Desserts > Italian Pastries > Sfingi

Sfinge with Ricotta and Orange Zest Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting

Special Equipment Needed:
- Deep fryer or large pot for frying
- Candy thermometer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar.

2. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, eggs, milk, and orange zest until well combined.

3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

4. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F.

5. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, drop the batter into the hot oil, about 1 tablespoon at a time.

6. Fry the sfinge until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

7. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sfinge from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

8. Dust the sfinge with powdered sugar and serve warm.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Fryer temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- Makes about 20 sfinge

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Whole milk can be substituted for the milk.
- Lemon zest can be substituted for the orange zest.

Variations:
- Add chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate twist.
- Serve with a side of honey or jam for dipping.

Tips and Tricks:
- Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in tough sfinge.
- Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to drop the batter into the oil for even-sized sfinge.
- Keep an eye on the temperature of the oil to ensure the sfinge cook evenly and do not burn.

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 in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the sfinge on a platter dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with fresh orange slices.

Garnishes:
- Fresh orange slices
- Powdered sugar

Pairings:
- Coffee or tea

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the sfinge are not cooking evenly, adjust the temperature of the oil.
- If the sfinge are too dense, try adding a little more milk to the batter.

Food Safety Advice:
- Use caution when working with hot oil.
- Make sure the sfinge are cooked through before serving.

Food History:
- Sfinge are a traditional Sicilian pastry typically served during the feast of St. Joseph.

Flavor Profiles:
- Sweet, tangy, and citrusy.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm as a dessert or snack.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Citrusy, Sweet, Creamy, Tangy