Zippuli - Italian Fried Dough Balls

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) warm water 1 cup (240ml) warm water
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar or honey, for dusting Powdered sugar or honey, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 5g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing well until a soft dough forms.
3. 3.
   Add the lemon zest and vanilla extract to the dough, kneading it gently until fully incorporated.
4. 4.
   Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
5. 5.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
6. 6.
   Take small portions of the dough and shape them into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
7. 7.
   Carefully drop the dough balls into the hot oil, frying them in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy. This should take about 3-4 minutes per batch.
8. 8.
   Remove the fried dough balls from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. 9.
   Dust the Zippuli with powdered sugar or drizzle them with honey while they are still warm.
10. 10.
    Serve the Zippuli immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemon zest — Make sure to wash the lemon thoroughly before zesting it. Use a fine grater or a zester to obtain the zest, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm and cozy flavor.
• Serve Zippuli with a side of Nutella or chocolate sauce for dipping.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the dough balls in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 15 minutes instead of frying them.
• Experiment with different toppings such as powdered cocoa, caramel sauce, or fruit preserves to add variety to your Zippuli.
• To ensure a crispy texture, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the dough balls.

Serving advice

Zippuli is best served warm, straight from the fryer. Arrange them on a platter and dust them generously with powdered sugar. Serve them as a delightful snack or dessert option for family gatherings or special occasions.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can serve Zippuli on a rustic wooden board or a colorful plate. Sprinkle some extra powdered sugar on top and garnish with a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.