Zepolies
Zepolies are light, sweet fried dough balls with a hint of vanilla and ricotta, perfect for dessert or special occasions, offering a delightful crunch and airy interior.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix self-rising flour, sugar, salt, ricotta cheese, eggs, and vanilla to make the dough.
- Heat a small pot with Crisco oil until hot.
- Drop balls of dough into the hot oil carefully.
- Fry until golden brown, then remove and drain on paper towels.
- Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an even lighter texture, consider using part all-purpose flour instead of all self-rising flour. If you want to experiment with flavors, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or lemon zest to the dough. Ensure your oil is hot enough to prevent the dough from absorbing too much oil; a small test ball can help gauge the temperature.
Serving Suggestions
Serve zeppoles warm, dusted with confectioners' sugar for a delightful treat. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or a scoop of ice cream for dessert. Consider serving alongside a fresh fruit compote or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover zeppoles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zepolies contains roughly 498 calories, with 7g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, you can substitute ricotta with mascarpone or cottage cheese, but the texture and flavor will vary slightly. Make sure to drain any excess moisture from the cheese to avoid a soggy dough.
What is the best oil to use for frying zeppoles?
Crisco oil is a good option for frying due to its high smoke point. Alternatively, you can use vegetable oil or canola oil, both of which provide a neutral flavor and are suitable for deep frying.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
It's best to prepare the dough fresh for optimal texture and flavor. However, you can mix the dry ingredients in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just add the wet ingredients when you're ready to fry.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).