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Carnival doughnuts

⏱ 120 min🍳 15 min👤 8 pp★★★☆☆

Each season and festival brings with it a particular flavour, a unique scent and inexplicable emotions that must be lived though in order to be fully savoured, offering that particularity of a specialty from those who know how to capture all its nuances. These cinnamon doughnuts are undoubtedly one of these treats: fried pastries, perfect for the Carnival period, made with a simple dough. It is, to be precise, a bread dough enriched with cinnamon, sugar and eggs, left to rise for the time necessary to double in volume. Fried doughnuts have a soft texture so it’s better to keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming too chewy. If you want to decorate your doughnuts with sugar you'll have to do it when they are still hot, so that the sugar sticks well. Conversely, if you prefer icing sugar, leave them to go completely cold before sprinkling!

Ingredients

Nutritional values 320 kcal / serving
Protein
5g
Carbohydrates
46g
Fat
12g
Fiber
1.5g

* approximate values per serving

Information
120 minutes Total time
15 minutes Active time
Serves 8 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Place the flour, salt, sugar, baking powder and cinnamon in a bowl. Add the water, oil and eggs and mix quickly with a fork. Transfer the dough onto a floured work surface and knead with your hands until you have a smooth, brownish dough. Let it rise in a floured bowl covered with a cloth until it has doubled in volume. When risen, take small pieces of the dough and make little cylindrical rolls about 15cm long. Join the ends together to form a doughnut shape and fry in hot oil until golden brown on both sides. Drain on absorbent paper and when cool sprinkle with icing sugar.

Tips
Carnival doughnuts are always sensational, especially when topped with regular sugar while still hot or, alternatively, with icing sugar when cold.
Trivia
In Italy there are many different versions of the doughnuts: the origins of Carnival doughnuts, however, are to be found in Marche, Umbria and Sardinia.

Step by step

Put all the ingredients in a bowl
Put all the ingredients in a bowl
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Carnival Zeppole with Powdered Sugar

One of the most delicious variations of Carnival zeppole is the one with powdered sugar, which adds an extra touch of sweetness to this classic fried treat. To prepare this version, after frying the zeppole, you can generously sprinkle them with powdered sugar for an extraordinary visual and taste effect. This addition not only makes the dish more attractive but also enhances the flavor of the cinnamon present in the dough, creating a perfect contrast. Carnival zeppole with powdered sugar are ideal for parties and celebrations, perfect to serve as a dessert or snack. Additionally, they can be accompanied by pastry cream or chocolate sauce to make every bite even more indulgent.

Neapolitan Carnival Zeppole

Neapolitan Carnival zeppole represent a culinary tradition rich in history and flavors. This typical variant from Campania stands out for its preparation, which involves the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. The zeppole, once fried, can be filled with pastry cream and decorated with candied cherries, creating a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity. The aroma of cinnamon blends with that of the cream, making every bite irresistible. Served during the Carnival season, these zeppole are a symbol of festivity and conviviality, perfect for enjoying in company and celebrating local traditions. Each bite tells a story of passion and dedication to traditional Campanian cuisine.

Light Carnival Zeppole without Oil

For those who wish to enjoy Carnival zeppole without compromising their diet, it is possible to prepare a light version without oil. This recipe uses alternative ingredients, such as water and flour, to achieve a lighter and more digestible dough. Although the texture may be slightly different from the traditional recipe, the final result will still be satisfying. The light zeppole can be baked instead of fried, ensuring a less caloric dish that is just as tasty. These zeppole are perfect for those following a balanced diet, without giving up the pleasure of a typical Carnival sweet. Dust them with a bit of powdered sugar for a finishing touch and to enhance their flavor.

Benefits of Carnival Zeppole: A Sweet to Enjoy in Moderation

Carnival zeppole, although rich in sugars and fats, can offer some benefits thanks to the ingredients used. Cinnamon, for example, is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while eggs provide proteins and essential nutrients. However, it is important to consume them in moderation, as each serving can contain about 300-400 calories, depending on the size and cooking method. This sweet, while delicious, should be considered a "treat" reserved for special occasions, such as Carnival. The key is to balance the consumption of sweets with a healthy and varied diet, to fully enjoy every celebration without overindulging.

Can Carnival Zeppole be Frozen?

Yes, Carnival zeppole can be frozen, but it is essential to follow some guidelines to preserve their taste and texture. It is advisable to freeze them after frying and before dusting them with powdered sugar or cream. To freeze them, let them cool completely and then arrange them on a tray in a single layer, covering them with plastic wrap. After a few hours, when they are well frozen, you can transfer them to a food bag. When you wish to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature and, if necessary, briefly reheat them in the oven to restore their crispiness. This way, you can savor Carnival zeppole even at a later time.