Ricotta Zeppole Recipes

ZEPPOLE, ITALIAN RICOTTA DOUGHNUTS

Steps:

• In a Medium sized bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt and the 3 tablespoons of sugar and then set aside.
• In a stand mixer or a hand held mixer, beat together the eggs and the ricotta cheese just until fairly smooth.
• Stir the flour mixture into the ricotta mixture until thoroughly combined.
• In a large heavy pot or a dutch oven, pour in enough oil to reach 2 inches high and heat to 375*. A candy thermometer comes in handy in order to get the right temperature and ensuring the oil does not drop under 350*, while you are frying between batches.
• If the oil is not hot enough the doughnuts will be too soggy and if it is too hot then the outside will darken quickly leaving the inside under cooked.
• Use a 1 1/2 inch scoop or 2 small spoons to drop bits of dough into the hot oil.
• Fry the zeppole for about 2 to 3 minutes, turning often until they are puffed, fluffy and golden brown.
• Larger sized doughnuts will need extra time. Use a slotted spoon to remove the zeppole from the pan and drain them on paper towels. Repeat until you have used up all the batter.
• Dust with icing or powdered sugar and serve while still warm.

ZEPPOLE

Steps:

• Cut open the vanilla bean lengthwise. Using the back of a knife, scrape along the inside of the vanilla bean to collect the seeds. Scrape vanilla bean seeds into a small bowl. Add the 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon and stir to combine. Set aside.
• In a medium saucepan combine the butter, salt, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and water over medium heat. Bring to a boil. Take pan off the heat and stir in the flour. Return pan to the heat and stir continuously until mixture forms a ball, about 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer the flour mixture to a medium bowl. Using an electric hand mixer on low speed, add eggs, 1 at a time, incorporating each egg completely before adding the next. Beat until smooth. If not frying immediately, cover with plastic wrap and reserve in the refrigerator.
• Meanwhile, pour enough oil into a large frying pan to reach a depth of 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375 degrees F.
• Using a small ice-cream scooper or 2 small spoons, carefully drop about a tablespoon of the dough into the hot olive oil, frying in batches. Turn the zeppole once or twice, cooking until golden and puffed up, about 5 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Toss with cinnamon-sugar. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.

ZEPPOLE

Steps:

• Heat oil in a deep-fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• In a medium saucepan, combine the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Stir in the eggs, ricotta cheese and vanilla. Mix gently over low heat until combined. Batter will be sticky.
• Drop by tablespoons into the hot oil a few at a time. Zeppole will turn over by themselves. Fry until golden brown, about 3 or 4 minutes. Drain in a paper sack and dust with confectioners' sugar. Serve warm.

RICOTTA ZEPPOLE/ZEPPOLI - AKA "SWEET ZEPPOLI"

Steps:

• In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, stir to combine. Add raisins to flour mixture and toss to coat them.
• Add ricotta, eggs and vanilla, blend until smooth.
• Let batter rest for 15 minutes.
• Drop batter by spoonfuls into a deep pan of hot cooking oil - if using olive oil, do not use extra virgin.
• Fry until evenly golden brown on all sides.
• With a slotted spoon, remove them from oil.
• Place on brown paper to drain slightly.
• Put sugar into a paper bag, place a few warm, drained zeppole into the bag and gently shake to coat them with sugar.
• Serve while still warm.

PUMPKIN ZEPPOLE

Steps:

• Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a bowl.
• Whisk ricotta, 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, and vanilla together in a separate mixing bowl until smooth. Pour mixture into dry ingredients. Mix together until mixture becomes a loose batter.
• Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Use one spoon to scoop out a heaping tablespoon of dough and a second spoon to carefully push dough into hot oil. Fry in batches for about 1 minute. If zeppole don't turn over by themselves after 1 minute, gently turn each with a strainer to brown on the other side, about 1 more minute. Remove with a strainer and drain on cooling rack.