As winter advances and the days grow shorter, the Friulian kitchen fills with sweet aromas that evoke warmth and tradition. Crostoli, with their crunchy texture and delicate sweetness, are a symbol of festivity and togetherness in Friuli Venezia Giulia, where each family keeps its own version of this delicacy. Made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, and eggs, crostoli stand out for their fragrance, enhanced by lemon zest that adds a touch of freshness. The preparation technique is essential: the dough is rolled out into a thin sheet and cut into rectangles, which are then fried until achieving a perfect lightness that enhances their crunchiness. Traditionally, these sweets were made during Carnival, but today they can also grace the tables of holiday festivities or simply accompany an afternoon with friends, perhaps served with a dusting of powdered sugar. In some local variations, you can also find crostoli enriched with spices or flavors, making them even more unique. Ideal to enjoy with a glass of sweet wine or a warm tea, crostoli represent a moment of sweetness that feels like home, perfect for brightening up a Sunday lunch or a snack among friends. Each bite is a reminder of tradition, a way to rediscover the roots of a cuisine that celebrates the simplicity of ingredients and the art of making.
* approximate values per serving
Mix the flour and sugar, create a mound with a hole in the center and add the eggs and softened butter. Knead well with your hands until the ingredients are well combined, then roll out a not-too-thin sheet on the work surface. With a sharp knife or a special crinkled wheel, cut out rectangles of about 10 cm x 5 cm. Make three cuts in the center lengthwise without cutting the edges and fry in plenty of oil or lard. They should remain very light (not golden). Drain on paper towels and serve dusted with powdered sugar.
Crostoli with powdered sugar and lemon represent a delicious variation of this traditional preparation. The combination of powdered sugar and grated lemon zest adds a touch of freshness and an unmistakable aroma. To make them, follow the base recipe, but before frying the Crostoli, sprinkle the surface generously with powdered sugar and a dusting of lemon zest. This not only enriches the flavor but also makes the dish visually appealing. Perfect for a snack or as a dessert for a party, Crostoli with powdered sugar and lemon will win everyone over with their delicate taste and crunchiness. Don't forget to serve them warm to best enhance the fragrance of the ingredients.
Crostoli from Friuli, made with lard, are a typical variant of the culinary tradition of Friuli Venezia Giulia. This frying technique gives the Crostoli an unparalleled crunchiness and a richer flavor compared to using oil. To make them, replace the oil with lard in the base recipe and follow the traditional procedure. The resulting Crostoli will be golden and fragrant, perfect to enjoy on special occasions or during local festivities. In this version, the preparation requires more attention during frying, as lard tends to heat up more quickly. However, the final result will reward every effort, delivering a sweet treat that tells the story and traditions of the region.
Light Crostoli without sugar are an ideal variant for those who want to enjoy this traditional sweet while keeping an eye on their figure. To prepare this version, replace the sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or erythritol. Additionally, you can use whole wheat flour to make the recipe even healthier. The preparation remains similar to the traditional one, but I recommend frying the Crostoli in an air fryer to further reduce the fat content. The result will be a crunchy and light sweet, perfect for a healthy snack or a dessert after dinner. This way, you can enjoy Crostoli without guilt, keeping their flavor and fragrance intact.
Crostoli, despite being a fried sweet, can offer some nutritional benefits, provided they are consumed in moderation. The main ingredients, such as eggs and flour, provide proteins and carbohydrates, while the addition of lemon brings vitamin C, important for the immune system. It is essential to consider that frying in oil or lard increases the caloric content of the dish. On average, 100 grams of Crostoli can contain about 400-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the cooking method. Therefore, although they are delicious, it is advisable to enjoy them occasionally, perhaps accompanied by a warm drink or tea for a balanced snack.
Yes, Crostoli can be stored, but it is important to do so correctly to maintain their crunchiness. After frying them, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container, preferably glass or plastic. It is advisable not to stack them to avoid them becoming soft. If stored this way, Crostoli can maintain their freshness for about 3-4 days. Alternatively, for longer storage, they can be frozen. In this case, it is better to lay them out on a tray in a single layer and freeze them before transferring them to a food bag. When you want to enjoy them, simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their original crunchiness.