Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Messina-Style Ricotta Fraviole: The Most Indulgent Carnival Treat
Discover Messina’s ricotta fraviole — crisp, fried delights filled with creamy ricotta and a hint of cinnamon. An irresistible Carnival classic!
📖 What is it
Discover Messina’s ricotta fraviole — crisp, fried delights filled with creamy ricotta and a hint of cinnamon. An irresistible Carnival classic!
🛒 Ingredients
▸ For the pastry
- ✓ 250g plain flour
- ✓ 30g caster sugar
- ✓ 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ✓ 1 tbsp white wine
- ✓ a pinch of salt
- ✓ 100ml water
▸ For the ricotta filling
- ✓ 400g sheep’s ricotta
- ✓ 100g caster sugar
- ✓ ground cinnamon, to taste
▸ For frying
- ✓ sunflower oil, for deep-frying
- ✓ icing sugar, to dust
📊 Nutritional Information
Crunchy on the outside and soft within, Messina’s ricotta fraviole are fried treats that bring the vibrant aromas of Sicilian Carnival right to your kitchen. Made with a delicate, thin pastry and filled with creamy sheep’s ricotta gently spiced with cinnamon, these sweets are a treasured tradition in Messina and beloved across Sicily. Perfect for anyone who cherishes authentic, heartfelt flavours!
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Place the flour in a bowl, then add the sugar, olive oil, white wine, salt, and gradually pour in the water.
- 2
Knead until you have a smooth, firm dough. Wrap it in cling film and leave it to rest for half an hour.
- 3
Meanwhile, prepare the ricotta filling by sieving the ricotta, then mixing in the sugar and cinnamon until smooth and creamy.
- 4
Roll out the dough with a rolling pin until it’s thin, around 3mm thick.
- 5
Use a round cutter or a cup to cut discs roughly 8-10cm in diameter.
- 6
Spoon a generous tablespoon of the ricotta mixture into the centre of each disc, then fold them over into half-moons.
- 7
Press the edges firmly with your fingers, then seal and decorate the rims with a fluted pastry cutter.
- 8
Heat the sunflower oil in a deep pan and fry the fraviole until golden on both sides.
- 9
Drain on kitchen paper, dust with icing sugar, and serve warm.
💡 Tips and Variations
Boost the ricotta filling with chocolate chips or freshly grated orange zest for a twist. For a lighter option, try baking the fraviole at 180°C for around 20 minutes instead of frying.
📦 Storage
- • Store the fraviole in the fridge, covered with cling film, for up to a day.
- • Reheat gently in the oven before serving to bring back their crispness and aroma.
🍷 Pairing
Enjoy these Messina ricotta fraviole with a glass of Moscato di Pantelleria, a sweet, fragrant wine that perfectly complements the creamy filling and crunchy pastry.
Why not bring a slice of Sicilian Carnival to your own kitchen with these delightful fraviole? They’re a lovely way to share something special with friends and family, bursting with authentic flavours and sunshine warmth. Give them a go, and you’ll soon understand why they’re such a beloved treat across Sicily. Do let us know how you get on – it’s the perfect recipe to spread a little joy and indulge your sweet tooth!
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