Sweet Fried Tortelli with Strawberry Jam
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Emilia-Romagna with these Sweet Fried Tortelli, also known as Tortelli Dolci. These delectable pastries are crafted from a tender dough enriched with eggs, butter, and a hint of citrus zest, making them irresistible. Each tortello is filled with your choice of strawberry or other jam, folded lovingly, and deep-fried to a golden perfection. Sprinkled with powdered sugar and served warm, they make for a perfect dessert that embodies the comfort and charm of Northern Italian cooking. Ideal for special occasions or as a sweet treat any time of day.
N/A
Servings
280
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups (for rolling out dough)
eggs
3 (lightly beaten)
granulated sugar
1/3 cup (for the dough)
lemon
1 (zest, grated)
butter
1/2 cup (very soft for hand mixing, cold and cut into small pieces if using a food processor)
chilled white wine
1/3 cup
strawberry jam
as needed (for filling)
oil
for frying (about 2 inches deep in the pan)
powdered sugar
for dusting
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the dough. Place the all-purpose flour on a clean pastry board and create a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well and lightly beat them with a fork.
2
Add the granulated sugar, grated lemon zest, softened butter, and chilled white wine into the well. Mix the ingredients thoroughly with the eggs, ensuring the butter is well incorporated.
3
Gradually fold in the flour from the edges of the well using your hands, until the mixture comes together into a cohesive dough.
4
If using a food processor, combine the flour, eggs, sugar, lemon zest, and cold butter in the bowl. Process until the ingredients are blended well. Then, add the chilled wine and continue processing until the dough forms a ball.
5
Wrap the dough in waxed paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to rest.
6
Once chilled, lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Use a 3-inch round scalloped pastry cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough.
7
Place a heaping teaspoon of your chosen strawberry jam in the center of each circle. Fold the circles in half, pressing the edges firmly to seal, ensuring the filling doesn't escape during frying.
8
In a large saucepan or deep fryer, pour in enough oil to create a depth of 2 inches. Heat until the oil reaches 375°F (190°C) or until a 1-inch cube of bread turns golden brown almost immediately when added.
9
Using a slotted spoon, carefully lower a few tortelli into the hot oil. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown on both sides.
10
Once cooked, remove the tortelli with a slotted spoon and allow them to drain on paper towels. Serve warm, arranged on a platter, and dusted with powdered sugar.
Nutrition Information
16.5g
Fat
25g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet Fried Tortelli?
Sweet Fried Tortelli, also known as Tortelli Dolci, are traditional pastries from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, consisting of a tender dough filled with jam and deep-fried until golden.
What is the origin of this dessert?
This recipe originates from Northern Italy, specifically the Emilia-Romagna region.
What type of filling is traditionally used?
While this recipe uses strawberry jam, you can use your choice of various jams or sweet fillings.
How long must the dough rest?
The dough should be wrapped in waxed paper and refrigerated for at least 1 hour to rest properly.
How thin should I roll out the dough?
The dough should be rolled out to a thickness of approximately 1/8 inch.
What size should the pastry circles be?
Use a 3-inch round scalloped pastry cutter or a glass to cut out the circles.
How much jam goes into each tortello?
Place one heaping teaspoon of jam in the center of each dough circle.
How do I ensure the filling doesn't leak during frying?
Fold the circles in half and press the edges firmly to seal them completely.
What is the ideal oil temperature for frying?
The oil should reach 375°F (190°C) before you begin frying.
How can I test the oil temperature without a thermometer?
You can drop a 1-inch cube of bread into the oil; if it turns golden brown almost immediately, the oil is ready.
How long do the tortelli need to fry?
They should be fried for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown.
What is the recommended serving temperature?
Sweet Fried Tortelli are best served warm.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 280 calories, 16.5g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 4g of protein.
What kind of flour is best for this recipe?
All-purpose flour is recommended for the dough.
Can I use a food processor to make the dough?
Yes, you can combine the flour, eggs, sugar, zest, and cold butter in a food processor, then add wine and process until a ball forms.
What gives the dough its citrus flavor?
The addition of one grated lemon's zest provides a hint of citrus.
Why is white wine used in the dough?
Chilled white wine is used to help create a tender texture and unique flavor profile in the pastry.
How deep should the oil be for frying?
You should use enough oil to create a depth of about 2 inches in your saucepan or deep fryer.
How should the tortelli be finished before serving?
They should be drained on paper towels and then dusted with powdered sugar.
What type of butter should I use?
Use softened butter if mixing by hand, or cold butter cut into small pieces if using a food processor.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe calls for 3 lightly beaten eggs.
Can I make these for special occasions?
Yes, they are ideal for holidays, special occasions, or as a sweet treat any time of day.
What tools do I need to remove the tortelli from the oil?
A slotted spoon is best for safely lowering and removing the tortelli from the hot oil.
Is there any sugar in the dough itself?
Yes, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar is included in the dough mixture.
What happens if I don't seal the edges properly?
The jam filling may escape into the hot oil during the frying process.
What is the texture of the dough?
The dough is tender and enriched with butter and eggs, becoming crispy and golden when fried.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients: flour, eggs, sugar, lemon, butter, white wine, jam, oil, and powdered sugar.
What is the best way to roll the dough?
Roll it out on a lightly floured clean surface to prevent sticking.
Can these be stored?
They are best enjoyed fresh and warm, though they can be stored briefly; they may lose their crispness over time.
Is this a traditional Italian recipe?
Yes, it is a classic example of Northern Italian comfort food and pastry craftsmanship.