Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Trapani-Style Ricotta Doughnuts: A Sicilian Sweet Treasure
Discover the soft, fragrant Trapani doughnuts filled with ricotta—a beloved Sicilian pastry that wins hearts from the very first bite!
📖 What is it
Discover the soft, fragrant Trapani doughnuts filled with ricotta—a beloved Sicilian pastry that wins hearts from the very first bite!
🛒 Ingredients
▸ For the dough
- ✓ 400g strong white bread flour
- ✓ 40g caster sugar
- ✓ 300ml lukewarm milk
- ✓ 6g salt
- ✓ 40g unsalted butter
- ✓ 8g fresh yeast
▸ For the filling
- ✓ 500g sheep’s ricotta
- ✓ 200g caster sugar
- ✓ 50g chocolate chips
▸ For frying and finishing
- ✓ 2 litres sunflower oil, for frying
- ✓ 50g icing sugar, for dusting
📊 Nutritional Information
Step into the authentic aromas and flavours of Trapani’s pastry tradition with these ricotta-filled doughnuts. Lightly fried to golden perfection, they cradle a luscious, creamy filling dotted with chocolate chips. Imagine wandering the streets of Trapani, where the scent of sugar and frying blends with the fresh sea breeze—these treats are perfect for starting your day or sharing a sweet moment with loved ones.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Dissolve the fresh yeast in the lukewarm milk with the sugar and leave to rest for 5 minutes.
- 2
Gradually add the sifted flour, softened butter, and finally the salt, kneading until you have a smooth, elastic dough.
- 3
Cover and leave the dough to rise in a warm spot for about an hour.
- 4
Divide the dough into balls weighing roughly 70g each and let them rise again until doubled in size.
- 5
Fry the doughnuts in plenty of hot sunflower oil (around 170°C) until evenly golden, then drain on kitchen paper.
- 6
Prepare the filling by sieving the ricotta and mixing it with the sugar and chocolate chips.
- 7
Once the doughnuts have cooled, slice them in half and fill generously with the ricotta cream.
- 8
Dust with icing sugar and serve the Trapani ricotta doughnuts well chilled.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a lighter option, try baking the doughnuts in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 15 minutes, which keeps them soft and tender.
- •
Enhance the ricotta filling with a hint of grated orange zest or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a richer, warming aroma.
- •
Use a doughnut mould to shape the doughnuts more evenly and ensure they cook uniformly.
- •
The hallmark of this recipe is the creamy sweetness of the ricotta balanced by the crispness of the frying.
- •
For a vegan twist, swap the ricotta for a smooth tofu cream flavoured with vanilla and sweetened with maple syrup.
- •
Add a pinch of salt to the ricotta filling to bring out the sweet and chocolatey notes even more.
- •
For a gluten-free version, use a suitable gluten-free flour blend for baking, making sure to keep the same hydration level.
- •
The secret to these doughnuts lies in gentle frying at a controlled temperature, resulting in light, fluffy treats.
📦 Storage
- • Store the doughnuts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days to keep them fresh and flavoursome.
- • Allow them to come back to room temperature before serving to restore their original softness.
- • Avoid freezing filled doughnuts, as the ricotta cream may lose its texture and affect the taste.
🍷 Pairing
To complement the sweetness of these ricotta doughnuts, try a Moscato di Noto with its floral and honeyed notes that marry beautifully with the chocolate and creamy filling. Alternatively, a passito from Pantelleria or an Alto Adige Gewürztraminer offers an equally elegant and aromatic match.
Making these ricotta doughnuts is like bringing a slice of Sicily right into your kitchen—a sweet story of tradition and passion. Their soft, comforting flavour will wrap you in the warmth of Trapani’s kitchens. I warmly encourage you to give this recipe a go and share these delightful treats with your nearest and dearest. Don’t forget to spread the joy and sweetness of Sicily by sharing your creations with friends and family!
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