and makes it easier to roll into balls.
- Fry in batches: Fry the Struffoli balls in small batches to ensure they cook evenly and don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Honey syrup: The syrup should be slightly thickened to coat the Struffoli properly. If it’s too thin, it won’t stick to the dough balls.
- Dust with icing sugar: This adds a delicate sweetness and makes the Struffoli look more festive, especially for special occasions or holidays.
Conclusion:
Struffoli is an iconic Italian dessert that is both simple and delicious, perfect for any occasion where you want to impress your guests or simply treat yourself. With a crunchy exterior, soft interior, and a sweet syrupy finish, these golden little dough balls will quickly become a favorite at your dessert table. Whether you serve them at a family gathering or during tea time with friends, Struffoli is sure to delight.
