Iris alla Siciliana

Ingredients

• For the choux pastry: For the choux pastry:
• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 2 cups (480g) ricotta cheese 2 cups (480g) ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips 1/2 cup (90g) chocolate chips
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• For frying: For frying:
• Vegetable oil Vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 18g (9g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 32g (18g sugars)
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, bring water, butter, and salt to a boil. Reduce heat to low and add flour. Stir vigorously until the mixture forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
2. 2.
   Transfer the dough to a mixing bowl and let it cool for a few minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated and the dough is smooth.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sugar, chocolate chips, orange zest, and lemon zest. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
5. 5.
   Using a spoon or a piping bag, drop small portions of the choux pastry into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, turning them occasionally for even cooking. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
6. 6.
   Once the fritters have cooled slightly, make a small incision in each fritter and fill it generously with the ricotta mixture.
7. 7.
   Serve the Iris fritters warm and enjoy the delightful combination of crispy pastry and creamy filling.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ricotta cheese — Make sure to use a good quality ricotta cheese for a creamy and smooth filling.
• Orange and lemon zest — Use organic citrus fruits and wash them thoroughly before zesting to avoid any bitterness in the zest.
• Chocolate chips — You can use dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate chips based on your preference. Ensure they are evenly distributed in the filling.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a crispy exterior, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the fritters.
• Allow the choux pastry to cool slightly before adding the eggs to prevent them from scrambling.
• Fill the fritters just before serving to maintain their crispiness.
• Dust the filled fritters with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
• Serve the Iris fritters with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Iris fritters warm as a delightful dessert or a sweet treat during special occasions. They pair perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed espresso or a scoop of vanilla gelato.

Presentation advice

Arrange the filled Iris fritters on a platter and dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Garnish with a few fresh mint leaves or thin strips of orange zest for a pop of color.