Zeppola di Riso with a Twist

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) Arborio rice 1 cup (200g) Arborio rice
• 2 cups (470ml) whole milk 2 cups (470ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 20g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a saucepan, combine the Arborio rice, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the mixture has thickened, about 20 minutes.
2. 2.
   Remove the rice mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and let it cool completely.
3. 3.
   Once the rice mixture has cooled, add the flour and eggs to the bowl. Stir until well combined and a sticky dough forms.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
5. 5.
   Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the rice dough into the hot oil. Fry the fritters in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
6. 6.
   Remove the fritters from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. 7.
   Dust the fritters with powdered sugar while they are still warm.
8. 8.
   Serve the Zeppola di Riso with a Twist warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Arborio rice — Make sure to cook the rice until it is tender and the mixture has thickened. This will ensure a creamy and flavorful interior for the fritters.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a tablespoon of orange zest to the rice mixture.
• Serve the Zeppola di Riso with a Twist with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the fritters in the oven instead of deep-frying them. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serving advice

Serve the Zeppola di Riso with a Twist warm or at room temperature. Dust them with powdered sugar just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Zeppola di Riso with a Twist on a platter and sprinkle some additional powdered sugar on top for an elegant presentation. You can also garnish with a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.