Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Palermitan Fried Doughnuts – A Sicilian Treat for Any Occasion
Discover these irresistible Palermitan fried doughnuts, a beloved Sicilian classic with a soft centre and crisp golden exterior.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 500 g plain flour
- ✓ 250 ml water
- ✓ 200 g caster sugar
- ✓ 50 g lard
- ✓ 30 g fresh yeast
- ✓ Pinch of salt
- ✓ Vegetable oil for frying
📊 Nutritional Information
Few things are as evocative of Sicily as the scent of freshly fried dough drifting from a bakery in the early morning. These Palermitan fried doughnuts — soft, golden and wonderfully fragrant — are a treasured treat across Palermo and western Sicily.
They’re the sort of sweet you enjoy at any time of day: warm for breakfast with a strong coffee, or later in the afternoon with a cup of tea. Their fluffy interior and delicate crispness on the outside make them a favourite for children and adults alike, a nostalgic snack for generations of Sicilian schoolchildren who would tuck one into their rucksacks for break time.
Making them at home brings a little of that island charm into your kitchen — the perfect indulgence for those days when you want something simple, comforting and unmistakably traditional.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Mix the sifted flour with 100 g of sugar, a pinch of salt and the lard at room temperature.
- 2
Add the fresh yeast dissolved in a little warm water, then gradually pour in the remaining water until you have a smooth, soft dough.
- 3
Cover the dough with a tea towel and leave it to rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- 4
Divide the dough into portions of about 50 g each, shape them into doughnuts and let them rise again for about 1 hour.
- 5
Once doubled in size, fry the doughnuts in hot vegetable oil, turning continuously until they are puffed and golden on both sides.
- 6
Drain on kitchen paper, roll in caster sugar and serve warm.
💡 Tips and Variations
For a fragrant twist, add grated lemon zest or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough. You can also replace the lard with butter for a more delicate flavour.
📦 Storage
- • Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- • Freeze the cooked doughnuts for up to 1 month.
- • Reheat in the oven at 150°C for 5 minutes before serving.
🍷 Pairing
These light, airy doughnuts pair beautifully with a glass of Moscato di Pantelleria, whose aromatic sweetness highlights their delicate flavour.
Thank you for trying this recipe — I hope these Palermitan fried doughnuts bring a little Sicilian joy to your table. Enjoy every soft, sugary bite!
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