Fried Rosettes

Fried roselles are a traditional, simple and delicious dessert, very common in some Italian regions, especially in Campania and Sicily during Carnival time. Here’s how to make them.

Ingredients

• 500 g of 00 flour
• 25 g of sugar
• 25 g of butter
• 2 eggs
• 50 ml of lukewarm milk
• 1 sachet of dry brewer’s yeast (7 g) or 25 g of fresh brewer’s yeast
• Grated zest of 1 lemon or orange
• A pinch of salt
• Oil for frying
• Powdered sugar for garnish

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, arrange the flour in a mound and add the sugar, softened butter, eggs, lukewarm milk in which you have dissolved the brewer’s yeast, and the grated lemon or orange zest to the center.
2. Begin kneading from the center, gradually incorporating the flour and adding a pinch of salt.
3. Work the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour and 30 minutes or until doubled in volume.
5. Roll out the dough into a sheet that is not too thin and cut out discs with a cookie cutter or a glass.
6. Make radial cuts leaving the center of the disc intact, then roll the cuts onto themselves to obtain the shape of a rose.
7. Heat plenty of oil in a pan and fry the roselles until golden on both sides.
8. Drain the roselles on paper towels to remove excess oil.
9. Arrange the roselles on a serving plate and generously dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Curiosities

These delicious fritters take their name from their shape that resembles freshly bloomed roses. According to local tradition, they can be prepared with different flavorings or toppings, for example by dipping them in honey or sprinkling them with colored sugar after frying. They are a true delicacy to serve during holidays, especially at Carnival.