Desserts > Italian > Sicilian Sfingi

Sfingi with Ricotta and Jam Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
-1 cup all-purpose flour
-1/2 teaspoon baking powder
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-2 tablespoons granulated sugar
-2 tablespoons butter, melted
-1/2 cup whole milk
-1 large egg
-1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
-1/2 cup ricotta cheese
-1/4 cup jam of your choice

Special Equipment Needed:
-Deep-fryer or large pot
-Candy thermometer
-Slotted spoon
-Paper towels

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and sugar.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Heat the oil in a deep-fryer or large pot to 350°F.
5. Drop tablespoon-sized portions of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes.
6. Remove the sfingi from the oil using a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper-towel lined plate.
7. In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and jam.
8. To serve, top the sfingi with a spoonful of the ricotta and jam mixture.

Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes about 12 sfingi

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 105
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 3g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
-For the all-purpose flour, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
-For the butter, you can use coconut oil or vegan butter.
-For the milk, you can use almond milk or any other non-dairy milk.
-For the egg, you can use a flax egg or a chia egg.

Variations:
-You can add other spices to the batter such as nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom.
-You can use different types of jam such as raspberry, strawberry, or blackberry.
-You can also use different types of cheese such as cream cheese, mascarpone, or goat cheese.

Tips and Tricks:
-Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the batter.
-Be careful not to overcrowd the pot when frying the sfingi.
-Make sure to let the sfingi cool before topping with the ricotta and jam mixture.

Storage Instructions:
The sfingi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
The sfingi can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
-Serve the sfingi on a platter with the ricotta and jam mixture in a bowl on the side.
-Garnish the sfingi with fresh fruit or edible flowers.

Garnishes:
-Fresh fruit
-Edible flowers

Pairings:
-Coffee
-Tea
-Sparkling water

Suggested Side Dishes:
-Fruit salad
-Green salad
-Roasted vegetables

Troubleshooting Advice:
-If the sfingi are not getting crispy, the oil may not be hot enough.
-If the sfingi are burning, the oil may be too hot.

Food Safety Advice:
-Always use a candy thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature.
-Make sure to keep the oil clean and free of debris.

Food History:
Sfingi are a traditional Italian dessert that originated in Sicily. They are usually served during the Christmas and Easter holidays.

Flavor Profiles:
Sfingi have a sweet and nutty flavor from the cinnamon and sugar. The ricotta and jam add a creamy and tart flavor.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve the sfingi as a dessert or snack. They can also be served as part of a brunch or breakfast spread.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Tangy, Fruity