Fried Friars

Fried friars, also known in some areas as “fritters” or “castagnole”, are traditional sweets much loved especially during the Carnival period in Italy. Here I present you with a recipe to make these delicious sweet balls at home.

Ingredients

• 250 g of 00 flour
• 50 g of sugar
• 50 g of softened butter
• 2 eggs
• The grated zest of 1 lemon
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1/2 packet of baking powder
• 2 tablespoons of anise liqueur or rum (optional)
• Oil for frying (seed or light olive)
• Powdered sugar for garnish

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, mix the sifted flour with the sugar, grated lemon zest and the pinch of salt.
2. Add the eggs, the softened butter cut into pieces and the chosen liqueur (if you decide to use it).
3. Knead all the ingredients until you obtain a homogeneous and soft dough, without overworking the mixture.
4. Add the baking powder and knead again to incorporate it well.
5. Heat plenty of oil in a high-sided pan and, when hot, scoop small portions of dough using two teaspoons and drop them into the hot oil.
6. Fry the friars, turning them occasionally, until they take on a uniform golden color.
7. Drain them with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
8. While still warm, roll them in powdered sugar.

Serve the fried friars hot or at room temperature, as you prefer.

Trivia

It is said that the name “friars” comes from the fact that these fritters are simple and unadorned, just like friars in the common imagination. During Carnival, these sweets become the stars of laden tables, bringing a bit of cheer with their simplicity and sweetness!