Deliciously Fluffy New Jersey Zeppoles
Indulge in the delightful experience of making and savoring these classic New Jersey Zeppoles, a beloved treat reminiscent of boardwalk summers. Originally shared by my talented friend Kiss--My--Tiara, these zeppoles are not just your ordinary fried snack; they offer a unique blend of flavors and textures that elevate them above fritters, donut holes, or funnel cakes. Light and airy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and generously dusted with powdered sugar, these zeppoles are perfect for sharing with family and friends, or enjoying all by yourself. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your loved ones with this sweet, satisfying recipe!
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
3 (cups)
salt
1 (teaspoon)
instant yeast
1 (package (2 1/4 teaspoons))
warm water
1 (cup)
eggs
3 (large, beaten)
vegetable oil
6 (cups, for frying)
powdered sugar
to taste (for dusting)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt using a wooden spoon for even distribution.
2
In a separate bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the warm water. Gently stir with a fork until the yeast completely dissolves and starts to foam, indicating it's active.
3
Once your yeast mixture is bubbly, pour it into the flour mixture. Add the beaten eggs and mix until you form a smooth batter.
4
Cover the bowl with a damp dish towel and place it in a warm environment, such as on top of your refrigerator, to rise for 20 minutes.
5
After 20 minutes, check the dough for rise. If it's expanded, gently mix it again and let it rise for an additional 20 minutes.
6
While the dough rises, heat the vegetable oil in a deep saucepan or fryer to medium heat.
7
Once the oil is hot, carefully spoon the dough into the oil, using about the size of 2 golf balls per zeppole. Test the heat with the first batch to ensure proper frying.
8
Fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side, then remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
9
While still warm, transfer the zeppoles to a paper bag with powdered sugar. Shake gently until they are evenly coated with sugar.
10
Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet and messy experience!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are New Jersey Zeppoles?
New Jersey Zeppoles are a classic Italian-American fried dough treat popular at boardwalks, known for being light, airy, and covered in powdered sugar.
What is the texture of these zeppoles?
These zeppoles are light and airy on the inside with a crispy outer shell.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 7 main ingredients: all-purpose flour, salt, instant yeast, warm water, eggs, vegetable oil, and powdered sugar.
What type of flour should I use?
You should use 3 cups of all-purpose flour for this recipe.
What kind of yeast is required?
The recipe calls for one package of instant yeast, which is approximately 2 1/4 teaspoons.
How much water is used in the dough?
The recipe requires 1 cup of warm water to dissolve the yeast.
How many eggs do I need?
You will need 3 large eggs, which should be beaten before being added to the batter.
How long does the dough need to rise?
The dough rises in two 20-minute intervals, for a total of 40 minutes of rising time.
Where is the best place to let the dough rise?
A warm environment is best, such as on top of your refrigerator.
Why should I cover the bowl with a damp dish towel?
A damp towel keeps the dough from drying out while it rises in a warm spot.
What type of oil is best for frying zeppoles?
The recipe recommends using 6 cups of vegetable oil.
How hot should the frying oil be?
The oil should be heated to a medium heat in a deep saucepan or fryer.
How large should each zeppole be when frying?
Each zeppole should be about the size of 2 golf balls.
How long do you fry the zeppoles?
Fry them for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
How do I remove the zeppoles from the hot oil?
Use a slotted spoon to safely remove the zeppoles and place them on paper towels.
What is the best way to coat them in powdered sugar?
Place the warm zeppoles in a paper bag with powdered sugar and shake gently until evenly coated.
Should zeppoles be served warm or cold?
Zeppoles are best enjoyed immediately while they are still warm.
How many servings does this recipe produce?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
Is this recipe the same as making funnel cakes?
No, these zeppoles offer a unique blend of flavors and textures that distinguish them from funnel cakes or donut holes.
Can I use a wooden spoon to mix the flour?
Yes, a wooden spoon is recommended for even distribution of the flour and salt.
What should I do if the yeast doesn't foam?
If the yeast doesn't foam, it may be inactive; you should start over with fresh yeast and warm water.
Are these zeppoles considered a dessert?
Yes, they are categorized as a sweet treat or dessert.
Can I make these zeppoles at home?
Yes, this recipe is designed for easy homemade preparation to recreate the boardwalk experience.
How do I ensure the oil is at the right temperature?
Test the heat with the first batch of dough to ensure it fries properly without burning.
Do I need to mix the dough again after the first rise?
Yes, after the first 20 minutes, gently mix the dough again before letting it rise for another 20 minutes.
What is the purpose of the paper towels?
Paper towels are used to absorb any excess oil from the zeppoles after frying.
Can I add other toppings besides powdered sugar?
While powdered sugar is traditional, you can customize them, though the recipe focuses on the classic sugar coating.
Is the salt important in the dough?
Yes, the teaspoon of salt helps balance the flavors in the batter.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
What should the consistency of the batter be?
The batter should be mixed until it is smooth before being set aside to rise.