Best Easy Castagnole Recipe

Little fried dough balls, golden and sugar-dusted, are Italy's cheerful Carnival treats. These small mediterranean sweets bring families together during the festive season.

Cook 45 min Difficulty NORMAL 210 kcal
#Mediterranean #vegetarian
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • all-purpose flour 1.5 cups
  • whole milk 0.25 cups
  • large eggs 2 pieces
  • ricotta cheese 0.25 cups
  • baking powder 1 tsp
  • lemon zest 1 tsp
  • vegetable oil (for frying) 2 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • granulated sugar 0.33 cups
  • vanilla extract 1 tsp
  • salt 0.25 tsp
  • powdered sugar (for dusting) 0.25 cups
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 28 g 53%
Protein 4 g 8%
Fat 9 g 39%
Serving size 60g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest in a mixing bowl and whisk until evenly distributed.

  2. 2

    In a separate bowl, blend ricotta cheese, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.

  3. 3

    Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring constantly with a spatula until you achieve a soft, slightly sticky dough. Do not overmix.

  4. 4

    Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 340°F, maintaining steady medium heat for even cooking.

  5. 5

    Using a small cookie scoop or two teaspoons, carefully drop dough balls into the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.

  6. 6

    Fry each dough ball for 2–3 minutes, gently turning occasionally for even golden color, until puffed and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

  7. 7

    While still warm, toss the fried castagnole in powdered sugar to coat evenly. Serve fresh or at room temperature.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Castagnole recipe?
Ricotta cheese and lemon zest are the hallmark ingredients here—they give the Castagnole their signature moist crumb and subtle citrus fragrance, while the main structure is built on simple all-purpose flour and eggs.
Q. What is the most important cooking technique for perfect Castagnole?
Maintaining the frying oil at around 340°F over steady medium heat is crucial. Consistent temperature ensures the dough balls cook through evenly without excessive oil absorption or over-browning.
Q. How can I prevent my Castagnole from turning out dense or oily?
Use gentle mixing to avoid overworking the dough, and fry in small batches so the oil temperature doesn’t drop. Overcrowding leads to soggy, dense results. Drain them well on paper towels after frying.
Q. How many calories are in a serving of this recipe?
Each 60g serving contains approximately 210 kcal, with 28g of carbohydrates (53% of calories), 4g of protein (8%), and 9g of fat (39%).
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