Sfinci Sicilian Fried Dough Recipes

SFINGI RECIPE

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large heavy pot and attached a deep fry thermometer to the side. Heat the oil to 365ºF/185ºC.
• In bowl whisk the flour, baking powder and salt.
• In another bowl, whisk the ricotta, eggs and superfine sugar until smooth.
• Gradually whisk the milk into the ricotta mixture and then the vanilla.
• Gently whisk the ricotta mixture into the flour until combined.
• Before you start frying mix the sugar and cinnamon (if using) in a bowl ready to roll the sfingi.
• Prepare a tray lined with paper towels ready to drain the sfingi.
• Once the oil is at the correct temperature, use two teaspoons to scoop and push the batter into the hot oil. Don't overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 5 minutes until the sfingi are well browned.
• Remove and drain on the paper towels then roll in cinnamon sugar

SICILIAN PIZZA (SFINCIONE)

Steps:

• First, make the dough. Mix the yeast and sugar with the warm water. Place the flour and salt in a mixer with a dough hook, or in a bowl, make a well in the middle and pour in the liquid and oil. Mix by hand for 10 mins or 5 mins in the mixer, until dough is silky. Tip into a well-oiled bowl, cover with a cloth and place somewhere warm for about 40 mins or until doubled in size.
• Tip the dough onto a work surface and knead for 2 mins, knocking out any air pockets. The dough should be soft but not too elastic.
• Dust a 25 x 16cm baking tray with a little flour and place the dough in the centre. Using the palms of your hands and tips of your fingers, push the dough to the edges of the tray. Leave it for 30 mins to rise. While the dough is rising, fry the sausage in a dry pan until crumbly.
• Heat oven to 230C/210C fan/gas 8. Spread the tomato sauce over the base, followed by the sausage, ricotta, provolone and dried breadcrumbs. Finally, drizzle with olive oil. Put in the oven for 5 mins, then turn down the heat and cook at 200C/180C fan/gas 6 for 20-25 mins, until golden brown. Leave to cool slightly, then cut into 6 chunks and serve.

ITALIAN SFINGI (ITALIAN DOUGHNUTS)

Steps:

• Mix flour, sugar, and baking powder.
• Add eggs, water, and vanilla; mix well.
• Drop batter by tablespoons in hot, deep oil.
• If oil is hot enough, sfingi will cook and turn over without help.
• If not, turn with a large spoon to brown on both sides.
• Add as many sfingi that will fit in skillet or deep-fryer.
• Fry until golden brown.
• Drain on paper towels.
• Combine powdered sugar and cinnamon.
• Sprinkle warm sfingi with powdered sugar and cinnamon mixture.
• Delicious served warm!