Chiacchiere - Italian Carnival Pastries

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 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: 10g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugars: 8g)
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, lemon zest, and salt.
2. 2.
   Add the melted butter and eggs to the bowl, and mix until the ingredients come together to form a dough.
3. 3.
   Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Divide the dough into two equal portions and cover them with a clean kitchen towel. Let them rest for 30 minutes.
5. 5.
   On a floured surface, roll out one portion of the dough into a thin sheet, about 1/8 inch thick.
6. 6.
   Cut the dough into rectangular strips, approximately 3 inches long and 1 inch wide.
7. 7.
   Make a small slit in the center of each strip and pull one end through it to create a twisted shape.
8. 8.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (180°C).
9. 9.
   Carefully drop a few strips of dough into the hot oil and fry them until golden brown on both sides.
10. 10.
    Remove the fried chiacchiere using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
11. 11.
    Repeat the frying process with the remaining dough.
12. 12.
    Once the chiacchiere have cooled slightly, dust them generously with powdered sugar.
13. 13.
    Serve the chiacchiere immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Flour — Use all-purpose flour for the best results, as it provides the right texture and structure to the chiacchiere.
• Lemon zest — Make sure to grate only the outer yellow part of the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath, as it can affect the taste of the pastries.
• Vegetable oil — Choose a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or sunflower oil, for frying the chiacchiere.

Tips & Tricks

• Ensure the dough is well-rested to achieve a light and crispy texture.
• Dust the chiacchiere with powdered sugar just before serving to maintain their crispiness.
• Experiment with different shapes and sizes to add variety to your presentation.
• For a twist, drizzle melted chocolate or honey over the chiacchiere before dusting them with powdered sugar.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Serving advice

Serve the chiacchiere as a delightful sweet treat during Carnival celebrations or as a special dessert for any occasion. They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine.

Presentation advice

Arrange the chiacchiere on a serving platter, dusted generously with powdered sugar. You can also sprinkle some colorful edible confetti or drizzle melted chocolate over them for an extra festive touch.