Sweet Ricotta Fritters

In Italy, Carnevale is the last celebration before lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Lent has historically been the time before Easter when many Catholics deprive themselves of something they enjoy. The thought is to indulge yourself completely, and then spend the period of Lent recovering.

During the celebration of Carnevale, there are many delicious specialities consumed, some of them fried tidbits such as these light as air Fried Ricotta Puffs, or fritters. I find it best to keep them fairly small to ensure they are cooked all the way through once browned. I prefer these delicate fritters lightly dusted with powdered sugar, but they are also delicious drizzled with honey also.

Ricotta Fritters Fried Before Dusting With Sugar

Buon Appetito!
Deborah Mele 

Sweet Ricotta Fritters

Sweet Ricotta Fritters

Yield: Makes About 40
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

During the celebration of Carnevale, there are many delicious specialities consumed, some of them fried tidbits such as these light as air Fried Ricotta Puffs, or fritters.

Ingredients

  • 4 Eggs
  • 1/3 Cup Sugar
  • 1 Pound Full Fat Ricotta Cheese
  • Zest of 1/2 Lemon
  • Juice From 1/2 Lemon
  • 1 Cup All-purpose Flour
  • 1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
  • 1 Pinch of Salt
  • Canola Oil, For Frying

To Finish:

  • Powdered Sugar

Instructions

  1. Mix together the eggs and sugar, then add the ricotta, lemon zest and juice.
  2. In a separate bowl mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, and beat just until smooth.
  4. Fill a pot or deep-fryer half full with oil (at least 3 inches deep) and heat until oil gets to 360 degrees F.
  5. Drop dough into hot oil by the teaspoonful and fry until golden brown.
  6. Remove from the oil, and drain on a tray covered with paper towels.
  7. Dust with powdered sugar, and serve immediately.

Did you make this recipe?

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3 Comments

  1. Good morning,

    I love your website……upi make me want to leave right away for a trip! Even though I am 100% Italian, I have only been to Tuscany . I have to get on the ball!

    I am going to try your pork and little ricotta balls.

    Keep up the great writing and good luck this summer!

  2. These friters look exactly like the “struffli” my inlaws used to make every Christmas time. I am making them for New Years Eve and hope they taste as wonderful as they look!!

  3. I have been looking for this recipe over 20 years now, i was given this recipe from a coworker when i was working at a nursing home,  i made it for my kids and they loved it, however, i lost the the recipe and forgot how to make them.  I can’t believe i just found it, can’t wait to get it started and surprise my grandchildren’.  Thank God for the internet and your post.

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