Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup jam (your choice of flavor)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Special equipment needed:
- Deep fryer or large pot for frying
- Candy thermometer (if not using a deep fryer)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the sugar and ricotta cheese until smooth. Add in the egg and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
3. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a smooth dough forms.
4. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F.
5. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop balls of dough into the hot oil, frying in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Remove the sfinge with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. Once all the sfinge are fried, use a piping bag or small spoon to fill each one with jam.
8. Dust the sfinge with powdered sugar and serve warm.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Fryer or pot temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- Makes about 20 sfinge
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 120
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour.
- Cottage cheese can be substituted for ricotta cheese.
- Any flavor of jam can be used.
Variations:
- Add lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
- Use chocolate hazelnut spread instead of jam for a decadent treat.
- Top with whipped cream and fresh berries for a summery dessert.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent the sfinge from absorbing too much oil.
- Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to ensure uniform-sized sfinge.
- Don't overfill the sfinge with jam, or they may burst while frying.
Storage instructions:
- Sfinge can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the sfinge on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the sfinge on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar and a dollop of whipped cream.
Garnishes:
- Fresh berries or mint leaves can be used as a garnish.
Pairings:
- Serve with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet treat.
Suggested side dishes:
- Sfinge can be served as a dessert on their own.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sfinge are too dense, try adding a little more baking powder to the dough.
- If the sfinge are too oily, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying.
Food safety advice:
- Use caution when frying with hot oil.
Food history:
- Sfinge are a traditional Italian pastry, typically served during Carnival season.
Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, creamy, and fruity.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve warm for best flavor.
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Region: Italian