In Calabria, where the aroma of fresh bread mingles with the scent of freshly cooked potatoes, cullurielli emerge as sweet symbols of a deep-rooted and fascinating tradition. These golden sticks, made with a dough of '00' flour, yeast, and potatoes, are characterized by their soft texture and delicate flavor, perfect for accompanying moments of celebration and conviviality. Their preparation begins with cooking the potatoes, which, when mashed and added to the dough, provide a unique lightness and natural sweetness, making each bite a warm experience. Traditionally, cullurielli are served during the holidays, but their versatility also makes them suitable for a sweet awakening or an afternoon tea. In some local variations, you may find the addition of powdered sugar, which not only enhances the flavor but also offers a charming visual contrast with the golden crispness of the surface. These sweets are perfect for sharing with family during celebrations, but they can also be a great choice for a snack among friends, accompanied by a cup of coffee or a good tea. Their preparation, which requires attention and care, invites you to rediscover the slow rhythms of home cooking, where every gesture is full of meaning and every ingredient is chosen with love. With cullurielli, Calabria presents itself in all its authenticity, ready to delight the palates of anyone fortunate enough to taste them.

Boil the potatoes, peel them, pass them through a potato ricer, and add the yeast dissolved in half a glass of lukewarm water. Knead until you obtain a very soft dough, then add the flour, more lukewarm water, and a pinch of salt. Work the dough thoroughly and shape it into sticks with a diameter of just over one centimeter and a length of about thirty centimeters. Join the ends of each stick to form a ring. Let the rings rise, covered with a cloth, for a couple of hours, then fry them in plenty of hot oil until they are well puffed and have doubled in size. Drain the golden and crispy cullurielli, dusting them with powdered sugar.
A traditional specialty for Christmas Eve.