Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
St Joseph’s Sicilian Fritters - A Sweet Treat for Father’s Day
Light, airy Sicilian fritters dusted with icing sugar, perfect for celebrating St Joseph’s Day with a touch of Mediterranean charm.
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 500 g plain flour
- ✓ 25 g fresh yeast
- ✓ 300 ml milk
- ✓ A pinch of salt
- ✓ Icing sugar, for dusting
- ✓ Extra-virgin olive oil or lard, for frying
📊 Nutritional Information
In Sicily, St Joseph’s Day on 19 March marks one of the most beloved culinary traditions of the year - a lively celebration of family, festivity and, of course, sweet indulgence. Among the many delights prepared for the occasion, these airy fritters stand out as a true classic: light, golden morsels that disappear almost as quickly as they’re made.
Known locally as bignè di San Giuseppe, they are simple, joyful pastries - crisp on the outside, soft within - served warm and generously dusted with icing sugar. Their aroma alone evokes springtime gatherings, bustling kitchens and the unmistakable comfort of homemade Sicilian baking.
Whether enjoyed at the end of a leisurely lunch or shared with loved ones over an afternoon coffee, these fritters bring a touch of Mediterranean sunshine to the British table, celebrating tradition in the sweetest way possible.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Stir the flour into two small glasses’ worth of milk, mixing steadily with a wooden spoon.
- 2
Dissolve the fresh yeast in two tablespoons of warm milk, then add it to the mixture with a pinch of salt.
- 3
Cover the bowl with a cloth napkin and leave the dough to rest for about an hour.
- 4
Using a spoon, scoop small portions of the mixture and drop them into hot olive oil or lard, frying until crisp and golden.
- 5
Lift the fritters out and drain them on kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil.
- 6
Arrange them on a serving plate, dust with icing sugar and serve immediately.
💡 Tips and Variations
For an extra indulgent twist, fill the fritters with custard or sweetened ricotta. You can also add a little grated lemon zest to the dough for a fresh, fragrant note.
📦 Storage
- • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- • Freeze the cooked fritters for up to 1 month.
- • Reheat in the oven at 160°C for 5 minutes before serving.
🍷 Pairing
Enjoy these St Joseph’s fritters with a small glass of Moscato di Pantelleria, gently chilled to around 8–10°C - its honeyed sweetness is a delightful match.
Thank you for cooking along! I hope these Sicilian fritters bring a little sunshine and sweetness to your table. Until next time - happy baking.
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