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Ricette di Sicilia

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Carnival Cuḍḍureḍḍi from Palma di Montechiaro: A Sweet Sicilian Celebration

Carnival Cuḍḍureḍḍi from Palma di Montechiaro: A Sweet Sicilian Celebration

📖 What is it

Discover the Carnival cuḍḍureḍḍi from Palma di Montechiaro — semolina treats scented with orange and cinnamon, capturing the joyful spirit of Sicilian festivities!

⏱️
Prep Time
about 20 minutes
🔥
Cook Time
around 20 minutes
👥
Serve
Serves 10
📊
Difficulty
Easy
💰 Budget-friendly
🗓️ Winter
4.70/5

🛒 Ingredients

  • 500 ml milk
  • 500 ml water
  • 500 g semolina flour
  • Zest of 2 organic oranges, finely grated
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 50 g caster sugar, plus extra for coating
  • A pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Vegetable oil for deep frying

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories
150 kcal
Carbohydrates
25 g
Fat
5 g
Protein
3 g

Step into the enchanting world of Sicilian Carnival with these cuḍḍureḍḍi from Palma di Montechiaro: delicate little fried dough rings, fragrant with orange zest and dusted with cinnamon sugar, each bite telling a story of celebration and cheer.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

  1. 1

    In a saucepan, combine the milk, water, olive oil, sugar, cinnamon, salt and orange zest.

  2. 2

    Bring to the boil, then add the semolina all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon.

  3. 3

    When the mixture pulls away from the sides, remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.

  4. 4

    Turn the dough out onto a work surface and knead until smooth and even.

  5. 5

    Take small portions of dough, roll into sticks about 20 cm long, then shape into little rings.

  6. 6

    Deep fry the cuḍḍureḍḍi in plenty of hot oil until golden and puffed up.

  7. 7

    Drain on kitchen paper and immediately toss in a mix of sugar and cinnamon.

  8. 8

    Serve warm to enjoy their full fragrant charm.

💡 Tips and Variations

  • For a more intense aroma, stir in a tablespoon of orange liqueur or anise, classic Sicilian flavours, into the dough.

  • If you prefer a crunchier texture, add an extra tablespoon of plain flour to the mix.

  • Try a lighter version by baking them in the oven at 180°C until golden instead of frying.

  • Enhance the flavour by adding a pinch of finely grated lemon zest alongside the orange.

  • The key to perfect cuḍḍureḍḍi is gentle frying at a moderate temperature to achieve crispness without burning.

📦 Storage

  • Store the cuḍḍureḍḍi in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy within two days to keep them fresh and fragrant.
  • Make sure the treats are completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture spoiling their crispness.
  • To revive their original crunch, warm them gently in a low oven (about 100°C) for a few minutes.

🍷 Pairing

To complement the citrusy and spicy notes of the cuḍḍureḍḍi, a sweet and aromatic Moscato from Pantelleria is ideal. Alternatively, a passito from Noto or a Tuscan Vin Santo pairs beautifully with this dessert.

Making these cuḍḍureḍḍi from Palma di Montechiaro brings a slice of Sicilian Carnival tradition right into your kitchen. Let their warm, inviting aroma and authentic flavours brighten your celebrations — and don’t forget to share the joy with your loved ones!

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