Ricotta Castagnole & The Perfect Italian Carnival Dessert Recipe
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Recipe Overview
Overview
Ricotta Castagnole are a delightful Italian treat that captures the essence of carnival festivities. The dough, made soft and fluffy with ricotta, is flavored with fresh orange zest, giving it a bright and aromatic profile. The process begins with mixing the ricotta and egg until smooth, followed by the careful incorporation of flour and baking powder. This gentle mixing helps maintain the dough’s light texture, which is key to the final product.
Once the dough is ready, shaping the Castagnole requires a bit of patience due to its softness. A light dusting of flour helps manage the stickiness, allowing for easy handling. The frying stage is where the magic happens; cooking them at the right temperature ensures they achieve that perfect golden-brown hue while remaining soft inside. After frying, they are rolled in sugar while still warm, adding a sweet finish that complements their rich flavor.
These Castagnole are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making them a perfect addition to any festive table. Whether enjoyed at a carnival or as a sweet indulgence at home, they are sure to impress with their unique texture and delightful flavor.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Stir the drained cow's milk ricotta quickly with the egg to smooth out lumps.
Tip: Always use untreated oranges for zest.
Tip: Lemon zest, mandarin zest, or rum can also enhance the dough.
Add sugar and stir vigorously.
Pour in the flour little by little along with sifted baking powder.
Use a spatula to incorporate any bits of flour.
Tip: Using a spatula helps incorporate flour better.
Shape the soft dough into castagnole.
Tip: Be patient with the soft dough and use a little extra flour when shaping.
Fry shaped castagnole in hot oil at 160 to 170°C, turning until golden brown.
Tip: Fry until they have a nice hazelnut color for proper cooking.
Drain fried castagnole onto fry paper.
Transfer hot castagnole to sugar and coat well.
Tip: Transfer to sugar while still hot for better coating.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Almond Ricotta
Ingredient: Eggs
→ Substitution: Flaxseed Meal + Water
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Ricotta cheese adds moisture and richness to the dough, making the Castagnole incredibly soft.
- •Using untreated oranges for zest ensures a pure flavor without pesticides.
- •Frying at the right temperature is crucial for achieving a golden-brown color and a well-cooked center.
- •These sweet treats are traditionally enjoyed during the Carnival season in Italy.
