Crispy Italian Ricotta Fritters with Sweet Dusting
These Crispy Italian Ricotta Fritters are a delightful treat that brings the essence of traditional Italian desserts to your table. This cherished recipe is a nostalgic reminder of the joy of sharing culinary secrets with friends. Rich, creamy ricotta cheese is blended with just the right balance of sugar and vanilla, then transformed into perfectly fried balls with a crispy exterior and a soft, cheesy center. Finished with a heavenly dusting of powdered sugar or a cinnamon-sugar mix, these fritters make for a delightful dessert that your family and friends will adore. Perfect for any occasion, these ricotta balls are sure to impress with their extraordinary flavor and delightful texture.
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggs
3 (beaten)
Baking Powder
2 teaspoons (none)
Ricotta Cheese
1 lb (none)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (none)
All-Purpose Flour
1 cup (none)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (none)
Oil or Shortening
for frying (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, ricotta cheese, sugar, vanilla, and baking powder. Mix until smooth and well combined.
2
Gradually add the flour to the mixture, stirring gently until a consistent batter forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture.
3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 1 hour at room temperature. This will help improve the texture.
4
After resting, heat oil or shortening in a frying pan over medium heat until hot but not smoking (about 350°F or 175°C).
5
Using teaspoons or an ice cream scoop, portion out the batter and carefully form it into small balls.
6
Fry the ricotta balls in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to turn them gently for even cooking.
7
Once cooked, remove the fritters from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
8
While still warm, toss the fritters in a bowl of powdered sugar or a mix of cinnamon and sugar to coat evenly.
9
Serve warm and enjoy with family and friends!
Nutrition Information
5.3g
Fat
14.7g
Carbs
2.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Italian Ricotta Fritters?
These are traditional Italian dessert balls made from a blend of ricotta cheese, sugar, and vanilla, fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
What are the main ingredients for these fritters?
The main ingredients include 3 eggs, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 pound of ricotta cheese, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and oil for frying.
How many eggs are required?
You will need 3 eggs, which should be beaten before mixing with the other ingredients.
How much ricotta cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of ricotta cheese.
What is the first step in making the batter?
In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, ricotta cheese, sugar, vanilla, and baking powder, and mix until smooth.
How should the flour be added?
Gradually add the flour to the mixture, stirring gently until a consistent batter forms without overmixing.
Why is it important not to overmix the batter?
Avoiding overmixing helps maintain a light and airy texture in the fritters.
Does the batter need to rest?
Yes, the batter should be covered and allowed to rest for 1 hour at room temperature to improve the texture.
What temperature should the oil be for frying?
The oil should be heated to approximately 350°F or 175°C.
What type of fat can be used for frying?
You can use either vegetable oil or shortening for frying the fritters.
How do I portion the batter for frying?
You can use teaspoons or a small ice cream scoop to portion the batter into small balls.
How long do the ricotta balls need to fry?
The balls should be fried for approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
What tool is recommended for turning the fritters?
A slotted spoon is recommended to turn them gently and ensure even cooking.
How should I remove the excess oil after frying?
Place the cooked fritters on paper towels immediately after removing them from the oil to drain.
What are the dusting options for these fritters?
You can toss the warm fritters in powdered sugar or a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
Should the fritters be served warm or cold?
These fritters are best enjoyed while they are still warm.
How many calories are in a serving of these fritters?
Each serving contains approximately 120 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 5.3 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 14.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of the fritters?
Each serving provides about 2.7 grams of protein.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 7 distinct ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is vanilla extract necessary?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is used to provide the signature flavor profile.
What is the purpose of baking powder in this recipe?
Baking powder acts as a leavening agent to help the fritters puff up and stay light.
Can I cook all the fritters at once?
No, it is best to fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature.
What kind of flour should I use?
All-purpose flour is the recommended type for this recipe.
What is the texture of the finished fritter?
They have a crispy golden-brown exterior and a soft, creamy cheesy center.
Are these fritters considered a dessert?
Yes, they are categorized as an Italian dessert and a sweet treat.
How much sugar goes into the batter?
The batter itself uses 2 tablespoons of sugar, with additional sugar used for dusting.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dessert and comfort food suitable for party snacks.
When should the sugar dusting be applied?
The dusting should be applied while the fritters are still warm so the sugar adheres better.