Italian Chocolate Castagnole

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 12g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, and melted butter until well combined.
3. 3.
   Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a sticky dough forms.
4. 4.
   Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for a few minutes until smooth.
5. 5.
   Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a ball, approximately the size of a cherry.
6. 6.
   In a deep pot or skillet, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (180°C).
7. 7.
   Carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil, frying them in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
8. 8.
   Remove the fried castagnole from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. 9.
   Once slightly cooled, roll the castagnole in powdered sugar until evenly coated.
10. 10.
    Serve the Italian Chocolate Castagnole warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cocoa powder — Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
• Vegetable oil — Choose a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or sunflower oil, for frying.
• Powdered sugar — Sift the powdered sugar before rolling the castagnole to ensure a smooth coating.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough.
• If the dough feels too sticky, lightly dust your hands with flour while shaping the castagnole.
• Serve the castagnole with a side of warm chocolate sauce for dipping.
• To make them even more festive, sprinkle some colored sprinkles on top of the powdered sugar coating.
• These treats are best enjoyed on the day they are made, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Italian Chocolate Castagnole as a delightful dessert or sweet snack. Arrange them on a platter and dust them with an additional sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. They pair perfectly with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of milk.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, place the castagnole on a decorative serving dish or a rustic wooden board. You can also garnish the platter with fresh mint leaves or a dusting of cocoa powder for an extra touch of elegance.