Zeppole-Italian Donuts

Zeppole means "fritters" in Italian, and these little fried balls dusted in confectioner's sugar are crunchy on the outside and light and spongy on the inside. You will find them sitting behind the glass counters in pizza parlors all over Long Island and all the boroughs of New York City. They are so delicious and easy to make at home!

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Prep Time25

Cook Time2

Course: Breakfast, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Italian

Servings: 28

Calories: 75

Equipment

Deep Fryer (optional)

Ingredients

2 quarts oil canola or vegetable oil for the deep fryer
4 eggs
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups ricotta cheese
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 package yeast Rapid Rise Instant Yeast (or 1 tablespoon of baking powder)
1 cup confectioner's sugar sifted, for sprinkling

Instructions

Preheat a deep fryer to 375°. Or you can use a large saucepot on the stovetop.
Place paper towels on a large tray or cookie sheet.
With a mixer on medium speed, mix together the eggs, sugar and vanilla extract.
Add the ricotta cheese, mix well.
On lowest speed, mix in the all-purpose flour and the yeast to form a soft dough.
Carefully and slowly drop a spoonful (about 1½ tablespoons) into the oil. Use another spoon to scrape it into the oil. I use a scant ice cream scoopful of dough.
Cook the zeppole about 2 minutes, until they are a medium brown color. Cut or taste just one first, to make sure they are cooked in the middle with the size you are making. If you make them too big, you will need to cook them longer, maybe 3-4 minutes.
Drain the zeppole on the paper towels. Dust immediately with confectioner's sugar.
Store zeppole covered on top of the counter.

EXTRA TIP:

CAN YOU EAT JUST ONE? Keep in mind this recipe makes 28 zeppole, and the nutritional information is for 1 zeppola!

YOU may prefer to sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top of the zeppole.

LEFTOVERS? Really? Reheat zeppole in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

Nutrition